Old school wrestling legend Dory Funk Jr. has passed away at the age of 85, as confirmed by officials on Tuesday. He was the last surviving member of the iconic Funk wrestling family, which included his father, Dory Funk Sr., and brother, Terry Funk, who died in 2023. Funk Jr. was a WWE Hall of Famer and influential wrestling trainer, having dedicated decades to the sport and training future stars like Kurt Angle and The Hardy Boyz. He admired his father greatly, stating in a 2007 interview that he aimed to emulate him. Dory Funk Jr. and his brother achieved significant fame in the wrestling world from the 1960s through the 1990s, with notable appearances in Japan that helped globalize American pro wrestling.
Why It Matters
Dory Funk Jr.’s legacy is significant within the wrestling community, marking the end of an era for the legendary Funk family. The Funk brothers were instrumental in popularizing professional wrestling in Japan, which contributed to the sport’s international recognition and growth. The establishment of the Funking Conservatory by Funk Jr. and his wife Marti has had a lasting impact, as it trained numerous wrestlers who went on to achieve success in WWE and beyond. Their contributions have influenced the evolution of wrestling training and the art of professional wrestling itself.
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