WWE Hall of Famer and professional wrestling icon Dory Funk Jr. has died at the age of 85, bringing an end to a career that spanned decades and left a lasting mark on the sport.
The news of his passing was shared on Tuesday by Brian Blair and the Cauliflower Alley Club, who extended their sympathies to his wife, Marti, and the entire Funk family.
Blair, who first watched Funk wrestle as a young fan before later becoming his friend and mentor, paid tribute to the wrestling legend.
“It’s difficult to find the perfect words to say farewell to Dory Funk Jr., a mentor, leader, and close friend,” Blair said.
“My love for him started all the way back as a kid at the Bayfront Center, booing him as the ultimate heel while he took on my hero Jack Brisco. He was an amazing legend, commanding respect simply by being himself. My heart goes out to his wife, Marti, and their family. Dory, you will be sorely missed. I believe God welcomes you with open arms. Rest easy until we meet again.”
His wife, Marti Funk, later confirmed to the Ocala Gazette that he passed away while receiving hospice care.
Born into one of wrestling’s most famous families, Dory Jr. was the son of Dory Funk Sr. and the elder brother of Terry Funk. The siblings followed their father’s path into professional wrestling, becoming celebrated champions both as a tag team and as singles competitors.
Both brothers captured the prestigious NWA World Heavyweight Championship and earned worldwide recognition, particularly in the United States and Japan.
Although in his later years, Dory never fully stepped away from the sport. He continued wrestling in Japan throughout the 2010s, remained active in the ring until 2024, appeared in non-wrestling roles at NXT live events in Ocala, Florida, and attended the 2025 edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event as a fan.
