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Terry Funk, the wrestling icon whose name became synonymous with toughness and innovation in the ring, has passed away at the age of 79.
His incredible career, spanning over six decades, left an indelible mark on professional wrestling, and his legacy will be forever etched in the annals of the sport.
Funk suffered from dementia and had been living in an assisted living facility at least since 2021.
The Pioneer of Hardcore Wrestling
Funk, along with his brother Dory Funk Jr., burst onto the wrestling scene in the 1970s. Their instant stardom in Japan elevated their status as wrestling's premier tag-team duo.
Known primarily as a brawler, Funk's unique style helped him become a global sensation. He played a pivotal role in pioneering the "hardcore" style of wrestling.
His unforgettable feud with Ric Flair in World Championship Wrestling, his participation in the International Wrestling Association of Japan's"King of the Death Match Tournament," and his iconic run in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) pushed the boundaries of what was possible inside the ring.
Funk's contributions to ECW are legendary. Despite being in his 50s, he defeated Raven to win the ECW Championship in the promotion's first pay-per-view in April 1997.
Funk and Mick Foley brought hardcore wrestling to a worldwide audience during a brutal tournament in 1995, where they battled through tables, chairs, barbed wire, and more. These unforgettable moments solidified Funk's status as a wrestling icon.
Terry Funk's legacy
Terry Funk's career continued into his 60s, making him one of the oldest active wrestlers. He left an indelible mark on the wrestling world, culminating with his performance at ECW One Night Stand in 2006, where he teamed with Tommy Dreamer and Beulah McGillicutty against Mick Foley, Edge, and Lita.
In 2009, Terry Funk was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside his brother by Dusty Rhodes, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.
News of Terry Funk's passing has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. Legends and current stars alike have paid tribute to his toughness and dedication to the sport.
Ric Flair, who had a memorable feud with Funk in WCW in the 80s, described him as the hardest worker he had ever met.
Mick Foley, who shared some of the most brutal matches in wrestling history with Funk, remembered him as his mentor and idol.