Jim Cornette on Terry Funk

From Episode 178 of Jim Cornette's Drive Thru
Artwork by Travis Heckel!
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[@EwanCumia]

Any and all wrestling fans are devastated. We'll all miss Terry Funk.

[@gordonirvine726]

"I can't convince them that wrestling is real, but I can convince them that I'm real" Terry Funk, Legend.

[@Kas58223]

That can’t be an act or that guy is really crazy - Joey Styles

[@kylemcgill2966]

What a quote!

[@WorldCupWillie]

Except Jim said Johnny Valentine said it. Go to 7:20

[@richardbailey2224]

​@@WorldCupWilliemilkman k l k lll 0:00 l

[@dealt]

RE: the moonsault... I said, "Terry what are you doing?" And he said "Corny, I don't know" I popped for that.

[@sinicalypse]

He came out of a box in WWF. Everyone gets over when they come out of a box, right Vince? #RussoMarksUnite

[@sugartbube]

Huge POP!!!

[@Kas58223]

Terry Fucking Funk the living legend what hasn’t been said bout him that barbed wire match with Sabu was one of the most vicious matches I saw how did Sabu continue on tearing his bicep up like that nuts

[@Brando-Lee3725]

YES brother !!! i never get tired of hearing this story !!! lol !!!! i watched in real time when i first seen him do it in ECW , i lost my mind !!!! Also once he went under the ring and grabbed a tool box , hoisted it over his head and hammers , lug nuts , wrenches etc .... rained down on his head cause it wasnt locked ! Terry did his drunken stooper stagger and fell down !!!! no idea if he did it on purpose or not . but it was TOOO DAMN FUNNY !!!! and my God it had to leave some LUMPS !!!!

[@evellegend]

That made me laugh outloud..

[@Deo499]

As sad as it is, Terry's condition shouldn't be too much of a surprise. He retired only about 4 years ago, already in his 70s. The abuse he took throughout the years was chasing him down at a 1000mph but Terry lived so fast he was going 1005mph so it never could catch up to him. Then he retired, slowed to 0mph, and all that abuse suddenly hit him like a truck. He deserves all the praise he gets for being such a legend and having such a HUGE legacy and influence.

[@davidratty2242]

That was deep.

[@rogueprince1341]

It sucks seeing people like him and Sabu putting their bodies through hell and then they retire with far less money then they should.

[@rogueprince1341]

@King Leopold someone on youtube being an asshole? How original. How about you try being a decent person and instead of insulting someone online which is a total bitch move to begin with how about you try making your point without being a douche nozzle.

[@jaimethesnake3284]

@King Leopold doubt he thought the tripe you wrote was deep, buddy. Stick to arguing with people on KZbin, you're less William Shakespeare and more Billiam Shakespeare.

[@jaimethesnake3284]

@King Leopold I see that twat "brilliance ", keep it up.

[@michaelmendoza6557]

RIP To A True Legend!!!!! Terry has gone home to attend to his horses in Heaven.... He feels no pain and is truly at peace now

[@55chevy327]

I grew up in Amarillo. I ran into Terry at a local gas station. I was probably 12 at the time. We made eye contact and I froze. He smirked and went on with what he was doing. Not sure what I was expecting him to do, but I was thrilled he didn’t hurt me.

[@fiatfan83]

RIP, just replay this!

[@mjcastro82]

Just heard the news and I know JC and Brian will have something to say later, but I had to listen to JC talk about Terry right now. RIP

[@jakeinator722]

Terry sacrificed his body for our entertainment. How can I ever thank him all these years? To me, he is the greatest to ever wear a pair of boots.

[@stephensmith5724]

WWE should pay for his hip surgery

[@Kas58223]

That’s what the ECW crowd connected with him that he would sacrifice his body and he was willing to make new wrestlers coming up how many legends did what funk did and for Funk to win the ECW heavyweight belt emotional

[@corysmith8518]

Funk it all...

[@corysmith8518]

Funk it all...

[@pooddescrewch8718]

If we care about these guys we would frown upon them destroying thwmselves for a pop

[@rude73dog]

I knew of Terry Funk prior, but when he cut Brutus Beefcake with a spur on the forehead on WWF TV, I was grossed out as a kid. Rest in peace legend Terry Funk

[@liquiddrifter9052]

I used to bathe his dog "Tooter" I miss seeing him around town one of the true Amarillo Legends.

[@pooddescrewch8718]

I am suprised that Amarillo isn't remamed Funkville

[@TheRustedShackleford]

It's really sad to hear Terry in so much pain. He gave so much just to entertain a bunch of us morons.

[@retrokoh1507]

I remember when he appeared just a few short years ago with Ambrose on Raw. Now 2020-2021 Terry... good lord, Father Time ravaged him something fierce... :'(

[@ogmagicman546]

What did you expect 😂

[@coreyhall1150]

@@retrokoh1507 Him and Foley.

[@retrokoh1507]

@@coreyhall1150 100%. not long ago, I would've argued to a lesser extent, but it's very clear as of right now that it's been catching up with him big time.

[@neosgx96]

Favorite Terry Funk story is from Jerry Lynn. Jerry sees Terry backstage during a show and tells him, "Man Terry you're moving around better than me". Terry; "Nyeeh, you're a lying son of a bitch". Lol. Long live the Funker, FOREVER!!!!

[@Evs78101]

Came here to say RIP Terry Funk 😢 a Texas Legend till the end

[@monkaykong]

RIP to the funker 1944-2023

[@p.d.l7023]

I remember when Terry Funk used to say "Im middle-aged and crazy!!!" That was 35 years ago. Even the Grim Reaper fears Terry Funk.

[@1alsturgeon]

Terry sadly lost his wife two three years ago. That'll weigh down on you too. Think the ol' cowboy has hung up his hat for the last time.

[@MichaelSmith-fq6hz]

RIP Terry Funk. Forever

[@ryneisthedino6531]

He just passed away today im way to young to have seen him on TV. I became a huge fan after seeing road house and went back and looked at some of his old matches my personal favorite being the empty arena match I saw on KZbin RIP Terry Funk

[@nerdrage557]

Man is an absolute hero in wrestling. Went from being a star in Texas during the territory days to WWF and Japan to ECW putting himself through barbed wire. Respect

[@manuelper]

His cup of coffee in 1989 with Flair is some of my favorite Funk. Funk putting a plastic bag around Flair's head trying to practically kill him is some classic Funk.

[@dirtmcgirt8269]

1 of the all-time greats

[@dirtmcgirt8269]

@@manuelper Him trying to take out Lawler's eye w/ a splintered piece of wood is fukn awesome too.

[@MidTennPews]

@@dirtmcgirt8269 that's one of my favorite moments.

[@richardcoreno]

Terry Funk has always found time for fans -- and if he feels it's now time to back fully away from the spotlight.....so be it.

[@MarquisLeary34]

Seconded. I just want him to be well. :(

[@spectrumlocalb191]

In working for The Philadelphia Spectrum for years The Funks and The Briscoes met one month when all worked for The WWF. Terry brought all 4 together in the back of the Spectrum so I could get a picture in the middle of all 4 and started a friendship between Jack Briscoe and I. I love Terry what a great guy.

[@troykennedy1087]

Terry has given every cell in his body to the business. Words do not do him justice.

[@jimreily7538]

Well said

[@dankennedy9687]

Never forget when Terry came to lunch at my elementary school. I was in the same second grade class as his youngest daughter.

[@urbanraida]

Quite possibly, when everything is weighed up, Terry Funk was the most versatile to ever perform the craft.

[@maxrox2363]

The fact he's still alive is unreal.

[@symbiote1982pk]

the film with the witch girls?

[@urbanraida]

@@symbiote1982pk Yup. Deleted scenes.

[@ericdies9351]

I loved the empty arena match with Lawler. Terry was doing has thing, making a spectacle of himself and Lawler was looking at him like what is he gonna do next.

[@NinkyStigger]

He lost his wife of 50 years as well I mean Terry from here on out just needs to smell the roses and enjoy the sunsets...just enjoy the rest of your days and your once in a lifetime legacy Mr. Funk

[@jeffreyreinhart1882]

The memphis wrestling episode where Terry rips off Jim's pants is pure gold, still the funniest promo I've ever seen. God bless Terry Funk

[@quincee3376]

RIP Terry Funk.

[@mattclark8746]

Beyond the Mat was over 20 years ago, and Terry was in a lot of pain back then. I'm sure the loss of his wife, Didn't help. Absolute legend

[@staylifted2326]

Lol beyond the mat? How about forever hardcore xD

[@symbiote1982pk]

@@staylifted2326 howabout no?

[@MJ-gq5kg]

RIP Terry Funk ❤

[@NEILAMALONE]

Terry has sadly struggled with his health since at least early to mid 2015. He was ill around the time Dusty Rhodes passed away, he was booked to come over to Scotland that year but really struggled with even the short trip to Dusty's funeral. Terry is absolutely one of the most beloved legends in the business. Best wishes to him, hope he can be taken care of medically to help him with any pain.

[@michaelallanrubin2376]

Did he always get along with dusty? Bischoff said they had tension at times

[@typhoon5040]

@@michaelallanrubin2376 Normal people feel tension at times otherwise they are to cowardly to express their thoughts

[@NEILAMALONE]

@Kevin Michaud yeah, but it was around then when his health sadly deteriorated further. Until then he was doing appearances, conventions etc. Since then he had had issues around illness etc. such as a hernia that he had an operation for in 2016 and has struggled it seems for the past few years.

[@palecurve]

Growing up watching and loving Terry, it kills me to hear that clip of him. Damn.

[@elijahchesterthomas5334]

Terry had that drunken cowboy style. It looked Goofy but it just look like a drunken Cowboy if he got hit in the head. Stumble but never fall and when he did that's when he gets serious again. True master

[@dirtmcgirt8269]

Drunken Cowboy, crazy old man, the broken down babyface. Just an incredible professional wrestler.

[@misfyt_mcfly3084]

Best moments of Funk. Wrapping barbed wire around himself and doing a moonsault and The Undertaker chokeslamming him clean out of his dad shoes.

[@ericroman2403]

Terry Funk has the most genuine face and voice.

[@austinbell483]

That was his super power. He could go from seeming so kind and soft-spoken, to unhinged with same look and voice.

[@Graterstuuf]

He had a face that was so real.

[@jphasson]

Even at 14 years old I could tell Terry was a cut above.

[@MilMaska]

"FOREVER" - Terry Funk

[@michaelmarino7391]

I will never forget that match with Terry & Mick Foley against Public Enemy in ECW. "Throw me a chair?" and the whole audience threw their chairs at them.

[@flathead1028]

Choked up a little during the “I’m Tired” recording.

[@stevenstokes464]

Funk vs Flair I Quit match from Clash of Champions IX is one of the greatest matches ever. It's rough and violent without crazy moves, buckets of blood, or weapons being used. The story telling is so great that you believed that these two men actually hated each other. I've never read or watched anything where a person had a bad thing to say about Funk. He's done his time and earned the respect he deserves.

[@RichSmithson]

There is a doco in the mid 90s on Terry and a Dr is telling him then that his knees are gone and he needs multiple surgeries and he will probably be in an incredible amount of pain later in life. Then the next scene is Terry doing a moonsault in ECW and he continued to wrestle for what another 10 years? He's even tougher then Foley who knew when to quit. Terry also lost his loving wife of 44 years in 2019. I understand him saying "Im and old man and im tired" he probably wants to be with his wife again.

[@Smurffitness]

That documentary was "Beyond the mat"

[@Nemowrestling]

Beyond the mat

[@killharry]

Terry Funk will always be the G.O.A.T to me.

[@HollisArens-te2rv]

RIP Funker.

[@OnionSavoya-gm6op]

Terry's rap album changed my whole life.

[@jeffreylenoir1513]

Thank you Jim and Brian. To hear the Funk's History and Wrestling History.

[@BobbyG716]

RIP Terry Funk. True wrestling legend.

[@danofthedead1]

RIP Terry Funk. forever missed always remembered

[@cryptomnesiac]

I'm not a religious man but God bless Terry Funk!

[@justinentz-ip7bl]

My dad and jim are the same age terry was his hero. He is My dads hero. When we watched roadhouse the first time my dad explained to me who terry funk was and how terry funk would fuck swayze up lol.

[@camduke6]

RIP to the great Terry Funk 🙏🏾

[@jamesdriskill5784]

Still remember 1971 when I went to the matches for the 1st time and Terry was in a Russian Chain match against cyclone nego. It was so believeable, especially for a 7 yr old. Love this man for all he has done to entertain.

[@royalty843]

Prayers for Terry Funk either way

[@matthewgold4229]

Rip to a legend.

[@NickGerse]

Hate hearing Terry like that. Bless that man and all he’s done.

[@ronaldcaldwell5588]

I met Terry in the 80s. The NWA was in my town and having show on a Thursday. I was working at a mall & I saw a guy going up an escalate. He had curly black hair and a satin jacket with a bull's head on the back. I actually said to myself, that could be Terry Funk. Once he got to the top and started walking, I saw his face and I was surprised that it WAS him. I just happened to see my little sister and told her I saw him. So we went to were he was at (a restaurant), and we were able to see him but there was a glass wall. We were being very respectful. We waved to him and he motioned for us to come to him. He was so nice. Unfortunately I was not able to attend the show. But what a treat

[@justme4998]

terry funk is one of the toughest wrestlers to ever live. right up there with people like harley race and haku. a true legend. best wishes that he feels better soon!

[@bobofwinnipeg9455]

Dustin's tweet scared me . Told a friend and he was scared. We grew up on these hero's. Butch Reed & Black Bart passing on made us weary.

[@psychobluesfxt]

Terry Funk is fantastic. A wrestler's wrestler in 70s and 80s, then reimagined himself in the 90s and even the 2000s as the hardcore grandpa. Lot of fans should look up his stuff from his prime. He had a fantastic match with Hogan early in the Hulkamania era as a threat for the WWF title. He was also so popular in Japan that he and his brother were partly responsible for the move in puroresu from "locals vs foreigners" to traditional 'face vs heels."

[@allamaraine8066]

Just wanted to say thanks for the info. I've been on a wrestling kick, and right now I'm trying to do my homework on Funk. I came up during his Hardcore Grandpa stage, so I wanna catch up on a lot of the old stuff, and no one's mentioned that Hogan match or his influence on the switch to "face vs. heel" in Japan during my research.

[@colinjones4686]

R.I.P Terry

[@Dakatari]

Terry Funk is 77 years old so him being in some pain isn't unusual Prayers going out to Terry Funk

[@americandiablo]

Can you imagine the level of pain he's in after 52 years of wrestling bumps (1965-2017)????A 77 yr old banker's body is worn out. Imagine how bad Terry's body is? Godspeed Mr. Funk!! We Love you!

[@1youllneverwalkalone]

Terry Funk is Ozzy Osbourne of pro wrestling!

[@RealMexFoodShouldntGiveUDrrhea]

Gosh, that audio broke me. Life is a bitch.

[@chadk890]

I never get tired of watching the Flair vs Funk rivalry from 89.

[@markfroman738]

Hearing him scream during their “I quit” was iconic.

[@chadk890]

@@markfroman738 FACTS

[@williamflowers9435]

One of the best feuds ever!! Especially when you consider Flair became more the face and Terry the heel. Those guys are head and shoulders above any of today’s wrestlers

[@RELover5]

I'm only 25, and every time I see Terry I connect with him. Hard to describe. His work in All Japan in the 70's and 80's are stellar.

[@RELover5]

@Asta Mouf You ever kissed a girl?

[@freddesanantotx4905]

Texas is wrestling we love it,not that sports entertainment crap!

[@richardholland1266]

His heat gave Swayze clout in Road House.

[@TrayStephany]

Folks here to learn some extended Terry Funk history? RIP

[@MarquisLeary34]

The Funker is the very definition of a guy who's got nothing more to prove. If he never makes another appearance or signs another piece of merch, that request should be honored.

[@alfrede.neumann5513]

@Azphalazl Seprimanium Amen!

[@carlosortiz6742]

My favorite Terry moment was a raw show where he was wrapped in barb wire and he was begging anybody to help him. 😂 it was eerily hilarious.

[@Maxbear1112]

Terry Funk is just so universally loved and respected which is rare. If there's any current wrestlers that don't know anything about him or are not a fan should be removed from the business. So good. I'm going to go watch his empty arena match with Lawler now.

[@Xxrocknrollgod]

Terry Funk is a legend

[@joemamaluke]

He is, but also a derelict with addiction issues. He couldn't quit, even when it wasn't worth it financially to do the shit he did and now he's crying.

[@Xxrocknrollgod]

Jason Ramirez shut up

[@spinofthewheel5345]

@@joemamaluke what do u mean

[@manuelper]

@@joemamaluke Crying? He was telling a friend that he was in pain and that friend put it out there to the world. Funk is also tired of people sending him photos, he's near 80 ffs. You wish you were half the man Funk was.

[@joemamaluke]

@@manuelper No, you do. That's why you're so butt hurt. Sucks to be you, Manuel.

[@seanahern7426]

Terry was a chameleon in the perfect sense. Any promotion he could fit the style to a tee and become a legend.

[@aretnap3653]

Terry Probably Doesn't Wanna See His "YoungerSelf" in Action any more. 😢

[@originalsleepyjon]

One of the last of a dying breed. Thank you for sacrificing your body and health for our entertainment for SO LONG. Terry Funk does not get as much credit as he deserves.

[@aegonthedragon7303]

Terry Funk is a wrestling legend and icon. Did all the ECW stuff in his mid 50’s and still continued to go on strong.

[@bobbarnett4926]

Terry pulled so many stunts at me when I shot videos. I ran from him so many times. He bled all over me in Honolulu in 73 when Sheik did his pencil fest

[@TheReelAnalyst]

rip terry funk

[@Smeeeeeghead]

Terry Funk is among the best wrestlers ever. Glad that Dustin Rhodes acknowledges that. Get well soon, Terry!!

[@ronxxf]

I'm watching Terry Funk vs Stan Hansen (WWA 06.23.1990) where they wrestle in a Lake. Who/what was WWA? I may have seen Funk in WWF in the mid 80's but don't remember, I do remember Funk vs Sabu in XPW early 2000's, it was great.

[@matthewgonzales3970]

Man, Texas was great for wrestling in the territory days. Southwest, WCCW, Houston, Amarillo. I grew up with both Joe Blanchard's Southwest and WCCW on local TV on weekends. We got cable in 78, so we also got Georgia on TBS and WWF on WOR-TV. Weekends were wrestling heaven.

[@koreymervenne3457]

I remember his documentary back in the late 90s and 2000s about the pain he endured....and he’s toughed up another 20 plus years! Get well 70s/early 80s GOAT!

[@corysmith8518]

Terry Funk...Always a Legend. There will never be another Terry Funk. Thanks for all the great moments and memories. 😎👍🍻🍻🤪

[@YeTism]

The fact he’s still alive is a miracle of modern medicine

[@kentking7201]

Terry Funk was the greatest wrestler of all time. Grew up watching him in the Amarillo. One of the nicest guys you will ever meet. I miss the old Amarillo's NWA territory. God Bless Terry.

[@richardremick1639]

Terry passed away today I’m so sad I loved terry funk ❤

[@TLOWNSU]

Sorry if this was mentioned in the video, but to show how over Terry Funk was in Japan in the late 70s/early 80s, in the popular Manga "Kinnikuman" one of the main characters was based on him (Terryman).

[@WinnersDontUseDrugs]

Brian really hits the nail on the head about how crazy over he was in Japan. I wish I’d appreciated the man more while he was still with us, but his passing has made me go back and watch a lot of his matches and I really love the ones in Japan especially for how the fans will occasionally yell out “Terry!” during them.

[@justafanofnerdculture7602]

"Corny, I don't know!" 😄 Much, much respect for the legendary, Terry Funk. His LJN WWF figures is one of my favorites from that line and is proudly displayed along with my other wrestling figures collection. Really hate to hear that he's suffering. Not surprised by this, but still hate to hear it. I wish him the best. By the way, love the transition to the mattress plug...Hilarious!! 😄

[@theoutlawbiggtrouble]

I see Terry every few weeks. He's a customer of mine here in Amarillo. Every time I see him, he is in a lot of pain. A very tough SOB tbough! Always very nice! Also knew Gordon "Mr. Wrestling" Nelson before he passed away here in Amarillo.

[@TheMistaRich]

I was lucky enough to see Terry in action at a WCW event in London Uk in a "hardcore" match against Dustin Rhode. A roast chicken was brought to the ring by Terry and used as a weapon. After the match, Terry referred to Dustin as a "Chicken choking pecker head" 😁

[@seancuebas2332]

Flair and Funk in 89, I quit match, that whole feud is one of my all time favorites. Funk’s selling and his theatrics were at an all time high!!

[@zamplify]

I watched his 5 star match with Flair last night. I literally believed every second of everything Funk did, it was amazing.

[@alecaquino4306]

That audio of Terry breaks my heart every time I hear it. :(

[@joewalker8037]

I love when Jim goes into the time machine. What a wonderful story teller. 5 STAR CLASSIC!!!

[@Capt._Cheese_Balls]

Thank you Funk.

[@harveycryst222]

R.I.P. Terry ❤

[@karthusjack6857]

Goddamn there's even an anime character in japan back in the 80's called "Terryman" in kinnikuman series.

[@georgesalgado8783]

I'll never forget him getting kicked at point blank range by a big horse in a match with Candido. He brushed it off and insulted the horse. Get well soon Terry. One of the greatest ever.

[@thaycollis]

RIP Terry Funk