The wrestling world is mourning the loss of a true pioneer.
Dory Funk Jr., a legendary WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most respected champions in professional wrestling history, has passed away at the age of 85.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday by Brian Blair and the Cauliflower Alley Club, who extended their deepest condolences to Funk’s wife, Marti, and the rest of his family. Marti later confirmed to the Ocala Gazette that her husband died peacefully in hospice care.
For Blair, the loss is deeply personal. Growing up, he watched Funk dominate the ring in Florida, later forming a bond with him as both a mentor and a close friend.
“It’s difficult to find the perfect words to say farewell to Dory Funk Jr., a mentor, leader, and close friend,” Blair shared in an emotional statement. “My love for him started all the way back as a kid at the Bayfront Center, booing him as the ultimate heel while he took on my hero Jack Brisco. He was an amazing legend, commanding respect simply by being himself. Dory, you will be sorely missed. I believe God welcomes you with open arms. Rest easy until we meet again.”
A Legacy Forged in Gold
The son of wrestling icon Dory Funk Sr. and brother of the late Terry Funk, Dory Jr. was born into the business—and he helped redefine it. Together, the Funk brothers dominated tag team competition and singles divisions alike, both capturing the prestigious NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
Dory’s influence stretched far beyond American soil. He became a massive star in Japan, where he continued competing well into his 70s and 80s, with appearances as recent as 2024. Even in his later years, he remained connected to the industry, frequently attending NXT events in Ocala, Florida, and appearing in the audience during the 2025 edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.
A Champion’s Champion
The Funks were inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996 and the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009. Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the wrestling community.
WWE’s Paul "Triple H" Levesque released a statement offering condolences to Dory’s loved ones, while renowned wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reflected on his unparalleled in-ring prowess.
"Dory Funk Jr. was a brilliant world champion during his time," Meltzer wrote. "For the 1969–73 period, I’d call him the perfect champion; he always had a great match and made his opponents, regardless of skill level, look like they might win the world title. He became famous in Japan, booking the renowned 1983 Carolinas season and helping establish All Japan. Even when his technical style fell out of favor, he remained a legend in Japan. His matches with Jack Brisco exemplified the best of Florida and St. Louis wrestling."
A Final Farewell
Dory Funk Jr. leaves behind a legacy of excellence, toughness, and grace. He is survived by his wife, Marti, and a global family of fans who will never forget the man who made champions look like superstars—and superstars look like legends.
Rest in peace, Dory. The bell has rung for the final time.
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