WWE’s CM Punk recently shared his thoughts on the late wrestling legend Terry Funk, highlighting him as the toughest and most realistic performer he ever faced in the ring. In a discussion on the “My Mother’s Basement” podcast, Punk revealed that Funk’s punches looked so genuine because they were truly stiff, recalling a moment when Funk questioned why Punk hit him so hard, to which Funk responded that he was an “old man,” yet still tough. Punk first wrestled Funk in 2003 and continued to team up with him in tag matches the following year. He also recounted how he once took a chair shot from Funk, which led him to respond with hard punches, firing up their rivalry.
Funk was a major influence on Punk, inspiring his passion for wrestling since the ‘80s and contributing to the development of Punk’s “Ricky Rabies” character on the show “Heels.” Funk’s legacy as a fierce and iconic figure in wrestling continues to resonate deeply with Punk and many other wrestlers.
Fan Take: This story reminds WWE fans of the raw, old-school intensity that wrestlers like Terry Funk brought to the ring, setting a standard for authenticity and toughness. Punk’s respect and stories about Funk emphasize how the sport’s history shapes its future, inspiring new generations of wrestlers to honor the craft with real passion and grit.
