In a recent candid appearance on the popular My Mom’s Basement podcast, WWE icon CM Punk revealed that the late Terry Funk, a revered WWE Hall of Famer, was the hardest-hitting wrestler he ever encountered in the squared circle[1]. Punk’s tribute offers an intimate glimpse into the brutal realism Funk brought to professional wrestling and the profound impact Funk had on Punk’s own career.

Terry Funk, who passed away in August 2023, is widely celebrated as one of the most influential figures in pro wrestling history[4]. Known for his rugged, no-nonsense style and willingness to endure extreme punishment, Funk’s legacy includes an unparalleled reputation for working “stiff”—delivering strikes that felt genuinely hard and unpolished, unlike the choreographed punches typical in wrestling.

CM Punk’s Moment of Realization

During the podcast, Punk recounted moments from his matches with Terry Funk dating back to 2003 and 2004, describing a defining epiphany about why Funk’s punches appeared so authentic on television. Punk stated, “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”[1].

He went on to narrate an amusing backstage story illustrating Funk’s unique personality and approach to wrestling. After receiving a headbutt and responding with a punch, Punk recalled Funk’s response: “Why did you hit me that way? I’m an old man,” to which Funk followed with another jab, demonstrating his playful yet tough demeanor[1].

An Inspiration Beyond the Ring

Punk has long regarded Funk as a major inspiration in his wrestling journey. He credits the legendary grappler as one of the key figures who drew him toward professional wrestling in the 1980s. In fact, elements of Funk’s character influenced Punk’s portrayal of Ricky Rabies on the TV series Heels, showcasing the wrestler’s impact beyond the ring[1].

According to sources close to Punk, Funk’s insistence on authenticity and hard-hitting style helped shape Punk’s own in-ring philosophy of blending realism with storytelling. In additional interviews, Punk recalled how Funk encouraged him to hit harder and was known for firing up opponents with genuine strikes — including chair shots and punches to the face — to elevate the intensity of their matches[1].

Terry Funk’s Storied Career & Hard-Hitting Reputation

Terry Funk’s wrestling career spanned over five decades and several eras of the sport. He was renowned for thriving in hardcore and extreme matches, often blurring the lines between staged performance and real physicality. Fans and wrestlers alike respected his fearless approach, which earned him a lasting place in wrestling history[4].

Funk’s legacy extended into various promotions worldwide, including his time in WWE and memorable appearances on the independent circuit until his semi-retirement in the mid-2000s[4]. His toughness and authenticity earned him admiration from peers, as well as fans who saw him as the embodiment of wrestling’s gritty spirit.

CM Punk’s Respect for the Wrestling Village

In a broader reflection shared during his acceptance speech for the Iron Mike Mazurki Award, Punk emphasized the importance of the wrestling community—“a village”—in shaping careers like his own[3]. While honoring legends like Terry Funk, Punk acknowledged that his success was a collective effort, including mentors, peers, and family.

WWE insider reports confirm that Punk frequently references Funk’s influence backstage, describing him as a “wrestler’s wrestler”—someone whose toughness and work ethic set a gold standard many aspire to but few can match.

Legacy That Resonates Today

Terry Funk’s impact lives on not just through stories of his hard-hitting style, but also in how he influenced a generation of wrestlers committed to authenticity and passion. CM Punk’s recent remarks put into perspective how legends like Funk continue to shape wrestling’s evolution by inspiring performers to bring realism and intensity to their craft.

As fans and industry professionals remember Terry Funk’s larger-than-life persona and unmatched toughness, Punk’s honest tribute on the podcast reminds us why Funk remains a revered figure in WWE lore.

Backstage sources note: According to a WWE insider, Punk’s respect for Funk is deeply rooted in personal experience, with Punk often sharing anecdotes about Funk’s humor and relentless spirit in locker rooms and on shoots. The insider adds, “Punk never misses a chance to highlight how Terry Funk brought the tough, old-school attitude that many younger wrestlers today only hear about in stories”[1].

This tribute from CM Punk not only cements Terry Funk’s status as the stiffest and hardest-hitting wrestler of his era but also highlights the enduring respect Funk commands across wrestling generations—an authentic warrior who made every punch count both in the ring and in history.

Published Sunday, July 27, 2025
Sources: WrestlingInc.com, My Mom’s Basement Podcast, WWE.com, Fightful, Wrestling insider reports