“R.I.P 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, we regret to inform you that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk – who Dwayne Johnson called the best wrestler actor once – died recently.

The hardcore wrestling legend took his last breath at 79 on August 23. This heartbreaking news left wrestling celebrities devastated. Superstars went online to express their grief and pay tribute to the late legend.

Terry Funk was a part of Sylvester Stallion’s Rocky V

Terry Funk, son of wrestling legend Dory Funk Sr. 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.

He was also a part of All Japan Pro Wrestling, MLW, TNA, and Extreme Championship Wrestling in those illustrious 50 years of his pro wrestling career. For his immense talent, charisma, and hardcore personality, WWE inducted him into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

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Apart from a successful wrestling career, Funk also had a brilliant acting career. He was cast in Sylvester Stallone’s movies like Paradise Alley and Over the Top. Just like the wrestling business, he was adept in Hollywood. That is why Dwayne Johnson once called him ‘the best wrestler actor’.

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 protege Tommy Gunn in Rocky V movie.

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.

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 a big hole in the entertainment industry.

Wrestling world 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, Adam Goldberg, MJF, and Will Ospreay 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.

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.

Similarly, Dustin Rhodes, William Regal, Matt Hardy, and many more had wonderful things to say about Funk and his wrestling legacies. You can read the comments below.

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.

RIP to the WWE Hall of Famer and Hardcore legend. You will surely be missed.

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