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Dory Funk Jr. on receiving the Lou Thesz Award in Las Vegas at the Cauliflower Alley Club

Posted: Apr 10th 2019 By: Dory Funk, Jr.

Lou Thesz was a friend of my father, Dory Funk Sr. I had my first opportunity to train with Lou in my father’s garage at the Flying Mare Ranch. The floor of his garage was covered with an amateur wrestling mat. Our cars were parked outside in the West Texas weather to make room for Dad’s wrestling training center.

Lou Thesz was Dad’s special guest, invited for a special day at the ranch that included a training session in with me in Dad’s garage. I was 16 years old at the time. Lou Thesz was the master of the Double Wristlock, the Flying Cat Leap and the top body scissors. He also had a devastating Elbow Smash to the side of the face that he only talked to me about. No demonstration.

Lou talked to me about the credibility of professional wrestling and the respect reserved to those who could really wrestle and demonstrated that skill in the ring.

Back to the wrestling mat and Lou told me, “I am going to tell you ahead of time, “I am going to get your left leg.” I doubted that he could. As we tied up, Lou grabbed my left arm and pulled down hard. I blocked and resisted with my left leg planted and forward. Lou dropped to the mat and picked up my left leg, just like he said.

After finishing my football career with a win for West Texas University in the Sun Bowl over Ohio University in 1963 I signed a contract at the Amarillo Airport to become a professional wrestler. (At the wheel well of a chartered TWA Super Constellation)

I had the opportunity and the privilege to face Lou Thesz in my first year of professional wrestling and 3 times as NWA World Champion. Lou Thesz represented “Credibility in professional wrestling” both as NWA World Champion and as one tough professional wrestler. Lou’s shoot wrestling skills made him one of the most respected among all professional wrestlers.

I am looking forward to seeing you at the Cauliflower Club in Las Vegas Nevada. I will be honored to accept this most prestigious award. Thank you to Brian Blair, Cauliflower Alley Club members and all who have supported me for this honor. Thank you to my friend Lou Thesz.

If you would like to enter the “Fraternity of Professional Wrestling” Call now 352-895-4658 or visit our website at www.dory-funk.com. You can also e-mail Dory Funk Jr. at fuanku@dory-funk.com.