Terry Funk, a WWE wrestling superstar who established a new standard of badass brutality in wrestling sports entertainment, died on Wednesday at 79 years of age. He was a guaranteed top hall-of-fame wrestler who became famed for his hardcore battling style. A WWE statement confirmed his death. Funk was a genuine wrestling prodigy for whom the wrestle was a passionate love. Throughout his more than 50-year career, Funk had a significant impact on the growth of hardcore wrestling.
According to his WWE biography, starting in the mid-1960s and spanning four decades, Mr. Funk’s wrestling journey encompassed diverse venues worldwide. After wrestling at WrestleMania 2 alongside a tag team with his brother “Dory Funk” in the 1980s, Terry Funk became a major celebrity in the sport.
What caused Terry Funk’s death?
On August 23, the shocking news of Terry Funk’s death stunned the entire world pro wrestling industry. The news of his passing was reported by reputable outlets like C.B.S. news, as well as by some of Funk’s colleagues, such as “Mick Foley” and “Ric Flair”.
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
However, there has been no official announcement of his cause of death in WWE; hence, the question of “Terry Funk’s cause of death” is still up for debate and discussion.
Funk’s wrestling rival, Mick Foley, sent a tweet with the hashtag “RIPTerryFunk,” expressing his grief at the passing of his “mentor, idol, and one of the closest friends. According to him, Funk was the greatest wrestler he had ever seen in the ring.
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
Ric Flair, a professional wrestler and member of the WWE Hall of Fame, expressed mourning on Terry’s death, calling him a “Great Wrestler,” “Entertainer,” “Fearless” character, and “Great friend.” Flair said that the level of brutality and hardcore style Funk showed in his entire wrestling career could never be replaced by anyone 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
Looking back at Terry Funk’s WWE career
The American wrestler Terrence Funk’s career was an experience filled with highlights, such as playing in front of packed houses for W.W.E. and dazzling spectators in Japan’s roaring wrestling industry while working for All Japan. Throughout his four decades-spanning career, he drew the respect as well as the admiration of a large number of fans and ex-WWE hall of famers.
He was also renowned for his breakthrough performances in Hollywood movies. Alongside Patrick Swayze, he starred in the films “Roadhouse,” “Paradise Alley,” and “Over the Top.”
The world did lose a true wrestling gem, but his influence on the severity of wrestling will go on forever. Now it’s time to see who will carry on his spirit next or if someone else can carry on his legacy.
