#wwe legends

[wrestlinghistorywithkay]

I am saddened to learn of the death of Dory Funk Jr. Funk passed away today at the age of 85. Dory was the son of Dory Funk Sr. , and the older brother of Terry Funk . Dory would begin his wrestling career in 1963 . Thus , he would have a background in football and wrestling while attending West Texas State University ( known as West Texas A & M University today ). His debut match would be in 1963 against Don Fargo. While in the NWA , Dory would become the second longest reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion by defeating Gene Kiniski in 1969. Therefore , he would also make history alongside Terry as the only brothers to hold the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Dory would be champion for almost five years before losing it to Harley Race in 1973. Funk would have rivalries with wrestlers such as Harley Race , Jack Brisco , and Gene Kiniski. He would also wrestle in AJPW , WWF , WWC , ECW , and on the independent circuit. His final match would be in 2024 in a Double Hell Current Explosion Death Match. He was 83 at the time.

Dory , thank you for all you have done. You’ve been an inspiration for so many wrestlers. I hope that you are reunited with Terry. My condolences go out to his family, friends , and fans . If you have a Dory Funk Jr story or a memory of him , please share them with me. I would love to know!

[wrestlinghistorywithkay]

Did you know that Jimmy Hart was in a band called The Gentrys?

( Jimmy is in the second row on the left. )

Hart was a vocalist in the band which formed in 1963. He was in high school when he was asked to audition for the band after the original singer left . Their most successful hit was ‘ Keep On Dancing’. He would begin his career in pro wrestling in 1978. In 1985 , he would have his own album called , ‘ Outrageous Conduct ‘. In September, Sun Records will be releasing an album consisted of vault tracks The Gentrys recorded. I am so excited and happy for Jimmy !

[wrestlinghistorywithkay]

Did you know that Kerry, Kevin , and David Von Erich are credited with being the first wrestlers to use entrance music constantly?

Kerry - ‘ Tom Sawyer ‘ by Rush

Kevin - ‘ Stranglehold ‘ by Ted Nugent

David - ‘ La Grange ‘ by ZZ Top

[wrestlinghistorywithkay]

Remembering the legendary, ‘ Mr. Wonderful’ Paul Orndorff, on the anniversary of his death. Thinking of his family, friends, and fans today.

[wrestlinghistorywithkay]

I would like to congratulate Cyndi Lauper on getting her first WWE action figure! The pop music icon was a huge part of the ‘ Rock N Wrestling ‘ era of the WWF/E in the 1980s. Lauper will be featured in a 3 pack alongside Captain Lou Albano and Rowdy Roddy Piper.

[wrestlinghistorywithkay]

Remembering ‘ High Chief ‘ Peter Maivia on the anniversary of his death. Thinking of The Rock and his family today.

[wrestlinghistorywithkay]

Did you know that Bruno Sammartino is the first Italian born WWE Superstar?

Sammartino was born in Pizzoferrato , Italy on October 6,1935. He and his family would survive World War II before migrating to America in 1950. Therefore , the Sammartino family would live in Pittsburgh. Thus , Bruno would become a bodybuilder before debuting as a professional wrestler in 1959. While working in the WWWF , he would defeat Buddy Rogers in 48 seconds to become the inaugural world champion. His first reign was a little over seven years . His second reign came in 1973 with a reign of over three years before retiring the same year. Sammartino would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013. He was pass away on April 18,2018.

[wrestlinghistorywithkay]

I would like to congratulate Rey Mysterio on becoming the new General Manager of AAA. I look forward to watching it every Saturday!