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4 clusters · 28 sources · 11 days · First seen · Last updated

Death of wrestling legend Dory Funk Jr

Overview

On August 4, 2026, Dory Funk Jr., the 85-year-old former NWA World Heavyweight Champion and WWE Hall of Famer, died while in hospice care in Ocala, Florida. His passing was confirmed by his wife, Marti Funk. His career spanned over 60 years and included a historic four-and-a-half-year NWA title reign (1969–1973), appearances for All Japan Pro Wrestling and WWE’s WrestleMania 2, and a final professional bout in Japan in 2024 alongside Osamu Nishimura.

As a member of the famed Funk wrestling family, he was the son of Dory Funk Sr. and the older brother of the late Terry Funk. Following his retirement from active competition, he operated the Funking Conservatory, where he mentored numerous stars including Kurt Angle, Edge, Christian, Lita, the Hardy Boyz, Mark Henry, and Mickie James.

Tributes followed from major promotions such as WWE, AEW, NWA, and TNA. Triple H described him as “a cornerstone of this business,” while John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield (JBL) emphasized that while Funk was an exceptional trainer, his primary legacy should be his historic NWA championship reign. In Japan, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) honored him with a traditional ten-bell salute. The passing also sparked discussions regarding how the current generation of wrestlers acknowledges the legacy of pioneering figures.

Entities

Dory Funk Jr. · WWE · Triple H · National Wrestling Alliance · NWA

Timeline

  1. 4 days ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Dory Funk Jr. legacy honored following death of wrestling legend

    WWE Hall of Famer JBL honors the legacy of professional wrestling legend Dory Funk Jr. following his death, highlighting his historic NWA World Heavyweight Championship reign and impact as a trainer.

  2. 10 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Dory Funk Jr., wrestling legend and NWA Champion, dies at 85

    Professional wrestling legend and former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Dory Funk Jr. has died in Ocala, Florida, at the age of 85.

  3. 12 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Dory Funk Jr tribute prompts mixed reactions from wrestlers

    Wrestling legend Dory Funk Jr’s death led to NJPW’s ten‑bell salute and a G1 Climax match, while NXT’s Brooks Jensen criticized the lack of broader tributes.

  4. 14 days ago

    [SPORTS] 24 sources
    Wrestling Legend Dory Funk Jr. Dies at 85

    Wrestling icon Dory Funk Jr., 85, died in hospice care in Ocala, Florida. A former NWA champion and WWE Hall of Famer, he trained generations of stars and was mourned by major promotions worldwide.

Sources

bleacherreport.com · bodyslam.net · catch-arena.com · dailystar.co.uk · dmvprowrestling.com · dnyuz.com · fightful.com · fnn-news.com · hindi.sportskeeda.com · hochi.news · ibtimes.co.uk · mc.dk · oglobo.globo.com · postwrestling.com · prowrestling.net · pwmania.com · slamwrestling.net · sportskeeda.com · suggest.com · superluchas.com · tokyo-sports.co.jp · tuttowrestling.com · voxcatch.fr · wkfr.com · wrestlingInc.com · wrestlinginc.com · wrestlingnewsreport.com · wrestlingnewssource.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history