WWE Hall of Famer and WCW star dies as Triple H pays tribute to 'hard-nosed' legend

WWE Hall of Famer and wrestling legend Dory Funk, Jr has sadly passed away as Paul 'Triple H' Levesque lead tributes to a man he says "helped build this business into a global phenomena"

21:33, 04 Aug 2026Updated 21:52, 04 Aug 2026

WWE Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr has sadly passed away(Image: Getty Images)

A WWE Hall of Famer and WCW star has sadly passed away with Paul 'Triple H' Levesque taking to social media to announce the sudden passing of Dory Funk, Jr at the age of 83.

Dory, who tasted decades of success in the ring before becoming a trainer, was a member of legendary Funk wrestling dynasty and a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion. During his wrestling, he competed for major promotions such as WWE, WCW, ECW, NWA, and AJPW.

Triple H hailed his career both in and out of the ring and said he helped "build this business into a global phenomena". Some of the stars he helped train went on to become WWE and TNA world champions.

Writing across his social media accounts, Triple H said: "Saddened to announce the passing of Dory Funk, Jr. From the Double Cross Ranch to the @WWE Hall of Fame, Dorys style inspired countless performers in our industry.

[Dory Funk Jr ]

Dory Funk Jr had decades of success in the squared circle (Image: WWE via Getty Images)

"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 phenomena.

"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."

He was also known as a successful tag team star alongside his brother Terry Funk, who is also well known to WWE fans over the years. Dory also became a huge name on the independent scene in the US and Japan.

[Dory Funk Jr ]

Dory Funk Jr was inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame with his brother Terry(Image: WWE via Getty Images)

It was his work on the indies that caught the eye of WWE, and saw him compete with his brother at WrestleMania 2 against Tito Santana and Junkyard Dog.

However, Dory's impact on wrestling would later become more known for his work training others. After opening his own wrestling school, the Funking Conservatory, he helped develop some of the biggest names to step into WWE and eventually follow him into the hall of fame.

Kurt Angle, Edge, Christian, The Hardy Boyz, Mark Henry, Mickie James are just some of the people he helped train for the grandest stage of them all.

Brian Blair and the Cauliflower Alley Club broke news of Dory's passing in an emotional post that included a photo of the two together.

[ Dory Funk Jr]

Dory Funk Jr. in action against Harley Race during a NWA show(Image: WWE via Getty Images)

He wrote: "Its 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 absolute legend who commanded respect just by being himself. My heart goes out to his wife, Marti, and his family. You will be deeply missed, Dory. I know God is welcoming you with open arms. Rest easy until we meet again."

Dory's biggest in ring achievement was a four-year run as NWA World Heavyweight Champion, which is only beaten by Lou Thesz for the longest reign.

Terry and Dory were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by longtime friend Dusty Rhodes in 2009 as The Funks.

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