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My Father, Dory Funk Sr. was a 3 time state champion in amateur wrestling for Hammond, Indiana High School.
Dad started as a pro working the first match against the toughest wrestlers in the area. Dory Funk would take on all comers.
Dad’s match was always on first and his pay was $ 10 per match. ($ 10 in 1937 is equal in purchasing power to $ 150 today. Not a bad payday for a beginning indie worker).
From across the state line in Chicago, Illinois, “The Mob” heard about this kid taking on all comers and sent their tough guy to let everyone know their street guy was tougher than any wrestler. Dory Funk made short work of their guy with his favorite hold, the Top Body Scissors and Cross face. Blood spurted from a broken nose and the referee stopped the match awarding it to Dory Funk,
One of the greatest legends of all time, Lou Thesz was working the main event that night. Years later, Lou told me one whole section was filled with “The Mob.” After their guy’s match was over, they all got up and walked out.
For more stories on the wrestling business visit http://www.dory-funk.com .
