Dory Funk Jr., a WWE Hall of Fame Icon has died at the age of 85.
Brian Blair and the Cauliflower Alley Club announced Funk’s death on Tuesday, extending their sympathies to his wife Marti and the rest of his family.
Blair grew up watching Funk wrestle in Florida, and he eventually had the opportunity to call Funk a mentor and friend.
“It’s difficult to find the perfect words to say farewell to Dory Funk Jr., a mentor, leader, and close friend. Blair commented, “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. My heart goes out to his wife, Marti, and their family. Dory, you will be sorely missed. I believe God welcomes you with open arms. “Rest easy until we meet again.”
Funk’s widow Marti told the Ocala Gazette that her husband died in hospice care.
Dory was Dory Funk Sr.’s son and Terry Funk’s brother. The Funk brothers followed their father into pro wrestling and achieved great success as a tag team and as singles wrestlers.
Both became NWA World Heavyweight Champions, and their impact extended across continents, with stardom in the United States and Japan.
Despite his age, Dory Jr. fought frequently in Japan during the 2010s and remained active as late as 2024. Dory would attend NXT home concerts in Ocala, Florida, and perform in a non-wrestling role. He was also seen in the audience during a 2025 edition of WWE Saturday Night Main Event.
Paul “Triple H” Levesque pays tribute to Dory Funk Jr.
The Funks were inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996, and the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009. Today, Paul “Triple H” Levesque sent a statement of condolence to Dory’s loved ones.
Dave Meltzer on the passing of Dory Funk Jr.
Dave Meltzer also sent out his tribute:
Dory Funk Jr. was a brilliant world champion during his time. 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 a famous in Japan, booking the renowned 1983 Carolinas season as well as many other venues, including All Japan, which he helped establish. People don’t realize it, but Terry was the legend’s brother in most places in the 1970s. Even if the Dory respectable wrestler in-ring style promoted by Lou Thesz fell out of favor in subsequent years, he remained a famous name in Japan. Best wishes for his family and friends. His matches with Jack Brisco exemplified Florida and St. Louis wrestling style at the time.”
