Wrestling fans and legends alike are mourning Terry Funk, an iconic wrestler who appeared in the WWE, WCW, NWA, and a host of other circuits over a career spanning more than 50 years.
Ric Flair announced the news on X earlier today, writing, “In my entire life, I’ve never met a guy who worked harder. Terry Funk was a great wrestler, entertainer, unbelievable 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.”
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! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/EYMAKOzxnx
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 23, 2023
Other wrestlers shared tributes of their own. Mick Foley shared a picture and wrote, “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.”
Terry Funk is gone. I just talked to Terry’s daughter, Brandee, who gave me the awful news. He was my mentor, my idol, one of the 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… pic.twitter.com/WwdFLwXqZ0
— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) August 23, 2023
Wrestling fans praised his skills, with one user on X saying that Funk could “make you feel everything” while retweeting a highlight from one of his matches.
You know what I always appreciated about Terry Funk? Aside from his wrestling abilities, he was just so amazing at making you FEEL everything…the pain of every hold he was in, the emotion of every situation he was in or approaching. Just an absolute masterclass.
RIP Legend https://t.co/cGoMdt5KK2
— Matt P (@paliontology) August 23, 2023
Funk was remarkable for his longevity of his career. In a profession known for the brutal toll it takes on the bodies of its athletes, Funk wrestled for more than 50 years. His career began as part of a Western States Sports promotion in 1965, and he went on to wrestle in the WWE (then known as the WWF), the WCW, the ECW, and a host of independent circles. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.
The WWE said in a statement, “WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79. WWE extends its condolences to Funk’s family, friends and fans.”
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79.
WWE extends its condolences to Funk’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/1elQq5ZkDn
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2023
One of Funk’s best-known moments came in the ECW’s Hardcore Heaven in 1994, in which a request for a steel chair turned into a chaotic pile of furniture as fans threw everything they could find into the ring. A fan posted the highlight with a short tribute.
One if the most iconic moments in wrestling history
RIP Terry Funk🙏🏻pic.twitter.com/jwMPhvnWwH
— Alastair McKenzie🏴 (@mckenzieas93V2) August 23, 2023
“One if the most iconic moments in wrestling history,” they wrote. “RIP Terry Funk.”
Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.