Brian Blair announced that former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Dory Funk Jr. has passed away at the age of 85. Paul “Triple H” Levesque then confirmed the news with the following post via Twitter/X…
“Saddened to announce the passing of Dory Funk, Jr.
From the Double Cross Ranch to the WWE Hall of Fame, Dory’s style inspired countless performers in our industry. Whether it was at WrestleMania 2, WCW, ECW, or the dozens of NWA-affiliated promotions, his travels across North America and Asia were a part of the early blueprint that helped build this business into a global phenomena. A hard-nosed and fierce competitor, his rugged in-ring style was only eclipsed by the decades he spent training athletes to perform in the squared circle he loved so much. My thoughts and those of the entire WWE Universe are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
It’s hard to find the right words to say goodbye to a man who became a mentor, a leader, and a dear friend, Dory Funk Jr. 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… pic.twitter.com/2kClxA4Yxb
— B Brian Blair 🇺🇸 (@Killerbee1B) August 4, 2026
Longtime wrestling analyst Dave Meltzer noted the following about Funk…
“Dory Funk Jr. was such a fantastic world champion for his time. I’d call him for that 1969-73 time period the perfect champion, always a great match, always made the opponent, no matter the skill level, look like someone who could win the world title. He became a legend in Japan, booked the legendary 1983 Carolinas year as well as in many other places including All Japan, a company he helped build. People don’t know this but in most places in the 70s, Terry was the brother of the legend, although the Dory credible wrestler in-ring style popularized by Lou Thesz was no longer in vogue in later years, he remained an iconic name in Japan. My best wishes to his family and friends. His matches with Jack Brisco were the epitome of Florida and St. Louis wrestling style in their day.”
Dory Funk Jr. was such a fantastic world champion for his time. I’d call him for that 1969-73 time period the perfect champion, always a great match, always made the opponent, no matter the skill level, look like someone who could win the world title. He became a legend in…
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) August 4, 2026
