WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk died on Wednesday at the age of 79.
Jim Ross, who has known The Funker for the past five decades, spoke with Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso on Wednesday, shortly after the tragic news was announced. JR was quoted as saying that he is still amazed by Funk’s ability to redefine pro wrestling.
“I loved him like family,” Ross said. “Terry was a brilliant mind. Absolutely amazing ring psychology. He was physically and mentally as tough as a $2 steak.”
Barrasso emphasized how Funk’s legacy will live on for generations, and how Funk created his own legacy, one that not even death can erase. Funk, according to Ross, is irreplaceable.
“Terry Funk is irreplaceable,” Ross said. “There will never be another.”
On November 15, 1989, the NWA’s Clash of The Champions IX: New York Knockout event featured Funk and WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair in one of their most influential matches. The “I Quit” match lasted nearly 20 minutes, with Flair winning. This was the final Flair vs. Funk match of the era, as they would not face each other again until 2000 in WCW. Ross, who was on commentary with the legendary Gordon Solie that night, stated that this is one of his all-time favorite matches.
“That match still stands the test of time,” Ross said. “One of my all-time favorites in my near 50 years in pro wrestling. Terry was special. And he was brave enough to reinvent himself multiple times.”
Below is video of Funk vs. Flair’s “I Quit” match, as well as Flair’s podcast comments on the historic match:
