If there was anyone synonymous with the words Professional Wrestling, it was the legendary Texan Dory Funk Jr. A man that represented his craft with respect, grit and earning his dues at a time when you had to be one tough son of a bitch in order to get in the door to this business.
His big break came in the form of becoming one of the greatest champions in the NWA when he won the title from Gene Kiniski way back in 1969. Over the next four years, he made that belt not look like some prop or fashion accessory, but a reign that made people understand the word Toughness. Wrestling night after night, 60 min broadways and wins over the best of the best in every territory. Carried the NWA on his shoulders that still holds merit to this day. It wasn't hype, it was pure dominance. Years later, his brother Terry won the belt. With that win, it will forever stand that Dory & Terry are the only brothers to hold the NWA Championship.
If Texas had a true man to call son, it was Dory. It was his home, enhanced its status in the Amarillo Territory with his father Dory Sr. and his brother Terry. It embodied what being a pro wrestler was at that point in time and that was hard-nosed believable wrestling. The territory wasn't full of flashy gimmicks, entrances and catch phrases, it made you believe in the villain and the hero using matches that were drenched in blood, showed technical skill and a level of ring psychology that set a gold standard.
Japan, was a place that not only Dory made his mark in, but was a pioneer along with a few others that sent the international territory into the stratosphere. He helped establish places like All Japan Pro Wrestling by wrestling the very best there with names like Giant Baba, Jumbo Tsuruta and many more. Unlike most guys who traveled abroad to the land of the east, Dory was more than just a mere attraction, he was treated like Royalty because he respected the culture and the business there.
Another thing he was well known for....Being the consummate professional. He kept his ego in check, didn't act like a circus clown and acted like a man towards the boys in the locker rooms. He showed up, did the work and made opponents look like a million bucks. That approach built a Hall Of Fame career while several today in the business that barely can talk build a lasting reputation.
His greatest contributions were really outside of his powerful in-ring career. Long after the championship reigns, the countless matches everywhere and setting the standard for the wrestling world, there came the Funking Conservatory where he trained a who's who of future talent such as Kurt Angle, The Hardy Boys, Edge & Christian, Mark Henry and many more. They were pushed in fundamentals, conditioning and professionalism. Dory never let up. If you really want to understand the word Influencer, Dory was the cream of the crop in that regard.
The legacy of a champion isn't measured by by just belts and HOF plaques, its through those that came after and got better because of the knowledge they gained within that champion's example and influence. Dory Jr. didn't need to be loud to be noticed, his wrestling and other work ethic did that for him.
Pro Wrestling holds a great debt of gratitude for him, he stepped through the ropes, pushed himself in workouts and left fingerprints that nobody will ever match. Respect the legends, Dory sure as hell earned his. RIP champ, say hi to Terry and your dad for us and may your spirit shine in every squared circle in this life and the next.
