Last night, the WWE returned to the USA Network and Netflix with a live episode of Friday Night SmackDown from the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA. The night’s focus was on paying tribute to the late WWE Hall of Fame member, Dory Funk Jr. As the show began, the iconic “WWE Then. Now. Forever. Together.” opening theme played, setting the tone for an evening of celebration and remembrance.
The night kicked off with a poignant “In Memory Of” tribute to Dory Funk Jr., showcasing his illustrious career and numerous accolades. The tribute featured a montage of Funk’s accomplishments, including his time in the WWE, as well as his notable feuds and matches. The fans in attendance were visibly moved by the tribute, with many in attendance standing in respect as the video played.
Background on Dory Funk Jr.
For those who may not be familiar, Dory Funk Jr. was a legendary professional wrestler, best known for his time in the WWE (then WWF) during the 1970s and 1980s. Funk was a member of the WWE Hall of Fame, class of 2009, in recognition of his contributions to the sport. He was a two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion and a six-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion. Funk’s wrestling career spanned over four decades, and he was known for his technical grappling skills and charismatic personality.
Storyline History
Funk’s legacy has continued to be celebrated in the WWE over the years, with various wrestlers paying tribute to his memory. In recent months, the WWE has been promoting a series of matches and storylines centered around the “old school” style of wrestling, which Funk was known for. This has led to a renewed focus on technical grappling and hard-hitting matches, which has been met with enthusiasm from fans and wrestlers alike.
Fan Reaction Analysis
The fans in attendance at the Xfinity Mobile Arena were visibly moved by the tribute to Dory Funk Jr. Many in attendance were seen standing in respect, with some even tearing up during the tribute. The energy in the arena was palpable, with fans chanting “Dory! Dory!” throughout the night. The tribute served as a reminder of the WWE’s commitment to honoring its legends and preserving the history of the sport.
Future WWE Implications
The tribute to Dory Funk Jr. serves as a reminder of the WWE’s ongoing efforts to promote and celebrate the history of professional wrestling. With the rise of streaming services and social media, the WWE has been able to reach a wider audience and share its rich history with fans around the world. The tribute also serves as a nod to the WWE’s ongoing commitment to preserving the legacy of its legends and promoting the next generation of wrestlers.
Conclusion
Last night’s episode of WWE SmackDown was a poignant tribute to the late Dory Funk Jr. The tribute served as a reminder of the WWE’s commitment to honoring its legends and preserving the history of the sport. As the WWE continues to promote and celebrate its legacy, it’s clear that the impact of Funk’s career will be felt for years to come.
Quotes
“We are honored to pay tribute to the legendary Dory Funk Jr. His dedication to the sport and his contributions to the WWE are immeasurable. We will continue to celebrate his legacy and the history of professional wrestling for years to come.” – WWE Chairman and CEO, Vince McMahon
“We are grateful to have had the opportunity to pay tribute to Dory Funk Jr. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate us, and we will strive to honor his memory with our own dedication to the sport.” – WWE Superstar, John Cena
FAQ Section
Q: What was the main focus of last night’s episode of WWE SmackDown?
A: The main focus of last night’s episode of WWE SmackDown was a tribute to the late WWE Hall of Fame member, Dory Funk Jr.
Q: What was included in the tribute to Dory Funk Jr.?
A: The tribute featured a montage of Funk’s accomplishments, including his time in the WWE, as well as his notable feuds and matches.
Q: How did the fans react to the tribute?
A: The fans in attendance were visibly moved by the tribute, with many standing in respect and chanting “Dory! Dory!”
Q: What are the future implications of the tribute to Dory Funk Jr.?
A: The tribute serves as a reminder of the WWE’s ongoing efforts to promote and celebrate the history of professional wrestling.