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Jerry Lawler, Jimmy Hart visit Dory Funk's wrestling school in Ocala

Posted: Apr 19th 2022 By: Joel Bronson

Two professional wrestling greats were in Marion County this weekend.

WWE Hall of Famers Jerry “The King” Lawler and “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart stopped in Belleview on Saturday, making appearances at Toomey Tools, owned and operated by Kary Toomey.

Lawler’s wrestling career spans decades, beginning in 1970. He was a part of the famous feud with actor/comedian Andy Kaufman. Lawler, along with Jim Ross, formed one of the most popular commentary teams in wrestling history on WWE Monday Night Raw.

Jimmy Hart is most remembered for being the manager of Hulk Hogan during the 80s and 90s, as well as managing the Funk Brothers, Terry and Dory, during a short stint in the WWF (now WWE). Hart was also a member of the rock band, The Gentrys, best known for their 1965 hit song, "Keep on Dancing".

But a visit to the area wouldn’t be complete without stopping by to see a good friend and fellow Hall of Famer, who owns a wrestling school in northwest Ocala. Dory Funk
Jr., one of the longest reigning NWA World Heavyweight champions in history, is the head trainer at the Funking Conservatory wrestling school.

Lawler and Hart stopped by Friday night to lend their expertise to Funk’s students, even making appearances in the last match on the card.


Jimmy Hart lent his managing skills to the Funking Conservatory’s World Champion Lazaro Camarena, who faced off against “The King of Jacksonville Beach” Blain Rage.

Camarena got the win with an assist from Hart, who nailed Rage in the nether region with a mic shot. A brawl broke out, resulting in Lawler cleaning house, laying out villains Nick Gene and Race Allen with huge roundhouse right hands.


Dory Funk took care of the rest of the competitors with some cracks of his trusty whip, Whippersnapper.

The students who wrestled for the legends gained invaluable experience and advice after their matches.

“Make sure you lay it in, don’t hold back,” Lawler urged the wrestlers. “That’s what the WWE is looking for from prospects.”

Funk also offered encouragement to his students.

“Remember to keep working hard, you all did a great job,” Funk said.

For more information about the Funking Conservatory, visit dory-funk.com/ or call 352-895-4658.