Wrestling legend Terry Funk, whose career spanned five decades, has died aged 79.

Funk, widely considered the father of hardcore wrestling, debuted in 1965 and officially returned almost 53 years later.

Wrestling star Ric Flair broke the news on social media, posting, “I’ve never met a harder working guy in my entire life.

“Terry Funk was a great wrestler, an artist, incredibly 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!”

Wrestling legend Terry Funk, whose career spanned five decades, has died aged 79.

Funk, widely considered the father of hardcore wrestling, debuted in 1965.

Mick Foley also shared a tribute, adding that Funk’s daughter confirmed the news to him earlier today.

“WE JUST LOST A LEGEND,” Foley wrote. ‘There will never be another like him. God bless Terry, his friends, his family and all who loved him. RIP my dear friend, it was an honor to know you.

Funk was predeceased by his wife, Vicky Ann, on March 29, 2019. They were married for 53 years and had two daughters.

In June 2021, Don Muraco, another wrestling legend, reported that Funk had been diagnosed with dementia.

Funk celebrated his 79th birthday last month and continued wrestling until the age of 73, with his final matches taking place in September 2017.

Funk had a storied in-ring career, winning multiple titles including the NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship, the ECW World Heavyweight Championship twice, and the WWE Tag Team Championships alongside Cactus Jack, aka Foley.

His success earned him inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

WWE shared its own tribute to Funk on social media after learning of his passing, writing on X: WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79 years old.

Wrestling star Ric Flair (left) announced his passing online on Wednesday.

“WWE sends its condolences to Funk’s family, friends and fans.”

Wrestling legend Dustin Rhodes also said, “I just found out that Terry Funk is gone. Really heartbroken about this.

“He’s known me since I was a kid. He was an incredible mentor and friend. I love him so much and I’m sad to see him go. I know he is no longer in pain and has probably reignited his war with Pops in Heaven. Keep calm TF.

“#RestInPeaceTerryFunk”.

Funk’s father, Dory Funk Snr., owned “Amarillo Territory” and introduced his two sons, Terry and Dory Jnr, to wrestling.

The Funk Brothers have won numerous tag team competitions at National Wrestling Alliance affiliates.

They also participated in All Japan Pro Wrestling’s annual tag team showcase, the World’s Strongest Tag Determination League, which they won three times in 1977, 1979 and 1982.

The Funks broke up, enjoying more success in the singles ranks. They became the first – and only – brothers to hold the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

Terry Funk originally retired from professional wrestling in 1983, pursuing a career on the silver screen.

Funk originally retired from professional wrestling in 1983 and pursued a career on the big screen.

He starred in Over the Top in 1987 and Patrick Swayze’s 1989 classic Roadhouse.

However, he returned to the ring in 1989 for a heated showdown with then-NWA World Champion Flair.

After leaving the NWA again, Funk bounced around in a few smaller companies in the United States before returning to World Championship Wrestling in 1994 where he resumed his feud with Dusty Rhoades and his son, Dustin.

In August 1995, then 51 years old with 30 years of experience, he entered the infamous King of the Death Match tournament in Kawasaki, Japan, where he ultimately lost in the final to Foley.

He continued to wrestle for another 20 years with his final matches on September 22-23, 2017, teaming with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express against Jerry Lawler, Brian Christopher and Doug Gilbert.