Dory Funk, Jr. (born February 3, 1941) is a professional wrestler and wrestling trainer. He is the son of Dory Funk Sr. and brother of Terry Funk. He is credited with the invention of the Texas cloverleaf submission hold, and runs the Funking Conservatory, a professional wrestling school. His students and friends participate in a wrestling show, local to Ocala, Florida, called !BANG!. Dory Funk Jr.'s career in professional wrestling began in January of 1963 just after a college football career with West Texas State University culminating in a 15 to 14 victory over Ohio University in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas.
Dory Funk Jr.'s first match was a victory over Don Fargo in Amarillo, Texas. West Texas State University All American Jerry Logan was in Dory Funk's corner and Fargo's brother, Jim was in his corner. Dory was also supported by the whole West Texas State University football team and the Tascosa High School amateur wrestling team. Dory was doing his student teaching as coach of the Tascosa High wrestling team under Coach James Kyle.
Dory Funk Jr. went on to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship from Gene Kiniski on February 11, 1969 in Tampa, Florida and remained NWA World Champion for the next four and a half years which is the longest uninterrupted reign of any NWA World Champion. He and his brother, Terry Funk, are the only brothers in history to both hold the title.
Funk finally lost the NWA World Championship on May 24, 1973 after a hurried recovery from a pickup truck accident on his father's Flying Mare Ranch in west Texas. Dory was forced into the ring in Kansas City, losing the belt to Harley Race.
He performed regularly throughout the NWA, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic, Georgia, Florida and Central States regions, through the 1970's and early 1980's. In January 1986, Dory made his WWF debut in a team alongside his brother Terry.
His brother, Terry, appeared in the 1978 Sylvester Stallone movie Paradise Alley.
Funk is now the Coach of the Funking Conservatory Professional Wrestling School and teaches the Dory Funk Method of Professional Wrestling. Dory's students include Kurt Angle, Matt & Jeff Hardy, Lita, Mickie James, Chris Sabin, Christian Cage, Rhino, Christopher Daniels and others.
| Preceded by: Gene Kiniski | NWA World Heavyweight Champions | Succeeded by: Harley Race |
1941 births | American professional wrestlers | Funk wrestling family | Living people | People from Texas | Professional wrestling executives | SMW alumni | Stampede Wrestling alumni
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