Dory Funk Jr. Then and Now

Dory Funk Jr. Then

Dory Funk Jr., born on February 3, 1941, is a significant figure in the world of professional wrestling. 

He is the son of Dory Funk, a notable professional wrestler, and the brother of Terry Funk, another celebrated wrestler. 

Dory Funk Jr.’s career in professional wrestling began in 1963, following a successful college football career at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University). 

His transition from football to wrestling was seamless, marked by his debut match in Amarillo, Texas, where he triumphed over Don Fargo.

Funk’s wrestling debut was notably supported by his connections to West Texas State University. Jerry Logan, an All-American football player from the same institution, was in Funk’s corner, while Don Fargo was supported by his brother, Jim. 

This match was further underscored by the presence of Funk’s football teammates and the Tascosa High School wrestling team, demonstrating his deep ties to both his academic and athletic communities. 

At the time, Funk was also engaged in student teaching, coaching the Tascosa High wrestling team under the guidance of Coach James Kyle.

In addition to his wrestling career, Funk was a key promoter for Western States Sports, a wrestling promotion based in Amarillo, Texas. 

This role allowed him to further influence the wrestling industry beyond his in-ring performances. 

Funk’s contributions to professional wrestling and his deep roots in the athletic community underscore his enduring legacy in the sport.

Related Article: Terry Funk Then and Now

Dory Funk Jr. Wrestling Career

Dory Funk Jr. made a notable impact in professional wrestling, starting his career in his father’s promotion, Western States Sports, based in Amarillo, Texas. 

His early matches against prominent wrestlers like Harley Race, Iron Mike DiBiase, and Wild Bull Curry showcased his hard-hitting, rugged style, quickly earning him recognition in the industry. 

His debut match in Amarillo, Texas, set the stage for a career marked by significant achievements and diverse experiences across various wrestling promotions.

Funk’s career trajectory took him beyond the Amarillo-based promotion as he ventured into other major wrestling territories, including Florida, Missouri, and Japan. 

His tenure in these regions saw him refine his skills with techniques like uppercut forearm smashes, suplexes, and leglocks. 

Related Article: Ric Flair Then and Now

A major milestone came on February 11, 1969, when Funk won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship from Gene Kiniski in Tampa, Florida. 

His reign as NWA World Champion, lasting four and a half years, stands as the second-longest uninterrupted championship reign in NWA history, trailing only behind Lou Thesz’s tenure from 1949 to 1956.

The Funk brothers, Dory and Terry, made history as the only siblings to each hold the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. 

Dory Funk Jr.’s reign ended on May 24, 1973, when he lost the title to Harley Race following a quick recovery from a truck accident. 

Despite this setback, Funk continued to perform regularly in NWA territories such as the Mid-Atlantic, Ontario, Georgia, Florida, and Central States. 

Related Article: Hulk Hogan Then and Now

He notably battled Ric Flair for the NWA championship in Toronto on October 17, 1982, though Flair retained the title.

Funk’s international career further solidified his legacy. He made his debut in All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1973, where he became a veteran of the company. 

His notable feuds included rivals such as Giant Baba, The Destroyer, and Abdullah the Butcher. 

Alongside his brother Terry, Funk won the World’s Strongest Tag Determination League tournaments in 1977, 1979, and 1982. 

His greatest accomplishments in All Japan included winning the NWA International Heavyweight Championship three times and receiving the Match of the Year Award from Tokyo Sports in 1980 for a bout against Giant Baba and Jumbo Tsuruta.

Related Article: Jerry Lawler Then and NowRelated Article: Jerry Lawler Then and Now

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Funk made appearances in various promotions, including the WWF and WCW. 

His stint in the WWF saw him tag with his brother Terry at WrestleMania 2 and later with Jimmy Jack Funk. 

He also engaged in feuds with notable wrestlers like Mike Rotunda and The British Bulldogs. 

Funk’s career continued in Puerto Rico, where he wrestled for the World Wrestling Council (WWC), and later with the World Wrestling Alliance and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). 

His tenure in ECW was marked by high-profile feuds and matches against The Public Enemy and Shane Douglas.

Funk’s return to All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1990 saw him team with Al Perez and later with various partners, including his brother Terry. 

Related Article: Sgt. Slaughter Then and Now

He continued to wrestle in Japan until the end of 1996, with significant feuds against wrestlers like Abdullah the Butcher and Stan Hansen. 

Funk’s final matches in Japan were notable for their competitive nature and included high-profile bouts against prominent wrestlers.

In the latter part of his career, Funk continued to make appearances in various wrestling promotions, including a return to All Japan Pro Wrestling and his own promotion, Funking Conservatory. 

His retirement was announced on December 31, 2017, but he remained involved in the wrestling world, making a backstage appearance at the Royal Rumble event on January 27, 2024. 

Funk’s enduring influence and contributions to professional wrestling highlight a career that spanned several decades and left a lasting legacy in the sport.

Related Article: Bob Backlund Then and Now

Dory Funk Jr. Wrestling Competition

• Western States Sports (Amarillo, Texas)
• Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW)
• Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling (MACW)
• Central States Wrestling (CSW)
• Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW)
• Ontario Championship Wrestling (OCW)
• All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW)
• Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)
• World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
• World Wrestling Council (WWC)
• World Wrestling Alliance (WWA)
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
• Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)
• Tokyo Gurentai (TG)
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)

Dory Funk Jr. Wife and Children

Dory Funk Jr.’s personal life includes two significant marriages and a family that has been actively involved in various fields. Funk married his first wife, Jimmie, on June 8, 1960. 

Their marriage produced three children: Dory III, Adam Dirk, and Penny. 

Dory III pursued a career in medicine and now practices in Colorado, reflecting a successful transition from the wrestling world to the medical field. 

Adam Dirk followed in his father’s footsteps and is training to be a wrestler under Dory Jr.’s guidance, continuing the family legacy in professional wrestling. 

Related Article: Ivan Putski Then and Now

The couple also has five grandchildren, indicating a close-knit family despite their separation. 

Dory and Jimmie officially divorced on July 6, 1983, after over two decades together.

In 1980, Funk met his second wife, Marti, and they married in 1989. 

Their relationship marks a new chapter in his personal life, with Marti being a supportive partner throughout his wrestling career. Together, they have two children, further expanding Funk’s family. 

The marriage to Marti has been a significant and enduring part of Funk’s life, highlighting a stable and supportive relationship amidst his demanding professional career.

Related Article: Tito Santana Then and Now

Dory Funk Jr. Now

At 83 years old, Dory Funk Jr. remains a significant figure in professional wrestling, both as a veteran performer and a respected trainer. 

Known professionally as Dory Funk Jr., he has left a lasting impact on the wrestling world through his extensive career and contributions to the sport. 

Funk is best known for his time as a professional wrestler and his role as the promoter of Western States Sports in Amarillo, Texas. 

During his career, he held the prestigious NWA World Heavyweight Championship, marking a notable achievement in the wrestling industry.

Related Article: Bruno Sammartino Then and Now

In his current role, Funk serves as the head coach of the Funking Conservatory Professional Wrestling School in Ocala, Florida. 

Here, he continues to influence the next generation of wrestlers through his teaching and mentorship. 

Funk developed the Dory Funk Method of Professional Wrestling, which emphasizes technical skill, discipline, and the fundamentals of the sport. 

His approach has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many successful wrestlers.

Related Article: Don Muraco Then and Now

The Funking Conservatory has produced a number of prominent wrestling stars under Funk’s guidance. 

Notable students include Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Christian Cage, Lita, Kurt Angle, Mickie James, Edge, Ted DiBiase, and Test. 

Each of these wrestlers has made significant contributions to the industry, reflecting the effectiveness of Funk’s training and the high regard in which he is held within the wrestling community. 

Despite his advanced age, Funk’s dedication to coaching and his continued involvement in wrestling underscore his enduring passion for the sport and his commitment to fostering new talent.

Related Article: Tony Garea Then and Now

FAQs