Terry Funk Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 21, 2024
Terry Funk Then
Terry Funk, born on June 30, 1944, in Hammond, Indiana, was destined to be a part of the wrestling world.
His father, Dory Funk Sr., was not only a professional wrestler but also a prominent promoter, making wrestling a family tradition.
After World War II, the Funk family moved to Amarillo, Texas, where Terry and his brother Dory Jr. were raised in a wrestling-centric environment.
Surrounded by the sport from a young age, it was almost inevitable that both brothers would follow in their father’s footsteps and become significant figures in the wrestling industry.
Terry Funk’s education and athletic background further supported his path into professional wrestling.
After completing his studies at Canyon High School, he went on to attend West Texas State University, now known as West Texas A&M University.
During his time there, he was an active participant in both amateur wrestling and football.
The competitive drive and discipline he developed as a student-athlete played a significant role in shaping his future as a wrestler.
West Texas State University was renowned for producing several notable wrestlers during this era, and Terry Funk was no exception.
These experiences laid a strong foundation for his eventual transition into professional wrestling, where he would go on to achieve legendary status in the sport.
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Terry Funk Wrestling Career
Terry Funk’s career is a rich tapestry of wrestling history, marked by his versatility and groundbreaking contributions to the industry.
Starting in 1965 under his father Dory Funk’s promotion, Funk quickly made a name for himself in both tag and singles competitions.
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By the mid-1970s, he had secured his place in wrestling history with a notable 14-month reign as the NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
Funk’s career saw significant periods in various promotions.
In the 1980s, he was a prominent figure in the WWF, known for his intense rivalries and innovative gimmicks like “Chainsaw Charlie.”
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His tenure in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) included a memorable feud with Ric Flair and involvement in the hardcore division.
Throughout the 1990s, Funk became a cornerstone of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where his hardcore style and legendary matches, including a barbed wire encounter with Sabu, cemented his legacy.
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Despite multiple retirements, Funk made numerous returns to the ring, appearing in promotions like Ring of Honor, TNA, and various independent circuits.
His contributions were recognized with inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside his brother Dory and a celebrated career marked by intense matches and influential feuds.
Funk’s final years saw him remain active in the wrestling world through special appearances and matches, continuing to impact fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
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Terry Funk Wrestling Competition
- 1965: Debut match against Sputnik Monroe
- 1975: Defeated Jack Brisco for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
- 1981: Feud with Jerry Lawler in the Continental Wrestling Association
- 1982-1983: Feuds in Japan, including matches against The Sheik, Abdullah The Butcher, Stan Hansen, and Bruiser Brody
- 1985: World Wrestling Federation (WWF) debut; notable matches against Junkyard Dog and WWF title matches against Hulk Hogan
- 1989: World Championship Wrestling (WCW) debut; notable feuds with Ric Flair, The Great Muta, and Gary Hart
- 1994: Joined International Wrestling Association of Japan; competed in King of the Death Match Tournament
- 1995: Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) debut; notable feuds with Cactus Jack, Shane Douglas, The Sandman, Sabu, and Tommy Dreamer
- 1997: Headlined ECW’s Barely Legal pay-per-view; won and lost the ECW World Heavyweight Championship
- 1998: Returned to WWF as Chainsaw Charlie; notable matches and feuds, including a tag team with Mick Foley
- 1999: Brief retirement before returning to independent circuits and Japan
- 2000: WCW return; feuds with Kevin Nash, Ric Flair, and Dustin Rhodes; won WCW Hardcore Championship and United States Heavyweight Championship
- 2002-2004: Competed in Ring of Honor Wrestling and Major League Wrestling; feuds with CM Punk, Extreme Horsemen, and others
- 2004: Appeared in UK wrestling company FWA; participated in Hardcore Homecoming
- 2005: Declined WWE’s ECW reunion show in favor of Hardcore Homecoming
- 2006: Brief return to WWE; participated in ECW One Night Stand
- 2009: Appeared in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) as a special guest enforcer
- 2010-2011: Continued appearances on independent circuits and wrestling events, including Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, and Northeast Wrestling
Terry Funk’s Wife and Children
Terry Funk, a renowned professional wrestler, married his wife, Vicky Ann, on August 14, 1965.
The couple shared a life together for many years and had two daughters.
They lived on a ranch in Canyon, Texas, which became a significant part of their lives until they decided to sell it.
Vicky’s passing on March 29, 2019, was confirmed by Ted DiBiase on Twitter, marking the end of a significant chapter in Funk’s personal life.
Throughout his career, Terry Funk built strong friendships with various notable figures. He was particularly close to NFL player John Ayers and Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone.
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Despite his fame and the demands of his wrestling career, Funk maintained these personal connections, demonstrating his grounded nature and ability to nurture lasting friendships.
In September 2016, Funk underwent surgery for an inguinal hernia.
The recovery period required him to rest in bed for a couple of weeks, but Funk, true to his resilient character, chose to attend Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore shows rather than follow a conventional recovery plan.
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This decision underscored his dedication to the wrestling community and his enduring passion for the sport.
By June 2021, there were concerns about Funk’s health when fellow wrestling legend Don Muraco reported that Funk was diagnosed with dementia and was living in an assisted living facility. This news was troubling for fans and friends alike.
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However, there was a glimmer of hope when Ric Flair announced on his podcast with Mark Madden on December 29, 2021, that Funk had returned home and was doing well.
This update provided reassurance to those who admired Funk’s storied career and hoped for his continued well-being.
Terry Funk Now
Terry Funk passed away on August 23, 2023, at the age of 79, in a Phoenix-area hospital.
His death marked the end of an illustrious career and life filled with contributions to professional wrestling.
Funk was a beloved figure in the wrestling world, known for his incredible talent, resilience, and the significant impact he made throughout his career.
To honor Funk’s legacy, the August 25, 2023, episode of WWE SmackDown paid tribute to him, as well as to another wrestling icon, Bray Wyatt, who had passed away just a day earlier on August 24.
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The episode featured special tributes and behind-the-scenes footage celebrating the careers and lives of both Funk and Wyatt.
This heartfelt acknowledgment highlighted their contributions and the deep respect the wrestling community held for them.
In addition to the tributes, the episode included a special “hardcore” tag team match between The Brawling Brutes and the Street Profits.
This match was a fitting homage to Funk, reflecting his own hardcore wrestling style and the influence he had on the sport.
The tribute and the match together served as a poignant reminder of Funk’s enduring legacy and his profound impact on the world of professional wrestling.
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Terry Funk’s Net Worth
At the time of his passing, Terry Funk, a renowned American professional wrestler and actor, had a net worth of $1 million, reflecting the successful and impactful career he built in both wrestling and entertainment.
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FAQs
Terry Funk passed away due to health complications related to his long battle with dementia.
Terry Funk was known for his extensive career in professional wrestling, his hardcore wrestling style, and his influential role in various wrestling promotions.
Details about specific attendees of Terry Funk’s funeral have not been widely publicized, but it is known that many colleagues, friends, and fans from the wrestling community paid their respects.
Terry Funk was renowned for his signature move, the “Piledriver,” which he used effectively throughout his wrestling career.
Terry Funk faced declining health in his later years, including dementia, and ultimately passed away on August 23, 2023.
Terry Funk officially retired from wrestling multiple times, with his final retirement being in 2017 at the age of 73.
Yes, Terry Funk was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
Terry Funk’s last WWE appearance was in 2000, though he made sporadic returns in the years that followed.