“RIP My Dear Friend”: Cody Rhodes, Triple H, Ric Flair & Others Left Devastated by the Heartbreaking Demise of a ‘Fearless’ WWE Hall of Famer, Whom Dwayne Johnson Called ‘The Best Wrestler Actor’

Death is inevitable and unpredictable. One moment, you are enjoying your time on Earth, the very next, death might knock on your door. With that being said, WWE confirmed the news of the untimely passing of Hall of Famer Terry Funk. The hardcore wrestling legend took his last breath at 79 on August 23. Not just pro wrestling, the WWE icon also gained the respect of the masses due to his adaptability to every task he tended to. Being a jack of all trades, Funk also navigated his way through various other endeavors, such as his commitments to Hollywood.

Before the crossover of WWE legends such as Dwayne Johnson, Batista, and John Cena to Hollywood became the norm, Funk did the impossible first by laying down a template for success. The cause of death is unknown as the legendary wrestler’s relatives could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

Terry Funk aligned wrestling and Hollywood by playing a massive part in Sylvester Stallion’s Rocky V

Apart from a successful wrestling career, Funk also had a brilliant acting career. He was in Sylvester Stallone’s movies, Paradise Alley and Over the Top. Just like the wrestling business, he was adept in Hollywood. Funk not only worked in front of the camera but also lent some of his off-screen skills to the cinema industry.

For those who don’t know, he choreographed a fight scene between Rocky Balboa and his angry protégé Tommy Gunn in Rocky V movie.

Son of wrestling legend Dory Funk Sr.  Funk began his wrestling journey in the 1960s with his brother, Dory Funk, Jr. The first promotion he wrestled for was his own father’s, Western States Sports. However, his illustrious career as a singles star started off when he defeated Jack Brisco to capture the NWA World Championship in 1975.

He made his debut in WWE in June 1985 alongside his brother. In 1989, he jumped ship to WCW, where he met his iconic rival, Ric Flair. The two legends battled it out inside the ring in an ‘I Quit’ match, which saw Flair as the victor.

Funk made sure to etch a place in the audiences’ minds by literally sacrificing blood and tears for the sake of entertainment. Wrestling fans can surely relate to the fact that the first image that comes to mind when thinking of Funk is him being in a bloodied mess.

For his immense talent, charisma, and hardcore personality, WWE inducted him into the Hall of Fame in 2009. Furthermore, do you know he brought Hulk Hogan to WWE? Yes, Funk is the one who introduced Hogan to the Stamford-based promotion.

‘The Hulkster’, who had been wrestling as Terry “The Hulk” Boulder and Sterling Golden in regional promotions with moderate success, was considering leaving wrestling when Terry Funk introduced him to Vince McMahon Sr.

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This introduction led to Hogan’s career taking off as Hulk Hogan in the World Wrestling Federation. Funk was truly a magnanimous personality, and his departure from the world has left many of those who knew or watched him with sadness. Notable wrestling personalities came forward quickly to praise the legendary performer.

“A great wrestler and a great friend” Wrestling fraternity mourns the loss of Terry Funk

Every time a wrestling personality passes away, the wrestling community gathers together to pay their respect to the late star. The same thing happened this time. Superstars like Cody Rhodes and MJF expressed their sadness at Funk’s demise.

A sad and disheartened Ric Flair showed his appreciation towards Funk. Calling him “fearless” and a great friend, he claimed no one can replace Funk in the wrestling world. While Triple H cherished all the in-ring memories, Funk gave to the pro wrestling business. He also paid his condolences to Funk’s friends and family.

WWE CCO Triple H also paid his respects to the hardcore legend and called him an “icon of the industry.”

Mick Foley, who has some memorable matches with Funk in WWE and ECW, also had a few lines to say about Funk’s demise. He told the WWE Universe that it was Funk’s daughter who broke him this disheartening news. He stated that the late legend was his mentor, idol, and one of his closest friends. Lastly, he capped off his message by saying how honored he feels to have known the late 79-year-old star and wrote, “RIP my dear friend.”

Similarly, Matt Hardy had wonderful things to say about Funk and his wrestling legacy

Funk was diagnosed with dementia in June 2021 and was residing in an assisted living facility. On December 29, 2021, Ric Flair announced that Funk had returned home and was recovering well. Funk has left behind his two daughters, Stacy and Brandee. His wife Vicki and brother Dory Jr. passed away in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

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