By Mark Gray
6:50pm PDT, Aug 31, 2023
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Terry Funk, one of the innovators of professional wrestling, died on Aug. 23 at the age of 79.
The WWE Hall of Famer came into the wrestling world in the mid-'60s and continued some semblance of involvement in the industry for five decades. He held championships in multiple wrestling organizations including the WWF (now the WWE).
One of the original and most iconic "hardcore wrestlers," there was little Terry wouldn't try (no matter how dangerous). Because of his notoriety in the ring, Terry landed roles in some Hollywood films, too, starring in "Road House," "Over The Top" and "The Ringer," among others. He performed stunts in several of the "Rambo" films as well.
Following his death, many top-line wrestlers publicly mourned the in-ring legend. Keep reading to see how Terry is being remembered by his peers…
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"Rest in peace Terry Funk. A great wrestler, a witty man, and tough as leather. You were one of a kind!!" –Sylvester Stallone
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"WE JUST LOST A LEGEND
Terry Funk is gone. I just talked to Terry's daughter, Brandee, who gave me the awful news. He was my mentor, my idol, and one of my 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. May God bless Terry, his friends, family and all who loved him. RIP my dear friend – it was an honor to know you. #RIPTerryFunk
I will be writing much more about Terry in the next few days.
EDIT: Terry's daughters, Brandee and Stacy, have asked me to express how much they appreciate the love and support you have given him over the years." –Mick Foley
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"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." –Paul Levesque, aka Triple H
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"There will never be another like #TerryFunk. The mold is broken" –Dustin Rhodes
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"Saddened to learn that we lost the great Terry Funk. An unbelievable performer whose passion for our industry was unmatched. Rest in peace, Terry." —Jake "The Snake" Roberts
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"Forever. RIP, Terry Funk." –Maxwell Jacob Friedman
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"RIP Terry Funk. One of a kind is an understatement." –Eric Bischoff
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"I stand on the shoulders of giants, and today, we lost one." —CM Punk
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"I'm deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Terry Funk.I knew Terry before I came to the US as he came to Europe. A totally incredible, wonderful and lovely man. I have my own treasured tales of times together. My condolences to Terrys family. Rest well." –William Regal
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"Not only were you the most amazing pro wrestler ever, you were the most incredible human being. Godspeed, Funker. My thoughts are with your family, friends & fans. You'll be greatly missed" –Matt Hardy
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"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 back on that night and shake my head in disbelief at the absolute privilege and incredible luck I had to get to be in there with him. The energy and aura that Terry Funk carried with him into the ring that night is something I had never experienced before and have not experienced since, and I've been in there with some pretty crazy names… I'll never forget it. Terry Funk. Forever." –Kevin Owens
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"RIP to the king of hardcore, Terry Funk" –Adam Cole
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"One of the reasons I got in the business was Terry Funk. Love you Texas legend, RIP." –John Layfield
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"Terry Funk was a truly unique performer for the ages that inspired and influenced so many, myself included. There was a passion and a sense of chaos in his work that was so beautiful to watch. My condolences to his friends and family. RIP." –Sami Zayn
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"They broke the mold when they made The Funker. RIP Terry." —Hacksaw Jim Duggan
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"No matter what generation of wrestling you grew up with, I've never heard anyone say a bad word about Terry Funk. He was universally respected and loved. Terry knew what was important in this life, the way you treat people. Thinking of Terry and his family tonight." —Natalya Neidhart
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"The Funker" —Cody Rhodes
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"Normally I don't like to post about someone's passing. Terry Funk will always be absolute legend!" —AJ Styles
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"10 years ago, Lance Storm and I had a match with Terry Funk and Tommy Dreamer. I vividly remember standing in the ring crying while Terry made his entrance to 'Desperado' by The Eagles. I was so honored to be in that match with Pro Wrestling's folk hero." —Sean "X-Pac" Waltman
