Terry Funk Net Worth

What Is Terry Funk’s Net Worth?

At the time of his death on August 23, 2023, Terry Funk, the renowned American professional wrestler and actor, had an estimated net worth of $1 million. This figure represents the culmination of a career spanning decades in professional wrestling, supplemented by income from acting roles and other ventures.

Terry Funk’s Early Career and Wrestling Income

Born Terrence Funk in Hammond, Indiana, in 1944, Terry Funk embarked on his professional wrestling journey in the mid-1960s. While specific early contract details and wrestling income figures are not publicly available, his rapid ascent within the wrestling ranks indicates a steady increase in earnings. His partnership with his brother, Dory Funk Jr., propelled them to prominence, leading to Terry’s significant achievement of winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship within a decade of his debut. The NWA World Heavyweight Championship reign, lasting over a year, significantly boosted his earnings through increased appearance fees, endorsements, and a higher percentage of gate receipts from wrestling events. Though exact amounts from these sources remain undisclosed, industry standards suggest a substantial increase in income during this period.

In 1985, Funk made his WWF debut, followed by a return to the NWA four years later. Though the specifics of his contracts with WWF and NWA are unavailable, these moves to larger organizations likely came with improved financial terms, including base salaries, performance bonuses, and revenue sharing agreements. Each subsequent association with wrestling organizations such as the AWA, WWE, WCW, ECW, ROH, and TNA, probably included contract negotiations that impacted his overall career earnings. He was a three-time World Champion, winning once with the NWA and twice with the ECW. Champion titles come with pay-per-view bonuses and larger merchandise deals with royalties.

Funk’s wrestling career, spanning over five decades, provided the primary source of his net worth. Wrestlers’ incomes vary significantly depending on their popularity, championship status, and the organization they wrestle for. It’s likely that Funk’s peak earnings occurred during his championship reigns and high-profile feuds in the NWA, WWF/WWE, and ECW. During these periods, he would have earned income from various sources, including:

• Base Salary: A guaranteed amount paid per contract.
• Appearance Fees: Payments for each wrestling event he participated in.
• Pay-Per-View Bonuses: A percentage of the revenue generated from pay-per-view events in which he wrestled.
• Merchandise Sales: Royalties from the sale of merchandise bearing his name and likeness.
• Endorsements: Payments from companies to promote their products.

Without access to specific contract details and financial statements, it’s challenging to provide precise income figures for each year of Funk’s wrestling career. However, based on industry standards and his career trajectory, it’s reasonable to estimate that his annual earnings varied significantly, with peak years likely generating hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Acting Career and Other Ventures Contributing to Terry Funk’s Net Worth

Beyond wrestling, Terry Funk supplemented his income through acting roles in movies such as “Over the Top,” “The Ringer,” and “Road House.” While these roles were not leading parts, they provided additional income and exposure. Exact compensation figures for these acting roles are not publicly available, but they would have contributed modestly to his overall net worth. Although specific royalty figures and sales data are not accessible, his autobiography, “Terry Funk: More Than Just Hardcore,” published in 2005, would have generated income through book sales. Similarly, the release of his soft rock album, “Great Texan,” in 1984, would have provided a revenue stream, although likely a smaller one compared to his wrestling and acting income. Neither book sales nor music income generated enough profit to be considered a large percentage of his over all income.

Hall of Fame Inductions and Legacy

Terry Funk’s induction into multiple Halls of Fame, including the WWE Hall of Fame, the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, the NWA Hall of Fame, and the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame, is a testament to his lasting impact on the sport. While these inductions did not directly contribute to his immediate net worth, they enhanced his legacy and potentially increased his long-term earning potential through appearances, merchandise sales, and other related opportunities. His appearances at conventions can generate income from autographs. This is not a large percentage of his overall income but it is still additional income.

The 1999 documentary “Beyond the Mat,” which featured Funk’s career, provided exposure that likely boosted his popularity and marketability. While direct financial gains from the documentary are not quantifiable, the increased visibility would have indirectly benefited his earnings potential.

Real Estate and Personal Assets

Information regarding Terry Funk’s real estate holdings, personal investments, and other assets is not publicly available. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a detailed breakdown of his assets. It’s assumed he owned a home and personal vehicles, which would have factored into his overall net worth.

Personal Life and Family

Terry Funk married Vicki Ann Weaver in 1965, and they had two children together. Information regarding his family’s financial situation and any inheritances or trusts is not publicly available.

Terry Funk underwent surgery for a hernia in 2016 and announced his retirement the same year, although he wrestled another match in 2017. While these health-related events may have impacted his ability to earn income in his later years, the specific financial consequences are not known.

In conclusion, Terry Funk’s estimated net worth of $1 million at the time of his passing reflects a long and successful career in professional wrestling, supplemented by income from acting roles and other ventures. While specific details regarding his income and assets are not publicly available, his career trajectory and achievements provide a reasonable basis for this estimate.