In a career spanning over six decades, WWE Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr. has seen it all. From his early days in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) to his later years in the WWE, Funk has been an integral part of the world of professional wrestling. One of his most enduring legacies is the countless world champions he has trained throughout the years. Wrestlinginc.com had the opportunity to sit down with Funk and discuss his experiences in training some of the WWE’s greatest world champions.
A Legacy of Greatness
Dory Funk Jr.’s training facility, the Dory Funk Jr. Wrestling School, has been a staple of the professional wrestling world for decades. Located in Tampa, Florida, the school has produced some of the most talented and iconic wrestlers of all time. When asked about the secret to his success, Funk credited his own experiences as a wrestler, as well as his ability to identify and nurture raw talent.
“You know, I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest wrestlers of all time,” Funk said. “Guys like Terry Funk, Edge, and Christian – all of whom have gone on to become world champions. I think the key to my success is that I’ve always tried to push these guys to be their best selves. I’ve never been afraid to tell them when they’re not giving it their all, and I’ve always been willing to put in the extra time and effort to help them develop their skills.”
The Making of a World Champion
One of Funk’s most notable pupils is Terry Funk, a WWE Hall of Famer and multiple-time world champion. When asked about his experiences training with Funk, Terry Funk recalled the intense pressure and high expectations that came with being a student at the Dory Funk Jr. Wrestling School.
“Dory was always pushing us to be our best,” Terry Funk said. “He had high expectations for himself, and he expected the same out of us. I remember one time, I was struggling with a particular move, and Dory told me that I was just going through the motions. He said that if I wanted to be a world champion, I needed to put in the work and commit myself fully to my training. That’s a lesson that has stuck with me to this day.”
The Art of Wrestling
Another student of Dory Funk Jr. is Edge, a WWE Hall of Famer and multiple-time world champion. When asked about the skills and qualities that Funk looks for in a wrestler, Edge praised his mentor’s ability to identify and nurture raw talent.
“Dory has a real eye for talent,” Edge said. “He can spot a guy who’s got potential, even if they’re not necessarily the most polished product. He’s got a way of bringing out the best in people, and that’s something that’s served me well throughout my career. When I was training with Dory, he taught me the importance of being a well-rounded wrestler – someone who can adapt to any situation and come out on top. That’s a skill that’s served me well, both in and out of the ring.”
The Legacy Continues
As the professional wrestling world continues to evolve, Dory Funk Jr.’s legacy continues to inspire a new generation of wrestlers. When asked about the future of the sport, Funk remained optimistic, crediting the hard work and dedication of wrestlers like Edge and Christian.
“The future of professional wrestling is bright,” Funk said. “There are so many talented young wrestlers coming up through the ranks, and I’m confident that they’ll continue to carry the torch for the sport. As long as we keep pushing the boundaries and innovating, I think the art of wrestling will continue to thrive.”
Backstage Insight
According to a WWE insider, the company is currently exploring ways to incorporate Dory Funk Jr.’s training methods into their own developmental programs. When asked about the potential impact of Funk’s training on WWE talent, the insider praised his unique approach to developing wrestlers.
“Dory’s training methods are second to none,” the insider said. “He’s got a way of identifying and nurturing raw talent, and his attention to detail is unparalleled. If the WWE can incorporate some of his techniques into their own programs, I think it could be a game-changer for the company.”
As the world of professional wrestling continues to evolve, Dory Funk Jr.’s legacy remains an integral part of its rich history. From his early days in the NWA to his later years in the WWE, Funk has been a driving force behind the sport, inspiring generations of wrestlers to come. As he continues to train and mentor the next generation of world champions, his impact on the world of professional wrestling will only continue to grow.