On August 23, 2023, the legendary wrestler Terry Funk passed away at the age of 79. His death continued tragically the day after 36-year-old Wyndham Rotonda (aka WWE Starbray Wyatt) succumbed to a heart attack as a result of a Covid-19 complication. The next day, to launch “WWE Smackdown,” the company’s stars gathered at the top of the ramp to honor the two late wrestlers with a salute of 10 bells.
For those unfamiliar, Ten-Bell Salute is a long-standing tradition within pro wrestling and serves as a way to honor the dead. The history is not entirely clear, as the nature of the early industry makes it difficult to identify its origins. However, its use within WWE dates back at least to the mid-1980s.
The 10 Bell salute is not given to all wrestlers who die. It is usually reserved for when an active wrestler or someone is considered historically important. Once that happens, the entire roster gathers near the entrance as the ring remains empty. The entire arena (ideally) is silent as the ring bell is hit 10 times.
A prominent example of 10 bell salute
In addition to Wyatt and Funk, WWE has been praised by many wrestlers for their 10 bell salute over the years. Early recorded cases include David von Erich in 1984 and Andre Andre the Giant in 1993.
The 10 Bell Salute is also used outside of WWE. After the wrestler passed away in 2020, AEW honored Brody Lee. Additionally, New Japan Pro Wrestling gave Jay Briscoe a 10-bell salute in 2023.
Sometimes Ten-Bell Salute is also used within “Kayfabe” as part of the company’s storyline. This happened in 2007 when Vince McMahon “dead” as part of an on-screen storyline that was quickly cancelled following the double murder/suicide committed by Chris Benoit a few days later.
In addition to honouring the dead, Tembel’s salutes are sometimes used to commemorate the end of a wrestler’s career. This is most common in Japan, but also happens elsewhere around the world, such as when WWE used it to signify the end of the 2020 mark “Undertaker” Calaway ring-in career.
