A hardcore wrestling icon and Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79.
Commonly credited to be one of the fathers of hardcore wrestling, Funk was a longtime wrestler whose career spanned five decades since his debut in 1965.
The sad news was announced by Funk’s fellow wrestler Ric Flair who took to social media to pay tribute to the “fearless” icon.
“In My Entire Life, I’ve Never Met A Guy Who Worked Harder. Terry Funk Was A Great Wrestler, Entertainer, Unbelievably Fearless, And A Great Friend!” he wrote.
“Rest In Peace My Friend Terry Funk Knowing That No One Will Ever Replace You In The World Of Professional Wrestling!”
Paying his respects was also actor and former professional wrestler Mick Foley who said: “WE JUST LOST A LEGEND. 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.”
Professional wrestler Dustin Rhodes added: “Just heard that Terry Funk is gone. Truly heartbroken over this. He has known me since I was a child. He was an incredible mentor and friend.
“Love him so much and sad to see him go. I know he is no longer in pain and has probably rekindled his war with Pops in heaven. Rest easy TF.”
The saddening news comes just weeks after the former wrestler celebrated his 79th birthday. Previously, in 2019, Funk lost his wife of 53 years, and two years later, in 2021, it was revealed that he was diagnosed with dementia.
Throughout his five-decade-long career, Funk won several titles in the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, the NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship, and the WWE Tag Team Championship.
In 2009, after his long and successful career was slowly coming to an end, the wrestling icon was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
“WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79. WWE extends its condolences to Funk’s family, friends and fans,” the wrestling organization shared on social media.
Our thoughts are with Terry’s loved ones during this challenging time.