Dory Funk Jr, a WWE Hall of Fame inductee and former NWA world heavyweight champion regarded as one of professional wrestling's most influential figures, has died at the age of 85. WWE confirmed his death on Tuesday, paying tribute to a career that spanned decades and included work as both a competitor and a trainer who helped develop numerous future stars.

Funk began wrestling professionally in 1963 after completing his college education, going on to compete across the world and hold the NWA world heavyweight title. Beyond his in-ring achievements, he was widely respected within the industry for his role training generations of wrestlers, cementing a legacy that extended well beyond his own championship career.