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96. Terry Funk
He’s been middle-aged and crazy for about 20 years now defying the laws of time itself. Its not great that he is the blue print for wrestlers that are washed up trying to stick around in order to make money, but Terry Funk has always been of great quality. I wasn’t born yet when he one his first and only NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1975 but like most people my age he came to my attention when he joined Extreme Championship Wrestling.
For those people that are older than me they’ll think I didn’t put Terry Funk high enough, for those enough younger than me might think he doesn’t belong on the list. I have to admit I’m not very familiar with his career until the 1980’s so forgive my ignorance. I know the hardcore icon, and that is the man that made it on my list for better or for worse. Some of my favorites of all time consider him one of the greatest to based on that alone he makes my list.
Terry Funk was one of the best wrestlers I’ve ever seen that could make you love him, than laugh at him and then hate his guts. His mic work was truly impressive and is one of the main reasons why he’s on the list. He was also a tremendous brawler from what I’ve seen, and was in some truly epic hardcore wars. I assume that he’d be higher if I saw more of him. He’s not only one of my favorites but one of the best of all time holding the NWA Championship when it really meant something and helping ECW gain legitimacy.
Favorite Moment:
After another tremendous match between Ricky Steamboat and Ric Flair Terry Funk came out of the announce position. When he began to talk to Ric Flair he was very complementary. He congratulated Flair on his victory and asked the new world champion for a shot at the title. Ric Flair denied Funk his request and than Funk proceeded lay in a brutal beating on Ric Flair, classic Funk going from lovable to brutal in seconds.
Favorite Match:
Beulah, Terry Funk, & Tommy Dreamer v. Edge, Lita, & Mick Foley (Six Man Tag Team Match, ECW One Night Stand 2006)
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