Wrestling icon and WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk passed away today at the age of 79 years old. He was a pioneer of the sport and had a remarkable career spanning over 5 decades. Many of his fellow WWE Legends took to Twitter to pay respect to the late wrestler.
Terry Funk’s legendary career began in 1965 and lasted over 5 decades till 2017. During this time, he appeared in various promotions such as WWE, WCW, and ECW to name a few. He had also captured multiple championships such as the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, ECW World Heavyweight Championship, and WWF Tag Team Championship while sharing several matches with wrestling icons like Bret Hart, Mic Foley, and Ric Flair.
Ric Flair blasts news outlet for ignoring Terry Funk
As the world lost Terry Funk, the wrestling community came together to mourn the loss of the legend. However, it looked like ESPN had other plans instead of mourning or acknowledging the loss of the veteran. They apparently did not honor or pay respects to the deceased wrestler and focused on matters related to football and other sports, which seemingly angered WWE Legend Ric Flair.
Damn It @espn! Terry Funk Died And As Usual You’re Talking About Another Football Player Being Arrested Yesterday! SHOCKER! Shame On You! pic.twitter.com/2YNAvki9we
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 23, 2023
Ric Flair tweeted out to berate the news outlet for ignoring the death of Terry Funk and let them know that he was not at all happy with their actions. At a time when even AEW, WWE’s rival promotion paid their respects to the late Terry Funk, it’s surprising to see ESPN, a renowned sports news outlet completely ignoring the news of his death. ESPN India later tweeted out to mourn the loss of the Hall of Famer.
Wrestling community unites in grief
When the news of Terry Funk’s passing came to light, pretty much the entire wrestling community came forward to pay their respects to the fallen legend and mourn his loss. WWE Legend Mick Foley took to X to write a heartfelt post about his former mentor and friend. In the post, he wrote,
“He was my mentor, my idol, one of the closest friends. He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw. If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks that this incredible man gave so much, for so long, to so many. There will never be another like him. May God bless Terry, his friends, family and all who loved him.”
Terry Funk is gone. I just talked to Terry’s daughter, Brandee, who gave me the awful news. He was my mentor, my idol, one of the closest friends. He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw.
If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks… pic.twitter.com/WwdFLwXqZ0
— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) August 23, 2023
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! Rest In Peace My Friend Terry Funk Knowing That No One Will Ever Replace You In The World Of Professional Wrestling! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/EYMAKOzxnx
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 23, 2023
A look back at the unforgettable career and life of WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk. pic.twitter.com/FdC7gcJReF
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2023
Terry Funk Forever pic.twitter.com/EPMtZoeqrW
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 23, 2023
The Nature Boy Rick Flair also paid his tribute to the Hall of Famer, saying that he has never met anyone in his life who was as hardworking as Terry Funk. He added that Funk was a great wrestler, entertainer, and a great friend overall. WWE also announced his death via a post on X and shared a video package of Funk, highlighting his career in the company. Even AEW paid their tribute to Terry Funk in a post.
What is your favorite memory from Terry’s long wrestling Tenure? Let us know in the comment box.
