CM Punk acknowledged Terry Funk as the toughest and most authentic hitter he ever encountered inside the wrestling ring. Their encounters in the early 2000s left a lasting impression on Punk, who often credits Funk as one of his major influences. These matches took place before Punk joined World Wrestling Entertainment and included a singles bout in 2003 followed by several tag team matches the next year.
The Chicago native admired Funk’s reputation and was drawn to his relentless in-ring style, which helped shape Punk’s own approach to professional wrestling.
Why Terry Funk’s Striking Made Him Stand Out to Fans and Wrestlers Alike
During a recent appearance on the podcast My Mom’s Basement, CM Punk shared insights into why Terry Funk’s punches appeared so genuine on television. Funk’s strikes were not merely choreographed moves but authentic punches, lending credibility to his performance and helping the audience to suspend disbelief.
Terry Funk. Yeah, there’s a moment in my career where I wrestled Terry Funk, and I had an epiphany of why his punches always look so good — because they were real punches. [I thought to myself] ‘All right, great.’ And then [I would think] ‘Why are you headbutting me?’ And then I punched him and he looks at me and he goes, ‘Why did you hit me that way?’ And I was just like, ‘What?’ [Funk replied] ‘I’m an old man,’ and then jab, and I’m like, ‘Oh my god, he’s just fu**ing with me,” recalled Punk.
The Legacy of Terry Funk and His Influence on CM Punk
Terry Funk’s professional career stretched across five decades and saw him wrestle for multiple major promotions including WWE, WCW, and ECW. Known for his hardcore style and multiple retirements, Funk left an indelible mark on the wrestling world. He passed away in mid-2023 at the age of 79.
At the time of Funk’s passing, CM Punk, who was signed with AEW, paid tribute to his mentor during an episode of Collision. Beyond Funk, Punk has credited wrestlers such as Harley Race, Eddie Guerrero, ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin as his biggest inspirations throughout his career.
The Enduring Significance of Funk’s Realism in Wrestling
The authenticity Terry Funk brought to his in-ring performance remains influential, particularly for wrestlers like CM Punk who value realism and intensity. Funk’s willingness to blur the lines between scripted entertainment and real physicality enhanced the believability of professional wrestling, a quality that continues to resonate with fans and performers alike.
This raw approach to wrestling strikes highlights why Terry Funk is remembered not only as a legend but as the hardest hitter Punk ever faced, a distinction that solidifies his place in wrestling history.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did CM Punk apologize?
A. CM Punk expressed regret to fans in Saudi Arabia over a tweet that caused controversy before WWE Night of Champions.
Arriving at the kickoff show for WWE Night of Champions, Punk was met with boos from the crowd.
During the event, a fan yelled something at Punk, prompting him to stop and discuss his earlier tweet regarding The Miz.
Q. Is CM Punk a millionaire?
A. Outside of wrestling, he accumulated a $12 million net worth, owns upscale homes, supports charities, and enjoys a private life with his wife AJ Lee. In 2023, CM Punk experienced a very tough period in his career. An altercation in the AEW locker room resulted in his suspension and eventually, his contract was terminated.
Q. Was CM Punk actually hurt?
A. Although Punk seemed injured, his fall was planned. On the other hand, McIntyre suffered an actual wound that needed 16 stitches.
Q. Why doesn’t CM Punk talk to his brother?
A. CM Punk’s brother, Mike Broox, discussed how he took money from the Lunatic Wrestling Federation, which caused their relationship to end more than two decades ago.
