WWE has announced the passing of Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr. at the age of 85, paying tribute to one of professional wrestling’s most respected figures. The company described Funk as a key member of the legendary Funk wrestling family and praised his toughness, influence, and contributions as both a performer and trainer who helped shape generations of wrestlers.
Paul “Triple H” Levesque also shared his condolences, highlighting Funk’s impact across multiple wrestling promotions, including WWE, WCW, ECW, and NWA-affiliated organizations. He noted that Funk’s unique style and decades of work across North America and Asia played an important role in helping transform wrestling into a worldwide phenomenon.
Who Was Dory Funk Jr.? Exploring His Childhood And Early Life
Dory Funk Jr. was one of professional wrestling’s most influential figures, known as a world champion, respected trainer, and key member of the legendary Funk wrestling dynasty. Over a career that lasted more than five decades, he became a global name, with his greatest achievement coming through his historic four-and-a-half-year reign as NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
Born Dorrance Earnest Funk on February 3, 1941, in Amarillo, Texas, Dory Jr. grew up surrounded by wrestling from an early age. As the son of wrestler and promoter Dory Funk Sr. and the older brother of Terry Funk, he was raised in the demanding Amarillo wrestling territory. His father pushed him toward excellence, and Dory Jr. entered amateur competition as a child, developing the toughness and discipline that would define his career.
Before becoming a wrestling icon, Funk Jr. built his reputation as a talented athlete in football at West Texas State University, where he played under strict coach Joe Kerbel. After completing his college career with a Sun Bowl victory over Ohio University, he immediately moved into professional wrestling, signing his first contract in 1963. Trained by his father and brother, he quickly gained recognition for his technical style and ring intelligence. Just six years later, at 28, he defeated Gene Kiniski to capture the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, later joining Terry Funk as the only brothers to both win the prestigious title.
Dory Funk Jr.’s Major Career Milestones and Achievements
Dory Funk Jr. built one of the most respected careers in professional wrestling history, earning recognition as a world champion, innovator, and mentor over more than five decades in the business. His biggest achievement came in 1969 when he defeated Gene Kiniski to capture the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Funk held the title for 1,563 days, becoming one of the longest-reigning champions in NWA history. Along with his brother Terry Funk, he also made history as the only pair of brothers to both win the prestigious championship.
Beyond his championship success, Funk Jr. left his mark across the wrestling world through his technical style and international influence. He helped popularize American wrestling in Japan through his work with All Japan Pro Wrestling and later became associated with the Pacific Wrestling Federation. He also competed at WrestleMania 2 in 1986 alongside Terry Funk and was widely credited with creating the Texas Cloverleaf submission hold, which became a signature move used by future generations of wrestlers. His career longevity was highlighted by his retirement tour in Japan at the age of 67 after 45 years as an active performer.
Funk Jr.’s greatest contribution may have come outside the ring as a trainer and teacher. Through his Funking Conservatory wrestling school in Florida, he helped develop several future WWE stars, including Kurt Angle, Edge, Christian, The Hardy Boyz, Mark Henry, and Mickie James. His impact was recognized with his WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2009, cementing his legacy as one of wrestling’s most influential figures who helped connect the sport’s classic era with modern entertainment.
Dory Funk Jr.’s Net Worth, Earnings, and Wrestling Career Income
Dory Funk Jr. was estimated to have a net worth of around $4 million, built through a wrestling career that lasted over five decades. His earnings came from multiple sources, including championship runs, international tours, wrestling promotions, and his work as a trainer. After moving from college football into professional wrestling in 1963, Funk reportedly earned $20,000 in his first year, a figure he often highlighted as being higher than baseball legend Mickey Mantle’s salary at the time.
A major part of Funk’s wealth came from his historic NWA World Heavyweight Championship reign, international success in Japan with All Japan Pro Wrestling, and his involvement in running wrestling promotions. He also earned income as a promoter in the Amarillo territory, served as chairman of the Pacific Wrestling Federation, and built a long-term business through his Funking Conservatory wrestling school in Florida, where he trained future wrestling stars.
