Dory Funk Jr. Dead At 85 - Wrestling Legend Passes Away (WWE News)
The legendary Dory Funk Jr. has passed away at the age of 85.
In some sad news, the legendary Dory Funk Jr. has passed away at the age of 85. Speaking to the Ocala Gazette, Dory's wife Marti revealed that he passed away under hospice care yesterday.
The Cauliflower Alley Club and B. Brian Blair were the first to break this tragic news last night, taking to X with the following:
The CAC mourns the passing of one of professional wrestling’s true legends, Dory Funk Jr.
A champion, a teacher, a gentleman, and an ambassador for our great sport, Dory Funk Jr. leaves behind a legacy that will forever be remembered by wrestlers and fans around the world. pic.twitter.com/8ryT4Wn70b
Advertisement— Cauliflower Alley Club (@CACReunion) August 4, 2026
It’s hard to find the right words to say goodbye to a man who became a mentor, a leader, and a dear friend, Dory Funk Jr. 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… pic.twitter.com/2kClxA4Yxb— B Brian Blair ?? (@Killerbee1B) August 4, 2026
Viewed by many as one of, if not the, greatest NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion of all time - defeating Gene Kiniski for that title in 1969, defending it nearly 600 times, before losing it to Harley Race in 1973, clocking in at a mammoth 1,563-day reign - Dory Funk Jr. began his pro wrestling career in 1963, going on to have major success across the globe, particularly under the NWA banner and for All Japan Pro Wrestling.
Funk actually wrestled as recently as 2024, where he teamed with Osamu Nishimura against Atushi Onita and Raijin Yaguchi in a Double Hell Current Explosion Death contest to honour both Onita and Dory's late brother, the great Terry Funk. Prior to that, Dory had remarkably continued to be regularly active until 2018.
A multiple-time Hall of Famer, with championships won all around the world, Dory Jr. - son of wrestler-turned-promoter Dory Funk Sr. - also had a hand in training the stars of tomorrow through his Funking Conservatory wrestling school, which led to joining with the then-WWF for the Funkin' Dojo, which played a part in shaping the careers of the likes of Kurt Angle, Mark Henry, Adam Copeland, Christian Cage, and the Hardys.
As one would expect, the pro wrestling world has been quick to pay respect to the career and life of one of the greatest to ever lace up a pair of boots.
WWE honors the life and legacy of Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr. WWE extends its condolences to Dory Funk Jr.’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/Yn7I5C6INR— WWE (@WWE) August 4, 2026
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The National Wrestling Alliance is saddened to note the passing of Hall of Fame former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Dory Funk Jr.On Feb. 11, 1969, Dory Jr. defeated Gene Kiniski to begin a landmark run as NWA Worlds Champion.… pic.twitter.com/dfJ6Zojl4y
— NWA (@nwa) August 4, 2026
AEW and the wrestling world mourn the passing of the legendary Dory Funk Jr. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/UGG5VcVGpl— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 4, 2026
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the legendary Dory Funk Jr., who was involved with many of TNA's early events including our very first event in 2002. We offer our sincere condolences to his fans, friends, and family. pic.twitter.com/tQ0LtvQT1r— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) August 4, 2026
Today we lost a true legend. A professional wrestler who dedicated his life to our business until his final day. A real world's champion.
Last of his kind.
God Bless Dory Funk Jr.
My condolences to Marti and his loved ones. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/7WSkK1gvJ0Advertisement— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) August 5, 2026
Thank you Dory for the time you spent with me. Rest well my friend. pic.twitter.com/MmlpHkpcRS— Jake “The Snake” Roberts (@JakeSnakeDDT) August 4, 2026
God bless Dory Funk Jr.
A great performer, a great man, and an indelible legacy. pic.twitter.com/TI9ed6heKY
— Tully Blanchard (@Tully4HOF) August 5, 2026
I am deeply saddened to hear the Dory Funk Jr. has passed away.
I was very close to him, his brother Terry and his whole family. My family and the Funk family were very close. It saddens me to know that the last of a dying breed has passed away.
May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/m2uLdYA9CyAdvertisement— Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) August 4, 2026
On behalf of the Hart family, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dory Funk.
My grandfather Stu said Dory was his favorite champion he ever had in Stampede Wrestling. “Dory was everything you could ask for in a professional wrestler.” Dory defined the word CLASSIC.… pic.twitter.com/BsdkocsD0Q
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) August 4, 2026
Saddened to announce the passing of Dory Funk, Jr.
From the Double Cross Ranch to the @WWE Hall of Fame, Dory’s style inspired countless performers in our industry. Whether it was at WrestleMania 2, WCW, ECW, or the dozens of NWA-affiliated promotions, his travels across North… pic.twitter.com/9XxPTzY7Pc
Advertisement— Triple H (@TripleH) August 4, 2026
Dory Funk Jr. was one of the toughest, most respected men this business has ever known. His impact on professional wrestling will be felt for generations.
Rest in peace Dory. My thoughts are with the Funk family. pic.twitter.com/YUr61CPFdu
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) August 4, 2026
Was an honor to get to spend some time being trained by Dory Funk in FCW more than 15 years ago. I’ll always fondly remember his kindness and patience. Condolences to his loved ones.— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) August 4, 2026
I'm honored to have known & shared a ring with the legendary Dory Funk, Jr. Rest in Peace, sir.? pic.twitter.com/RCZSFmX1BH— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) August 4, 2026
Godspeed, Dory Funk, Jr. I didn’t get to spend as much time with you as some of my peers, but I tremendously appreciate the moments we shared. NXT Live Events in Ocala talking about the old NWA; chewing the fat about the industry. Your legacy and contributions are without… pic.twitter.com/zJB18a4wJ9— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) August 4, 2026
Saddened to hear about the passing of Dory Funk Jr. I was so fortunate to train in the Funkin’ Dojo at WWF headquarters in 1998 (sweatshirt gifted to all of us). Also wrestled Dory to a 20-minute draw in 2006. Such a professional & a wonderful human being. Rest in Peace, Dory ?? pic.twitter.com/QVmnw1MuDj— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) August 4, 2026
I’m very saddened to hear of my friend Dory Funk Jr’s passing. From when I arrived in the US we met and he took the time to encourage and teach me. My deepest condolences to Marty and all the Funk family. Rest well.x pic.twitter.com/9jN7kp7AnT— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) August 4, 2026
Condolences from all of us here at WhatCulture Wrestling to the family, friends, and fans of Dory. Funk Jr. May he rest well.