5 interesting facts you may not know about Terry Funk

WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk
WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk

When you hear the name Terry Funk, you instantly think of a legend that has given so much to professional wrestling.

The WWE Hall of Famer has had an incredible career. He's wrestled and won championships for promotions such as the NWA, ECW, WWE and All Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Regarded as the greatest of all-time by his friend Mick Foley, Funk is the son of the legendary Dory Funk who was also a professional wrestler based in Texas.

Following those words from Mick Foley, let's take a look at 5 things you may not know about Terry Funk.


#5. Terry Funk has appeared in a number of films

That's right, The Funker is a movie star, and has appeared in a handful of films, including one that starred the blockbuster actor, Patrick Swayze.

Road House, released in 1989, had Terry Funk appear as the character Morgan. The film generated over 30 million dollars during its stint at the box office.

Not only has The Funker worked with Patrick Swayze, but also Sylvester Stallone in the film Over The Top from 1987.

As you can imagine, Terry Funk is well connected in the world of Hollywood.


#4. Terry Funk has released music

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Terry Funk is a master of many talents, not only in the ring or on the movie screen, but also in the world of music.

Due to his popularity in Japan, Funk decided to release something for his fans, with the first being an LP entitled 'Texas Bronco' in 1983 it featured some interviews and some hits.

The second LP he released was by far his best. 'The Great Texan' was released in 1984 and featured Jimmy Hart and Eiji Nakahira. 'Barbara Streisand's Nose' was a popular hit from the LP.

Since then, we've not had any further hits released by The Funker.


#3. Terry Funk never really retires

Terry Funk in WWE
Terry Funk in WWE

It's true what they say, you're never truly retired from professional wrestling. Just ask Shawn Michaels, or even Mark Henry, after he cut that jaw-dropping retirement promo a few years back.

In Terry Funk's case, his retirement path has been a little different. Funk first retired from the business in 1983 and has since been in and out of retirement.

Funk's many retirements became somewhat of a comical aspect of his glittering career given that he had retired so many times.

In fairness to The Funker, with what he has put his body through for our entertainment, there is no surprise there were days he woke up and thought he was done.

#2. Terry Funk choreographed a fight scene in Rocky V

Closing Ceremony Red Carpet - The 72nd Annual Cannes Film Festival - Sylvester Stallone
Closing Ceremony Red Carpet - The 72nd Annual Cannes Film Festival - Sylvester Stallone

Terry Funk's many talents continued to surface, and in 1990 he was credited for another role. The Rocky franchise was a huge part of 70's and 80's, and continuously featured Sylvester Stallone as fictional boxer Rocky Balboa.

In the fifth installment of the film series, there was a street fight set between Rocky Balboa and his rival Tommy Gunn. So who better to call to choreograph the scene than our very own Terry Funk?

Terry Funk had a lot to offer and tried his hand at cherographing, something that he had been doing for years inside the squared circle, all around the world.

Judging by the success of the film, The Funker did an exceptional job behind the scenes.


#1. Terry Funk is a former World Champion

Terry Funk on Monday Night Raw
Terry Funk on Monday Night Raw

Despite his insatiable appetite for hardcore wrestling, Terry Funk is a former world champion in multiple promotions.

Proudly, Funk is a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion and ECW World Heavyweight Champion. Funk won the historic NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1975 defeating Jack Brisco.

His accolades not only stopped there, he was voted PWI Wrestler of the Year in 1976, before having a Feud of the Year with 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair in 1989. He has even held championships such as the NWA Brass Knuckles Championship.

The list goes on, and years from now, people will still talk about Terry Funk's impact on professional wrestling.

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