Funk’s global recognition skyrocketed, as he grappled in numerous premier promotions including WWF, WCW, ECW, NWA, and All Japan Pro Wrestling.
His father, Dory Funk Sr., donned the wrestler’s mantle and played the role of promoter, mainly within the Texas domains.
Terry engaged in tag-team tussles alongside his sibling, Dory Funk Jr., prior to embarking on his extensive solo wrestling journey during the 60s and 70s.
A climactic point arrived at Wrestlemania 2, where the Funks vanquished the duo of Tito Santana and The Junkyard Dog.
Funk clasped multiple championships during his wrestling tenure, notably the NWA World Championship, which he seized in 1975 by toppling Jack Brisco in Miami. He reigned for over a year, relinquishing the title to Harley Race.
Within his WCW stint, he clinched the United States Championship twice and partook in a seminal “I Quit” encounter with Ric Flair at Clash of the Champions IX.
Funk’s renown sprang from his rugged wrestling style, and within the precincts of the ECW promotion, he clinched the championship belt on two occasions.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79.
WWE extends its condolences to Funk’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/1elQq5ZkDn
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2023
To the newer cohort of spectators, he adopted the moniker Chainsaw Charlie upon his 1997 reentry into the WWF arena. Here, he allied and subsequently feuded with Cactus Jack. This alliance secured the tag team championship from The New Age Outlaws at Wrestlemania 14.
Beyond the wrestling sphere, Funk ventured into acting, gracing films like Over The Top alongside Sylvester Stallone and Road House alongside Patrick Swayze.
In 2009, Funk, alongside his brother Dory Jr., earned a coveted spot in the WWE Hall of Fame.