WWE Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr. has passed away at the age of 85.

Following the news of his passing, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque shared a heartfelt tribute honoring Funk’s lasting impact on the industry.

“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 America and Asia were a part of the early blueprint that helped build this business into a global phenomenon.

“A hard-nosed and fierce competitor, his rugged in-ring style was only eclipsed by the decades he spent training athletes to perform in the squared circle he loved so much. My thoughts and those of the entire WWE Universe are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

A second-generation wrestler, Funk helped define the territorial era alongside his younger brother, Terry Funk. Together, The Funk Brothers became one of wrestling’s most iconic sibling duos, with acclaimed careers spanning the NWA, All Japan Pro Wrestling, WWE, WCW, ECW, and numerous other promotions.

Dory Funk Jr. enjoyed one of the most accomplished careers in wrestling history. He captured the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship by defeating Gene Kiniski in 1969 and held the title for more than four years, making him one of the longest-reigning champions in the title’s history. His technical wrestling ability earned him worldwide acclaim, and he competed successfully across North America and Japan for decades.

Beyond his in-ring accomplishments, Funk devoted much of his later career to training the next generation of wrestlers through the Funking Conservatory wrestling school, where he mentored countless aspiring performers, including fellow WWE Hall of Famers Kurt Angle, Mark Henry, and Mickie James.

Dory and Terry Funk were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2009, cementing their place among wrestling’s all-time greats. The wrestling world previously mourned the loss of Terry Funk, who passed away in August 2023 at the age of 79. With Dory’s passing, one of the sport’s most legendary family legacies has lost its final surviving brother.