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WWE Hall Of Famer Terry Funk Passes Away Aged 79

By Sondra Ruth • Published 23rd August 2023
Terry Funk

Terry Funk has sadly passed away at the age of 79.

Hardcore wrestling icon Terry Funk was an inspiration to many, having spent more than five decades in the world of professional wrestling. Ric Flair broke the news of his passing on social media, writing:

“In My Entire Life, I’ve Never Met A Guy Who Worked Harder. Terry Funk Was A Great Wrestler, Entertainer, Unbelievably Fearless, And A Great Friend! Rest In Peace My Friend Terry Funk Knowing That No One Will Ever Replace You In The World Of Professional Wrestling!”

At this time, there is no information about the circumstances surrounding his passing.

Mick Foley Paid Tribute To Longtime Friend Terry Funk

Funk shared a special relationship with fellow legend Mick Foley, who took to Instagram to confirm news that his longtime friend had passed away after speaking with his daughter. Foley wrote:

“Terry Funk is gone. I just talked to Terry’s daughter, Brandee, who gave me the awful news. He was my mentor, my idol, and one of my closest friends. He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw.

If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks that this incredible man gave so much, for so long, to so many. There will never be another like him. May God bless Terry, his friends, family and all who loved him. RIP my dear friend – it was an honor to know you. #RIPTerryFunk

I will be writing much more about Terry in the next few days.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwTOCaaJXsx/

After making his debut in 1965, the second-generation star made a name for himself spending over a decade in both Championship Wrestling from Florida as well as All Japan Pro Wrestling.

In addition to working in WWE (then WWF) and WCW in the 1980’s and early 90’s, Funk continued to work in Japan, where he famously defeated Mick Foley in a No Ropes Barbed Wire Exploding Barbed Wire Boards & Exploding Ring Time Bomb Death Match in 1995.

Funk joined Eastern Championship Wrestling in 1993, and helped popularize the hardcore wrestling style in the promotion that would go on to be Extreme Championship Wrestling, better known as ECW.

He re-joined WWE in 1997 and would later return to both WCW and ECW. He continued making sporadic appearances for WWE throughout the 2000’s and 2010’s as well as wrestling on the independent wrestling scene until his final bout in 2017. He entered the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2009.

Everyone at TJR Wrestling sends our best wishes to Terry Funk’s friends and family during this heartbreaking time.