Know All About Terry Funk, Hardcore Hall of Fame Wrestler, Dies at 79

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Know All About Terry Funk, Hardcore Hall of Fame Wrestler, Dies at 79

Wrestling lovers got shocked on Wednesday as WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) confirmed Terry Funk’s death. In the official Twitter handle, the company wrote, “WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79. Revered by fans and peers across the globe for his tenacity, heart and longevity, Funk will be remembered as one of the toughest competitors to ever step inside the squared circle. From WWE to All Japan, from WCW to ECW, Funk proved he could go toe-to-toe with the best and pushed the limits of what was possible inside the squared circle."

After knowing of his death, his fans and followers poured their condolences and memories on social media platforms. Here are screenshots of some condolences for him and his family:

Who Was Terry Funk, Hardcore Hall of Fame Wrestler?

Terry Funk was a professional American wrestler, actor, and performer. He was highly acknowledged for his longer wrestling career with many short breaks and hard hitting style. His wrestling career was more than 50 years. Throughout his career, he wrestled for several significant promotions such as Extreme Championship Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, United States Wrestling Association, and World Wrestling Federation. In addition to wrestling, he acted in several movies such as Paradise Alley, Roadhouse with Patrick Swayze, Over The Top, and The Ringer.

Birth and early education

Terrence Funk or Terry Funk came into this world on the 30th June in 1944 at Hammond in Indiana, the USA. His parents were Dorothy and Dory Funk who were the promoter and professional wrestler. After the 2nd World War, his parents shifted to Amarrillo (Texas) where he, with his brother, known as Dory Jr. He attended West Texas State University, which is now West Texas A&M University, after completing his school education. At this university, Funk did football and amateur wrestling. Apart from being a professional career for Terry, wrestling was a family tradition. His father trained him with brother, Dory Funk Jr, in wrestling. Due to being a family tradition, wrestling gave him a great respect and deep foundation for grappling art.

Beginning and Success Stories of His Wrestling Career

It was 1965 when he started his wrestling career. At that time, he worked with his father, Dory Funk, who was promoting Western States Sports at Amarillo in Texas. On the 9th of December in 1965, he wrestled against Sputnik Monroe. He and his brother worked as a team that made them very popular and big money wrestlers at the end of 1970s. It was the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1975 when Terry Funk got a victory over Jack Brisco. He kept his title/belt safe in America, Australia, Singapore, and Japan during his career of 1970 to 1982.
He had never to look back and kept stepping up on the success ladder by winning one title after one. Terry Funk kept promoting and wrestling for all leading companies and promoters that are as follows:
• All Japan Pro Wrestling (1972 - 1991)
• World Wrestling Federation (1985-1986)
• World Championship Wrestling (1989-1990, 1994)
• International Wrestling Association of Japan (1994-1995)
• Extreme Championship Wrestling/Eastern Championship Wrestling (1993-1997)
• Extreme Championship Wrestling (1998-1999)
• NWA Total Nonstop Action (2004)
• WWE (2006, 2009, 2013, 2016)

Terry Funk’s Acting Career

Terry Funk was a true business icon. And it gets proved with his success in both wrestling and film industries. Through his acting, he proved that he was a true fit for the silver screen. It was 1978 when he appeared on the silver screen for the first time through his acting in the movie, Paradise Alley. After that, he acted in numerous movies. Some noteworthy movies or television shows are as follows:
• Pro Wrestling USA
• Wildside
• Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction
• Quantum Leap
• Roadhouse
• Over the Top

Terry Funk’s Wife - Vicki Ann

At the beginning of his wrestling career, Terry Funk tied the knot with Vicki Ann on the 14th of August in 1965. She was his longtime partner before leaving this physical world on 29 March 2019. His wife’s death became public when Ted DiBiase, WWE Hall of Famer, broke this news. In the statement, he said, “My heart is broken and goes out to my good friend and mentor, Terry Funk. Terry's wife, Vicki, passed away yesterday evening. Terry and Vicki were like second parents to me. There aren't words to express how much they both have meant to me. RIP Vicki."

Terry Funk’s Children

Terry Funk and Vicki Ann brought two daughters together throughout their married life. Both daughters, Stacy and Brandee, followed their family’s wrestling tradition. However, they chose different career options to live their life. Born in 1967, Stacy works as an air hostess with Southwest Airlines. Brandee, born in 1971, works as a registered nurse and lives in Phoenix.

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#Terry Funk
# Hardcore Hall of Fame Wrestler