Departures of note

Dorrance Earnest Funk, known professionally as Dory Funk Jr., was born on February 3, 1941, and became one of professional wrestling's most respected figures. He began his career in 1963 after finishing his college football career at West Texas A&M University, initially working in his father's Western States Sports promotion in Amarillo, Texas.

Funk achieved his greatest singles success when he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1969, holding the title for more than four years, the second-longest uninterrupted reign in the championship's history. He competed across North America, Asia, and Japan for promotions including All Japan Pro Wrestling, the WWF, WCW, and ECW throughout his decades-long career. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 alongside his brother Terry Funk.

Beyond his in-ring accomplishments, Funk's lasting legacy came through his Funking Conservatory wrestling school in Ocala, Florida, where he trained a generation of stars including Kurt Angle, Adam Copeland, Lita, Christian Cage, and Mickie James. He continued wrestling occasionally until 2017 and remained active in the wrestling community until his death on August 4, 2026, at age 85.