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Death of wrestling legend Dory Funk Jr

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-08 21:08 UTC → 2026-08-14 22:50 UTC · added removed

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. The announcement highlighted his storied career, including His career spanned over 60 years and included a historic four-and-a-half-year NWA title reign (1969-1973), (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 later role as head trainer at retirement from active competition, he operated the Funking Conservatory, where he mentored numerous stars such as including Kurt Angle, Edge, Christian, Lita, and the Hardy Boyz. Boyz, Mark Henry, and Mickie James. Tributes poured in followed from major promotions—WWE, promotions such as WWE, AEW, NWA, TNA—and fellow wrestlers, with and TNA. Triple H calling described him as “a cornerstone of this business” and Arn Anderson praising his ability to make professional wrestling appear authentic. Two days later, the wrestling community’s response business,” while John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield (JBL) emphasized that while Funk was further documented. an exceptional trainer, his primary legacy should be his historic NWA championship reign. In Japan, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) honored Funk him with a traditional ten-bell salute before its G1 Climax event. In the United States, NXT talent Brooks Jensen expressed frustration on Twitter, questioning why newer wrestlers had not more prominently acknowledged Funk’s legacy, sparking a broader discussion about salute. The passing also sparked discussions regarding how the current generation pays tribute to of wrestlers acknowledges the legacy of pioneering figures in professional wrestling. figures.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-14 22:50 UTC Death of wrestling legend Dory Funk Jr
  2. 2026-08-08 21:08 UTC Death of wrestling legend Dory Funk Jr
  3. 2026-08-06 21:41 UTC Death of wrestling legend Dory Funk Jr

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