In a piece of news that has rocked the world of pro wrestling, WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk is reportedly suffering from dementia.
Wrestling legend “Magnificent” Don Muraco revealed on his Magnificent podcast that after being diagnosed with dementia, the 77-year-old was currently living in an assisted living facility in Amarillo, Texas.
Reports from PWInsider have also backed the claims, saying “Funk’s health issues “have gotten progressively worse over the last year in the wake of the passing of his wife Vicki.”
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As the word started to spread, Funk’s manager confirming the reports tweeted: “Yes, Mr. Funk is currently receiving residential care for his multiple health issues, which do affect his mind as well as the rest of his body. As you can imagine, some days are better than others. He & his family appreciate all of your kind words! FOREVER!”
In the wake of the news, World Wrestling Entertainment sent a heartfelt message to Funk and his family. “Few have as much fight in them as Terry Funk. Wishing all the best to the WWE Hall of Famer and his family.”
The whole of the wrestling fraternity came together to express concern about The Funker’s health.
“Terry Funk is the greatest wrestler I have ever seen. No one made it easier to believe than The Funker,” posted Mick Foley on Twitter, one of Funk’s closest friends who had many matches with the wrestling legend.
Meanwhile, former WWE wrestler CM Punk on Instagram wrote: “Just thinking about Terry. Easily one of the greatest. Paid the price. Sending love positive vibes to everyone.”
However, former professional wrestler Thomas James Laughlin, popularly known as Tommy Dreamer, provided an update on Twitter about Funk’s health. Laughlin said that he spoke to Funk over call and he was “not in bad health.”
“Everyone needs to relax. I just got off phone w/ Terry Funk. He is NOT in bad health. He loves everyone talking about him. Direct quote from Funker. I’m currently sitting in an assisted living place w/my thumb up my ass Whistling Dixie but I don’t remember the words,” Laughlin wrote.
Terry Funk joined WWE (then WWF) in 1985 before leaving for WCW a year later. During Funk’s return to WWF, he teamed up with Mick Foley and the duo later went on to win tag team gold, beating the New Age Outlaws.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 before making his final appearance nine years later on March 31, 2016, in an episode of RAW where he gave a pep talk to Dean Ambrose for his match against Brock Lesnar.
