'There will be no one like him'': Tributes pour in as WWE legend Terry Funk passes away

WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk died at the age of 79. He was suffering from dementia and Parkinson’s disease in recent years. The legend was a pioneer in his generation and had a remarkable career in professional wrestling. Over five decades, from 1965 to 2017, Funk had an unusual and extraordinary career. He was well-known for his tough persona, charm, and dedication to the industry.

3 things you need to know

• Terry Funk dies aged 79
• He won multiple titles during his time in WWE/WWF
• He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009

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Terry Funk dies aged 79

The legend several titles during his time in the biggest wrestling promotion, including the WWF Tag Team Championship, the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. He was a part of legendary feuds and matches with legends like Mick Foley, Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, and Bret Hart.

In addition to being a wrestler, Funk was also an actor and performer. He made several Hollywood cinema appearances, including Over the Top, Paradise Alley, and Roadhouse starring Patrick Swayze. Additionally, he played parts in the television programmes Quantum Leap and Beyond Belief: Fact or Faction.

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Tributes pour in for Terry Funk

Many have taken to social media to pour their tribute for the WWE Hall of Famer.

Mick Foley wrote on X, “He was my mentor, my idol, one of the closest friends.”
“He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw. If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks that this incredible man gave so much, for so long, to so many. There will never be another like him.”

Terry Funk is gone. I just talked to Terry’s daughter, Brandee, who gave me the awful news. He was my mentor, my idol, one of the closest friends. He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw.

If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks… pic.twitter.com/WwdFLwXqZ0

— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) August 23, 2023

Ric Flair called him “a great wrestler, entertainer, unbelievably fearless, and a great friend”, adding “No one will ever replace you in the world of professional wrestling.” 

In My Entire Life, I’ve Never Met A Guy Who Worked Harder. Terry Funk Was A Great Wrestler, Entertainer, Unbelievably Fearless, And A Great Friend! Rest In Peace My Friend Terry Funk Knowing That No One Will Ever Replace You In The World Of Professional Wrestling! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/EYMAKOzxnx

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 23, 2023

WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79.

WWE extends its condolences to Funk’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/1elQq5ZkDn

— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2023

A look back at the unforgettable career and life of WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk. pic.twitter.com/FdC7gcJReF

— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2023

Every night in cities all over the world, Terry Funk left it all in the ring for our business and for the fans. An icon of our industry.

My thoughts are with Terry’s family, friends and fans.

— Triple H (@TripleH) August 23, 2023

I don’t really come here ever anymore but I had to today to say that Terry Funk was the absolute best of us and that getting to be in the ring with him 10 years ago is and always will be one of the absolute highlights of my career, bar none.

To this day, I still often think…

— Kevinn (@FightOwensFight) August 23, 2023

A true legend. RIP https://t.co/1zj3wZuofC

— Kane (@KaneWWE) August 23, 2023

The Funker 💛

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) August 23, 2023

Forever…Forever…FOREVER!!! pic.twitter.com/jiTiAHDXBS

— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) August 23, 2023

🫡

May you rest peacefully. pic.twitter.com/FasmXbGqnU

— GUNTHER (@Gunther_AUT) August 23, 2023

Funk was Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 by Dusty Rhodes, a longtime friend and foe of the late 79-year-old. He was also honoured by the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2021. Stacy and Brandee, Funk's two kids, will carry on his legacy. His wife Vicki passed away in 2019 and his brother Dory Jr. in 2020.