Texas Wrestling Legend Dory Funk Jr. Dies at 85

OCALA, FL — Dory Funk Jr., the Hall of Fame professional wrestler whose decades-long career spanned promotions around the world and whose training school helped shape generations of wrestlers, has died at 85, WWE announced Tuesday.

WWE did not disclose a cause of death.

"Saddened to announce the passing of Dory Funk, Jr.," WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque wrote in a post on X. He credited Funk with inspiring "countless performers" through both his in-ring career and his decades of training wrestlers.

Funk began his professional wrestling career in 1963 after playing college football at West Texas A&M University in Canyon. He started in his father Dory Funk Sr.'s Amarillo-based Western States Sports promotion before establishing himself as one of the sport's top competitors.

In 1969, Funk won the National Wrestling Alliance world heavyweight championship, holding the title for more than four years. He remained a fixture in the NWA until 1987.

"The National Wrestling Alliance is saddened to note the passing of Hall of Fame former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Dory Funk Jr.," the organization said in a post on X, calling him "a true legend whose contributions to professional wrestling are still felt and celebrated to this day."

Funk joined what was then the World Wrestling Federation in 1986, teaming with his brother, Terry Funk. During his year with the promotion, he faced opponents including Junkyard Dog, Tito Santana and Pedro Morales. He also competed for All Japan Pro Wrestling, Extreme Championship Wrestling and numerous other promotions before retiring in 2017.

WWE inducted Dory and Terry Funk into its Hall of Fame in 2009.

Beyond his accomplishments in the ring, Funk was widely recognized for mentoring future stars through his wrestling school, The Funking Conservatory. Among those who trained under him were Kurt Angle, Adam Copeland, Christian Cage, Mickie James and Lita.