WWE Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr. has sadly passed away this week. He was 85.
Funko, who started wrestling in 1963, played college football at West Texas State University. By 1969, he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. He then competed in All Japan Pro Wrestling before joining the World Wrestling Federation in 1986. In 2009, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
WWE legend Triple H released a heartfelt statement on Funk's legacy in the ring.
"From the Double Cross Ranch to the @WWE Hall of Fame, Dory’s style inspired countless performers in our industry," Triple H wrote. "Whether it was at WrestleMania 2, WCW, ECW, or the dozens of NWA-affiliated promotions, his travels across North America and Asia were a part of the early blueprint that helped build this business into a global phenomena. A hard-nosed and fierce competitor, his rugged in-ring style was only eclipsed by the decades he spent training athletes to perform in the squared circle he loved so much. My thoughts and those of the entire @WWE Universe are with his loved ones during this difficult time."
Funk's legacy will last for years.
Although he didn't wrestle forever, Funk passed the torch to the next generation by training stars such as Kurt Angle, Edge, Christian and The Hardy Boyz. Suffice to say, his wrestling style influenced a handful of WWE champions and stars.
We'd have to imagine the WWE has a heartfelt tribute lined up for Funk.
Our thoughts are with Funk's loved ones.
