On the way home from Austin via Southwest Airlines, Terry Funk, the former professional wrestler, got on our plane in Dallas. I recognized him immediately. He’s in his early 60’s but still looks like he could probably whip about 90% of the population. He had on a cool t-shirt that had an outline image of a wrestler falling to the mat with the caption “I do my own stunts” underneath. He had a Texas flag-motifed hat with the caption “Funkster” on the front. My wife and I were waiting in line for the flight when he walked up to the counter … or I should say hobbled up. Wrestling has definitely taken a big toll on this man’s body. We got on the plane ahead of him. As he was walking down the aisle I reached out, tapped his bag, and complimented him on how I enjoyed watching him wrestle in the past. Terry Funk was more or less responsible for taking the “bad boy” concept to the next level and blazed a trail for all of the current professional wrestlers on the circuit. He stopped and very pleasantly thanked me and asked us where we were going and then continued on down to his seat. I was glad I said something to him.
August 27, 2009 at 12:02 am
My friend and I were at a recent convention in Cromwell,Ct. for pro wrestlers. This was the first time we had ever met “The Funkster” Terry Funk. He was so pleasant, and he seemed liked we knew him for ever. Just to let people know that there are 2 sides to the pro wrestler, we went to this convention to meet some of our friends we have not seen in over 20+ years.. Scott Hall (a.k.a.: Razor Ramon) , “The Greatest Wrestler on Gods Green Earth” Harley Race, and of course “The Funkster” himself Terry Funk along with a host of other wrestlers also the infamous Ox Baker whom we had met for the first time also, and many female wrestlers . We had the oppurtunity of a life time to get our pictures taken with them , and meet and make new friends like Justin credible, The Patriot, Spike dudley, the Patriot, and O.D.B., Justin’s wife Jill. and especially female wrestler: “Gorgeous” George. Inside the ring they have a persona to fulfill, but on the outside, they are just plain ol regular people like you and I… I have learned in the past that if you give respect to these wrestlers you will get it in return. (most of the time) from the so called heels (bad guys and girls). So if you have the oppurtunity to go to a convention or even to a live wrestling show remember that these are just good ol regular people out there to entertain and put on a show, but in fact the bumps and bruises, and the split heads , and injuries are for real. watching it on t.v. is fine but take the oppurtunity if you can to see a live show , and get to know some of the wrestlers they are truly nice people.