Dory Funk Jr., a pro wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer, has died at the age of 85, WWE announced on Tuesday. Funk, who began his wrestling career in 1963 after college football, was a National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) world champion from 1969 to 1973 and later became a prominent trainer.
WWE chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque confirmed the news in a post on X, stating: "Saddened to announce the passing of Dory Funk, Jr. From the Double Cross Ranch to the @WWE Hall of Fame, Dory’s style inspired countless performers in our industry." The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) also issued a statement, calling Funk a "true legend whose contributions to professional wrestling are still felt and celebrated to this day."
Funk’s wrestling career spanned decades, including stints in WWE (then WWF), WCW, ECW, and numerous NWA-affiliated promotions across North America and Asia. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 alongside his brother, Terry Funk, who died in 2023 at age 79. The two were part of the legendary Funk wrestling family, which also included their father, Dory Funk Sr.
Beyond performing, Funk co-founded the Funking Conservatory with his wife, Marti, training future WWE stars such as Kurt Angle, Edge, Christian, The Hardy Boyz, Mark Henry, and Mickie James. His in-ring style, described as "hard-nosed and fierce", left a lasting mark on the industry.
Funk began his career in his father’s promotion, Western States Sports, in 1963 and later became the NWA world champion in 1969, holding the title for over four years. His travels helped shape the global expansion of professional wrestling. WWE and the NWA both extended condolences to Funk’s family, friends, and fans.