Terry Funk

[9.0] "ENGAGER: 10 STRIKER: 8 CRAFTMASTER: 8 AERIALIST: 6 POWERHOUSE: 5 EXTREMIST: 10 ENTRANCE: 8 NARRATIVE: 8 GIMMICK: 10 ANGLE: 9 GRUDGE: 10 ELOCUTION: 10"

[10.0] "Terry Funk is nothing short of a wrestling legend, a performer whose brilliance transcends generations. His ability to embody both babyface and heel roles with authenticity is unparalleled; fans adored him as a face, particularly in Japan where he arguably became the greatest gaijin of all time, and feared him as a heel whose intensity and commitment made every feud feel deeply personal. Whether it was his legendary battles with Ric Flair, Jerry Lawler, Cactus Jack, or Harley Race, Funk consistently delivered matches and segments that are still discussed decades later. Beyond his in-ring work, Funk was an extraordinary storyteller and promo artist. He commanded reactions with ease, blending humour, anger, and authenticity. His ring psychology and pacing made him a true general of the squared circle, and his adaptability, even performing moonsaults in his 50s, showed a fearless dedication to evolving with the industry. Funk was also a pioneer in hardcore wrestling, innovating while always giving back to the business. Terry Funk was more than a wrestler--he was a living testament to passion, innovation, and respect for the craft. His legacy is cemented in every corner of the wrestling world, both in America and Japan. Wrestling fans are fortunate to have witnessed him."

[10.0] "I had an old podcast years ago that's long over, but at the end of every episode I would ask my guests who their favorite wrestler was and I swear the guy who was most recurring was Terry Funk. Pro Wrestlings Favorite Wrestler! Terry was an incredible promo, his matches captivated you, and he was one of a kind."

[10.0] "One of the best to ever do it. Terry funk is on my Mount Rushmore and for his hardcore matches the stuff he would do was insane I love him rip"

[10.0] "The most passionate, driven, and complete package of a wrestler to ever lace up a pair of boots. There was nothing he couldn't do and no line he didn't cross in Pro-Wrestling. He went from being an absolute natural in the ring and between the ropes in every regard to reinventing himself in his later years to become a Hardcore Icon. And while I don't particularly favor his hardcore work much (it's not my cup of tea outside of a few early matches with the likes of Onita), it still stands that there will never be another professional wrestler that will get anywhere close to Terry Funk's long standing legacy through four different decades of Pro-Wrestling."

[10.0] "Greatest of all time. He's so diverse he can do death match technical comedy absolutely everything. I don't have my username for no reason"

[10.0] "The road Terry Funk took in professional wrestling was unprecedented. He went from being an amazing wrestler for the NWA & AJPW, to becoming a hardcore icon. Nobody has ever done that before, and I don't think anybody will ever do it again. He did a complete 180 and reinvented himself, not the usual ol' gimmick change, but completely reinvented everything. He's a legend, a trendsetter, pioneer, one of the greatest of all time. He was able to put on fantastic matches, cut amazing promos, he had a great look, he was reliable, nobody had a bad word to say about him. Terry Funk was truly one of a kind and will forever be remembered and loved for his contributions to professional wrestling."

[10.0] "Terry Funk wasn't just a wrestler--he was a living, breathing definition of what it meant to evolve in this business. From classic NWA showdowns in the '70s to reinventing himself as a hardcore icon in ECW and beyond, Funk adapted to every era without losing his identity. He wasn't the flashiest, but few could match his storytelling, toughness, and sheer willingness to give everything to the fans. A true "middle aged and crazy" legend who inspired generations of brawlers, hardcore fighters, and technicians alike. Funk's legacy is eternal--inside and outside the ring."

[10.0] "terry was truly timeless adapting his style through out his career. I would encourage fans to watch his matches with harley race, dusty rhodes, Jerry lawler, mick Foley and sabu you can see the evolution of his style and true impact on the business watching them fueds"

[10.0] "One of the few wrestlers who is truly a "legend". In his 50's he was still having incredible matches and feuds in Japan and in ECW. His promos leading up to the first ECW PPV were incredible, especially when he spoke about how his father passed away before winning a world heavyweight title."

[10.0] "Words truly can't describe how amazing Terry Funk is, he's the kind of wrestler you just need to see it to believe it. There's a reason that so many people still discuss him as among the greats after so many years have passed, because he was the perfect wrestler. Terry Funk is one of the best babyfaces and heels of all time, people truly adored this man, especially in Japan being arguably the best gaijin wrestler of all time. While we all meme the "Forever" promo, people forget that people were actually emotional over it and Terry Funk really meant that much to the people. As a heel, this man was as insane as you could get, his level of commitment to hating his opponents is legendary, (i.e. "Dusty Sucks Eggs" shirt) you could really believe that he hated his opponents and that he was willing to do anything to put them down. His feuds with the likes of Ric Flair, Jerry Lawler, Cactus Jack, Harley Race to name a few are legendary for a reason, matches and segments that are still discussed to this day. He was also an incredible promo guy, feeling authentic as a heel and babyface, naturally could command people's reaction as either, was also very funny when insulting his opponents and always entertaining to listen to. He was a true ring general, knew how to work the crowd, was an amazing storyteller, great ring psychology, an innovator in hardcore wrestling, did everything he could to give back to the business, never was afraid to adapt to the times and learn to appreciate the newer styles despite them being way after his prime, man did moonsaults in his 50s for crying out loud, a true legend in America and Japan. Overall, Terry Funk is one of the all time greats to ever do it, a legend for a reason, he was a true innovator and influencer to wrestling, we're truly lucky to have a guy like him in this industry. R.I.P. Terry Funk"

[10.0] "I didn't come to appreciate how great Terry Funk was at everything a pro wrestler needs to be great at until late in his career with the feud against Flair. I've since watched many of his early work from the 70's in Japan. A one of a kind legend and the kind of personality that really doesn't exist anymore."

[10.0] "If you're looking for a wrestler who's as great in the ring as he is on the mic and who can adapt to all different styles of wrestling, Terry Funk is your man. This legend started in the territories era, conquered the NWA belt, pioneered extreme wrestling in Japan and had an amazing rivalry with Ric Flair and Sting in 1989 in WCW (MUST SEE). He put ECW on the map, was part of the Attitude era, won a belt at WrestleMania 14 and even stole the night at the One Night Stand PPV with his match against Edge and Mick Foley. It breaks my heart to see how bad his health was in his last days, and all for our entertainment... Thanks Terry. You're the best."

[10.0] "A hero to many. Was still taking hands down chair shots, blading, moonsaulting off ladders, or wearing them, and much more well into his late 50s when he needed both hips and knees replacing mid 40s. Always used to believe that if the bomb comes (hint: it won't) the only things left would be plastic, cockroaches and Terry Funk. Here's a frightening thought, if Funk's mortal then we all are. One of the greatest careers ever and if he's not a clear 10, then no one is."

[9.0] "A 52 year career that should be celebrated. Funk changed with the times and his body's limitation going from a great technical wrestler to hardcore legend. Could do it all in his career, in the ring, promos and got reactions from fans whether face or heel. Overall legend in his career RIP Terry Funk."

[10.0] "One of the best to ever wrestle. Was amazing in any company doing any style at any age. A true Pro Wrestler whose matches will stand the test of time. Even in the garbage that was the end of WCW he managed to be the best worker there and brought believability to a terrible product. A true legend in every sense of the word!"

[10.0] "Wahrscheinlich der Beste Brawler in der Wrestling Geschichte. Nie der Techniker wie es sein Bruder war aber das musste Terry Funk auch nie sein. Seine größte Stärke ist sein physische Charisma. Überall und selbst in späten Jahren war dies wirklich das einzige was ein Terry Funk Match brauchte um unterhaltsam zu sein. Wenn wir jetzt noch dazu zählen, dass Terry ein unfassbares Timing und absolute perfektion wenn es darum geht etwas real wirken zu lassen, gibt es wirklich wenige Wrestler die besser sind als Terry Funk."

[10.0] "The ultimate ideal of a professional wrestler. Basically did it all at the highest level possible for as long as possible."

[8.0] "ah Terry, how the fuck do I explain giving Terry an 8. I do like Terry, I enjoy his work in Japan (AJPW and hardcore stuff in IWA-Japan and FMW), and his feud with Ric Flair featured my favourite ever I Quit Match. His promo talents were high as hell. Terry could work multiple styles very well, he could be heel, face, technical, hardcore or brawler. But some of his signature spots and some of his mannerisms and selling aren't for me. Some Terry matches, I really dislike. But look, massive legend with some fantastic matches and feuds, and incredible versatility."

[10.0] "The wrestling, the promo and the fucking seriousness of everything. This guy reminds me of Moxley and Eddie Kingston as two modern wrestlers who are very good and take the whole art form very seriously. The major difference is that Funk's career went on forever and his promos would often induce tears and crying in those watching. At this point I can say he is one of the best ever."

[10.0] "In the conversation for Greatest of All Time. He could do it all: grapple, character work, hardcore, brawl, and serve as the name most dropped by fake tough guys like CM Punk."

[10.0] "He's the greatest. Top tier babyface and heel, both through exceptionally unique circumstances (most beloved gaijin ever, hated across several, short stints across territories). The better half of an all-time tag team with his brother. Among the best brawlers ever, a pioneer of hardcore wrestling, could keep up with the best technicians of his time, and out stooge anyone he shared the ring with. A one-of-a-kind seller that plenty have tried to imitate, though never fully replicated because really, how the hell does one pull off half the stuff that came to his mind like second nature? On top of all that, an inspired hater. Throwing a raw chicken in Dustin Rhodes' face. Telling a horse to f**k off after it tried to mule kick him. Donning a shirt with the text "Dusty Sucks Eggs". Thinking back on it now, he might've also been the one to throw that rubber chicken at Cody after his WM39 loss."

[10.0] "I'll come back and add more depth as to my reasoning in future but for now I want Terry Funk to be the first wrestler I leave a comment and rating on. Simply put for me Terry Funk is the single greatest of all time. Rip. 5 Stars."

[10.0] "The greatest wrestler to ever lace up a pair of boots in my opinion. His skill in every wrestling style is really what puts him over the top for me. Doesn't matter if it's death match/hardcore, american, strong style, lucha libre or technical he knew how to have the best match of the night regardless of the opponent. While he didn't always succeed in that aspect every Terry Funk match gave you something to remember after the show. Bret Hart and Ricky Steamboat are the closest to him but they don't have the same versatility as Funk did in his prime."

[10.0] "Terry Funk made you believe. He made you believe it was real and that everything he was saying was the God's honest truth in his mind. When thinking of top promo's, if Terry Funk doesn't come to mind, I think it's simply you have not watched enough of him. He's fantastic on the mic, he's fantastic in the ring, and there's a reason why he is so revered by fans and his peers alike. There is something in Terry Funk that many have tried to imitate and failed in all the years since he was a full time wrestler and that is legitness. You could believe he was crazy, you look at his program with Ric Flair, and you would've believed that a mad man was on the television screen. You look at his stuff with Lawler and again, you would've believed that a mad-man was on the screen. He had the weird ability to make you believe he was a legit madman but also a coward at the same time. He wasn't a cool heel, he was just a bad guy when he wanted to be and that's why he's so good."

[10.0] "If Terry Funk isn't in your top three at least, you need to re-evaluate your priorities. Funk was a master of all trades, from classic technical wrestling to deathmatches. In my eyes, Funk is the embodiment of the wrestling business. Wild-eyed and crazy, but ultimately entertaining and kind of beautiful."

[10.0] "The Greatest Professional Wrestler of All time, and also my number one favorite. He can do it all, any style of pro wrestling you want. From his technical wrestling, japanese pro wrestling, Hardcore wrestling, even sports entertainment. One of best talker in pro wrestling. In my eyes, he is the definition of professional wrestler and professional wrestling."

[10.0] "Terry Funk is the complete wrestler. There is not a style that Terry wasn't just good at, but excelled at. Whether it's showing his technical prowess in Japan in the early 70s, combining his technique with a stiff brawling style in the mid to late 80s, or losing his mind and going hardcore in the 90s, Terry Funk was a master of wrestling. He was able to cut a promo that would make you feel the entire range of emotions, he could flawlessly switch from face to heel (Watch the WrestleWar '89 post-match promo with Flair to see this at its peak) and Terry was above all else completely selfless and that is rare for a guy who could do pretty much whatever he wanted anywhere he went, but Terry always gave his all and put in everything he could to help develop those he had a chance to work with. Terry is just the best, period."

[10.0] "Terry Funk was arguably the greatest performer to ever come out of the Territory era. Not only he was a great wrestler and a personality but he did it for more than 40 years. He was either present or instrumental in the rise and most memorable moments of many wrestling promotions and performers. And unlike many of his peers who were very stubborn in changing with the times, terry not only evolve with the times but also did everything he could to build for the future. And there was never really a time where he wasn't a main featured guy or a time where he in one way or another didn't steal the show. He Could be a technician, a brawler, a hardcore wrestler (which he innovated most of it) or a high risk taker. He had the ability to always get over because he always knew how to read a crowd and adjust his presentation based on the audience he was performing. He was also famous for his numerous retirement matches which got to the point of being a joke within the industry. The Term "Greatest of all time" gets thrown a lot for a lot of performers. To Me "Greatest of all time" is not an individual, its a club and Terry Funk is right up there."

[10.0] "Now that he's gone, he is in everyone's all-time great conversation. And when you look at his career, it's hard to understand why he wasn't always in this conversation. He was relevant in so many different eras of wrestling, in so many different promotions, in so many different styles... I don't think there's anyone who can come close to something like that. Maybe Flair? Funk brought prestige with him everywhere he went; elevating places like ECW, FMW, and even late era WCW. The juxtaposition of him as an NWA champion and pioneer of deathmatch wrestling is an "only Nixon could go to China"-level mindfuck. Everywhere he went you could count on him for an entertaining match and a great promo. The guy really deserves a forensic career retrospective documentary; there's no one else like him in wrestling history. He had a run in so many different places and you got something good every time. Just look at his top ten matches here on cagematch- they span so many different styles, territories, and eras. That said, not *all* his matches are great, and if you're not into the deathmatch/hardcore style you're not going to like the majority of his matches that are easily accessible. Despite this, he belongs on most Mt Rushmores, especially the Mt Rusmore of promos. A+ promo, A gimmick, B in-ring. He's a strong 8 or 9 but his never-ending contributions to the sport push him up to 10. At the very least, you owe it to him to pull up a couple of his promos and give him the chance to convince you to watch some of his matches."

[10.0] "Terry is one of the top 10 wrestlers of all time, I have said this for years now. Its a shame it took his passing to remind me to sing my praises on my little soapbox here. His versatility in-ring as a technical whiz and a deathmatch legend is unmatched. His work on both sides of the pacific is legendary with great programs against Ric Flair, Harley Race, Atsushi Onita and most famously that egg sucking dog Dusty Rhodes. RIP to one of the innovators and icons of pro wrestling."

[10.0] "There is something about the way Terry Funk spoke - he was direct and unsettling, a gruff Texas-born rancher with a silver tongue that spewed malice. He was also gifted in the ring, particularly in his physical prime of the 70s. It was a feat in itself he was capable of delivering satisfying endings to the enthralling stories he had crafted with his voice. At times he was a methodical bastard breaking his opponents down physically and psychologically. Others a chaotic swarm who attacked before the bell even began or engaged in hardcore arena-wide brawls decades before it became in-fashion mainstream. Always he was mean. He knew that personal issues drew money, he was as believable, as real as it got. I am still discovering his work, I have barely even begun to scratch the surface of a fabled career that spanned generations, much of which is not easily available online. I think maybe more than any wrestler, I know I will be revisiting it throughout my lifetime. I am deeply saddened to see him go, his unique perspective on the world and the business will be greatly missed. Every wrestler should try to be like Terry Funk, to take something from his game. He got what this thing was about, better than anyone. The man who understood the sport of pro wrestling, at its finest essence, more than else ever has."

[10.0] "I didn't always appreciate Terry Funk, growing up with the attitude era I didn't fully understand who this old man called Funk was or why he was ECW World Heavyweight Champion over so many others. Looking back, I adore the man. An absolute great in his prime in the NWA and Japan who enjoyed a second prime as "middle aged and crazy" in ECW, WCW, WWF and abroad. Even as his years accelerated, he was called upon to provide credibility for matches in ROH, MLW and TNA and so many others. A hero and influence to many, his contribution is incalculable. FOREVER."

"I think Terry Funk is the only wrestler we can objectively agree on, and say he deserves to be inside a top 10 greatest of all time list. Doesn't matter if it is number 10 or 1, the things he accomplished in the Wrestling business can't be replicated. Every reinvention he did was successful. From being a crazy heel in Memphis, being the most over Babyface gaijin in Japan, being a hardcore pioneer, being a pure wrestler as the NWA champion, and getting into brawling matches in WCW. Like his theme song from Legends Of Wrestling said, he gave his all. Rest In Peace to the most passionate wrestler ever, Terry Funk. Goodbye, Texas Bronco. Since I made a new account after I lost my other's info, I'll give the rating here. 10/10"

[10.0] "The effect Terry had on wrestling was unfathomable. If something big was happening in wrestling, Terry was there. He could do it all and did do it all. Technical wrestling, brawling, sports entertainment, puro, deathmatch, etc. And he was damn near the best at all of em. Never a bad word said about this man. Left a mark on the wrestling world that will never ever be forgotten and will always be cherished. Rest easy Funker"

[10.0] "Some wrestlers are one of a kind and the Texas Bronco will never be replicated, he loved the wrestling so much that he always came back, worked on all the most importante promotions on the world and was an inspiration for a lot of wrestlers either as the Hardcore Icon or the Living Legend Terry Funk."

[10.0] "He's the greatest professional wrestler ever. Not "one of". He's the greatest. I don't care if you liked Hulk Hogan growing up, or John Cena got you into wrestling, or Ric Flair is "the man." Terry Funk was, is, always will be more important than any of them. Forever."

[10.0] "One of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. One of the greatest in-ring performers of all time. Was 1/2 of one of the greatest tag teams of all time, The Funks, with his real life brother, the legendary Dory Funk Jr. They are the only brother pair to have both held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. His father, Dory Funk Sr. was also a legendary wrestler. Achieved massive career longevity. Was extremely popular in Japan. One of the greatest Babyfaces of the 1970's. One of the greatest Heels of all time. One of the greatest promo artists of all time. One of the main guys that built ECW into a cult phenomenon. One of the early fathers of Independent Wrestling. Had great matches around the world. Feuds with Abdullah The Butcher, The Sheik, Cactus Jack, Harley Race, Ric Flair, Jerry "The King" Lawler, Stan Hansen, Bruiser Brody, Raven, Sabu, & Shane Douglas are legendary. Excellent tag team rivalry between The Funks vs. Jumbo Tsuruta & Giant Baba. The Funks became the first ever 3x AJPW Real World Tag League Tournament Winners. One of the most influential wrestlers of all time. One of the greatest sellers of all time. One of the greatest bumpers of all time. One of the best Ring Generals of all time. Incredible in-ring psychologist. Became one of the greatest & most influential Hardcore wrestlers of all time. Was the best in-ring performer in world over the age of 50 during the 1990's. Gave it his all in every match, and his body paid a heavy price for it. Highly charismatic. Held numerous championships all over territories & around the world. Was amazing at adapting to every decade & era that he wrestled in so that he never felt out of place. Wrestled for nearly every promotion that one could think of from the 1970's to the 2000's. UPDATED: RIP to the legendary Terry Funk!"

[10.0] "Terry Funk is the embodiment of what a wrestler is at their very best. I could go on and on about how good he was, across countless promotions, all over the world, over decades and many different styles of wrestling and audiences. The best ever."

[10.0] "The king of hardcore wrestling, Terry Funk is one of the greatest and most important legends in the wrestling industry. He is a true pioneer of the hardcore style, with many contributions to his name... simply spectacular and legendary."

[7.0] "Nobody did the crazy cowboy gimmick like Terry Funk! Guy could do the basic wrestling stuff, the brawling stuff, the hardcore stuff, and he even started doing moonsaults in his old age. Middle aged and crazy!"

[10.0] "Greatest all-arounder in history of this business. Absolute icon of wrestling, incredibly dedicated in every company and every match where he was involved in. Till his late 60s he took many impressive bumps on himself that many youngsters couldn't be ready to take. Huge respect for him."

[9.0] "Terry Funk was an excellent entertainer. He was best as a nasty heel and his feud with Ric Flair in 1989 will forever cement him in the top tier of wrestlers for me. He could be a little goofy and over-the-top at times, but that made him endearing to me. His friendship with Mick Foley was inspired and the fact that Funk put his body through so much over the years to entertain us makes me love him even more."

[10.0] "God tier professional wrestler. On every level. Storytelling, promos, adaption to companies and eras, in ring, outside the ring, interviews. Seriousness, comedy. Terry Funk is the perfect professional wrestler. Every young person should get a 10 hour tape of his work in the NWA in the 70s to protect his brother's world title reign, his feud with Jerry Lawler, his work in Florida with Dusty Rhodes, his Ric Flair work in the NWA in 1989, his ECW work from 94 to 97. And beloved back stage. He is the gold standard for professional wrestlers."

"Love this wrestler to death! There would ve no ECW without Terry Funk. There wouldbe no hardcore wrestling without Terry Funk. He always gives 100 percent for the fans. Future wrestlers could learn from Terry Funk."

[10.0] "Terry Funk is the GOAT both as a babyface in Japan and ECW (and his home territory) and a heel everywhere else (Crockett, Florida, Georgia, WWF). Great matches against Flair, Race, Abdullah & the Sheik, Hansen, Brody & Snuka."

[10.0] "Revolutionized selling, oddball, original, intuitive, he played a charming bronco and a mean 'Przewalski's horse' prior to the more sentimental 'Desperado' character. A very committed performer, one would feel they got their money's worth. Excellent diversity, ornery but always mobile, as early as there is footage, I'm watching."

[10.0] "Terry Funk is without doubt one of the best of all time. A truly one of a kind professional wrestler with some of the very greatest promos in wrestling history and a litany of classic matches. There is absolutely nobody else in professional wrestling quite like Terry Funk, and he undoubtedly deserves to be in the conversation for greatest professional wrestler to ever live."

[10.0] "Unrivaled longevity. VERY giving to other wrestlers, the fans and the entire business. Incomparable dedication to the craft and art of professional wrestling. Over all of the decades of wrestling, if Terry Funk is/was on: your eyes and mind are/were GLUED. Absolutely outstanding and beyond remarkable talent who could never have enough praise heaped upon him. A man that could do (almost) everything and whom you NEVER got tired of watching. One of the best in ring careers ever. If you've only seen his wild brawling latter years, you're missing out on alot - first and foremost watch his feud with Ric Flair. it's a nice "middle era Terry Funk" to cut your teeth on. Then go back and forth over the years and find some gems; he really does his best to bring out something memorable no matter who his opponent is. The older I get the more I love Terry Funk! On a scale of zero to ten, GIVE HIM A 50!"

[10.0] "From the young grappler and charismatic brother/tag team partner of the NWA world champion in the 1970s, to the moonsaulting deathmatch madman of the 1990s, Terry Funk reinvented himself as many times as he had retirement matches. Beloved in Japan, reviled in America, always ahead of the curve, and always in the world title scene for 20 years, one could make an argument that he is a dark horse candidate for the best wrestler to ever live."