Honoring Terry Funk & Bray Wyatt

As I proceeded with my daily routine concerning August 23 & 24, it brought an outlook on life. Anytime you hear news about loved ones & friends departing. This sad certitude begins sitting inside your mental psyche. Emotionally, there’s lingering heartbreak. I didn’t know these two individuals personally, but their innovations created a passion for the fans who endeared themselves to them. Terry Funk & Windham Rotunda ( Bray Wyatt) sadly left us regarding those somber August days. Each left behind massive legacies and will stay universally beloved by supportive wrestling viewers. Pundits mentioned evolving creators reference Wyatt & Funk. One represented his historic era, while the other embodied newer visions. 

For populaces watching professional wrestling/sports entertainment, numerous personality-driven characters mesmerized television screens and attended live events that drew your attention. Both men have commonalities separated via different times spent popularizing the genre. Unmeasurable intellect enhanced both presentations. Wrestlers must produce fascinating scenarios where stories portray deeper psychological meanings. It goes along with the in-ring brutality. Eyewitnesses analyzed entrances, promos, & surprising unpredictability correlating to an entertaining maddening. Authenticity merits originality. Society desires uniqueness by connecting with its heroes. Sometimes, we observe villainous personas in the wrestling environment improve & often accentuate our warriors of justice. Every film has an antagonist gimmick that provides crucial longevity to our classic sagas.

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Funk personifies a wild yet fearless competitor, respecting traditional methods but equally going against the norm. He understood his audience. The second-generation multiple-time professional champion mentored after learning to acclimate to certain wrestling styles. Terry Funk illustrated what compelled the fans to believe in him!!! Funk could wrestle Jack Brisco, Jerry Lawler, & Ric Flair, & nonetheless have some of the more documented, talked-about hardcore matches with Mick Foley. “ The Funker “ kept prolonging his career incredibly after coming out of numerous retirements. The legend broke down preverbal obstacles per bridging generational gaps. Territories became more notable thanks to Terry Funk. Headline names sought inspiration from this revered icon. Internationally, crowds started being enamored by Terry & Dory Funk Jr. From Amarillo, Texas, to Japan & nationally competing in NWA, WWF( WWE), WCW, & ECW. Funk taught Hollywood about respecting the wrestling profession. Terry retained Father Dory Funk Sr. & Brother Dory Funk Jr. He maintained honesty in defining his identity.

Picture-WWE

Wyatt symbolizes a similar genius to wrestling’s contemporary form of sports entertainment. The conceptual artistry generated contrasting philosophies, which assembled fresh twists on founded ideologies & captured wrestling’s ominous side regarding character development. Bray’s ingenuity spawned thrilling mental tales. He utilized thought-out storylines, conveying a manipulative persona. Fans quickly embraced “ The Leader of The Wyatt Family & The Fiend “ manifestations. Bray intrigued audiences by leading his swampy brethren flock as a cult-like leader. Later, Wyatt reimagined himself with ‘ The Firefly Funhouse’ depicting various temperaments & talking with these bizarre Funhouse creatures. It reminded you if Mr. Rogers went scary. Bray Wyatt followed that up by debuting another characterization of carrying the lantern again while introducing us to “ Uncle Howdy!!! “ The third-generation superstar executed precisely via interviews. Unconventional capabilities inside the ring engaged viewers. Wyatt’s storied linage came genetically crafted. His family is Father Mike Rotunda, brother Bo Dallas, Grandfather Blackjack Mulligan, and uncle Barry Windham. Wyatt invented his recognition. We learned from other WWE stars. Bray Wyatt had one infectious laugh & a willingness to assist new wrestlers. 

Everyone talked positively about both men & sharing fond memories during interviews. Terry Funk was 79, and Bray Wyatt was 36. Each countless Champions, one a WWE Hall of Famer & one who soon will be in the Hall of Fame!

We send our condolences & prayers to their families, fans, & peers. Thank you for the memories. We celebrate your lives. We’ll miss them.

Rest in Peace to Terry Funk 1944-2023) & Bray Wyatt (1987-2023). 

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