Legendary wrestler Terry Funk's passing at 79 evokes tributes from peers Ric Flair and Mick Foley. The fearless wrestling icon has made appearances in movies like "Road House" and the wrestling documentary "Beyond the Mat."
Terry Funk, who passed away on Wednesday, was referred to by Ric Flair as "an exceptional wrestler, entertainer, incredibly fearless, and a wonderful friend." Ric Flair and fellow WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley confirmed his demise at the age of 79. Remembering him, Foley, a multi-time WWE champion, hailed Funk as "the finest wrestler I ever had the privilege to witness."
Mick Foley expressed gratitude for the immense contributions Funk made. He remarked that there would never be anyone quite like Funk and extended blessings to Terry, his loved ones, friends, and all his admirers. Foley concluded by stating that it was a privilege to have known Terry and added the hashtag #RIPTerryFunk.
Film and television appearances
Funk has an array of film and television appearances. Among these, he took on the role of a bouncer in the film "Road House," starring alongside Patrick Swayze. In 1999, Funk made a notable appearance in "Beyond the Mat," a wrestling documentary directed by Barry Blaustein. His filmography also encompasses works like "Paradise Alley," "The Ringer," and "Over the Top."
Funk's presence was notable in the brief-lived television series "Wildside" set in the Western genre, airing in 1985. Notably, he orchestrated the urban brawl pitting Rocky Balboa against his adversary Tommy Gunn in the final scenes of Rocky V. Beyond this, Funk briefly explored the world of music, releasing the album titled "Great Texan" back in 1984. This release garnered a devoted following, being hailed as a "cult classic" by enthusiasts.
Championships
Funk's list of championships is extensive, including the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, NWA World Heavyweight Championship, USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship, WWF World Tag Team Championship, and ECW World Television Championship. He stood as the main attraction for ECW's prominent yearly pay-per-view, November to Remember, achieving this honor on three occasions. Funk has also received inductions into several esteemed halls of fame, including WWE, WCW, NWA, and Hardcore.