Wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr. has passed away at the age of 85
His de.ath was announced on Tuesday by Brian Blair and the Cauliflower Alley Club, who expressed condolences to his wife, Marti, and the entire Funk family.
Blair, who admired Funk from childhood before later becoming his friend and mentor, paid an emotional tribute.
Blair said:
“It’s difficult to find the perfect words to say farewell to Dory Funk Jr., a mentor, leader, and close friend,”
“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.”
Marti Funk later confirmed to the Ocala Gazette that her husband died while receiving hospice care.
Dory Jr. was the son of wrestling pioneer Dory Funk Sr. and the older brother of Terry Funk. Following in their father’s footsteps, the brothers became two of professional wrestling’s most celebrated stars, enjoying championship success both as a tag team and as individual competitors.
Each held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and built lasting reputations in the United States and Japan.
Even in his later years, Dory remained involved in wrestling. He continued competing in Japan during the 2010s, wrestled as recently as 2024, appeared in a non-wrestling capacity at NXT live events in Ocala, Florida, and was spotted in the crowd during a 2025 edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.
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