Terry Funk
Professional Wrestling Legend and WWE/NWA Hall of Famer · Professional Wrestling - Sports Entertainment
NWA, ECW, WWE (WWF), WCW, AJPW
Era
Late Career - circa 2005-2020
Item Type
8x10 Glossy Photograph
Condition
Excellent/Near Mint; the signature is bold with no fading. The photo appears well-preserved in a protective sleeve with crisp corners.
Rarity
Moderate; Terry Funk was a prolific and gracious signer at conventions, but his passing in 2023 has fixed the supply, making clean authenticated examples more desirable.
Overall Assessment
This is a quintessential Terry Funk autograph on a classic promo photo. It is an excellent entry-level piece for a serious wrestling collector or a centerpiece for a hardcore-themed collection.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic; confidence level: 95%. The flow, speed, and specific 'T' and 'F' loops match known exemplars from his later convention-signing years.
Signature Style
Full name signature in a loopy, cursive style. Features a distinctive oversized 'T' that flows into a smaller 'erry' and a large 'F' that underlines the surname.
Signature Characteristics
Right-leaning slant; the 'T' begins with a high loop and exits mid-height; 'F' features a large upper loop and a sweeping tail that underscores 'unk'. The flow is rapid with consistent ink distribution.
Ink & Medium
Black Permanent Marker (Sharpie-style) on glossy photo paper.
Item Description
A promotional 8x10 photograph of Terry Funk wearing a 'Funk University' t-shirt and red bandana, reflecting his later 'Hardcore Legend' persona. Item includes a printed nameplate in the white bottom border.
Estimated Value
$60.00 - $100.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
This matches perfectly with authorized private signing examples from the mid-2010s, specifically the way the tail of the 'y' and 'k' terminate.
Authentication Tips
Look for the fluid loops in the 'T' and 'F'. Forgeries often show hesitation or 'shaky' lines when trying to mimic his fast-slanted scrawl. The dot following the signature is a common trait.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or Beckett Authentication Services (BAS), as both are highly regarded in the wrestling memorabilia community.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink sits 'on top' of the gloss correctly and the speed of the strokes suggest a natural hand movement.
Provenance Notes
Since this photo features a 'high-end' printed nameplate and a t-shirt design from his later years, it likely originated from a professional convention or a direct-to-fan mail-order service.
Historical Context
Terry Funk was a pioneer of the 'Hardcore' style and a rare wrestler who successfully transitioned from a traditional NWA World Champion to a modern-day cult icon.
Market Trends
Stable to slightly appreciating. Interest in ECW-era legends remains high, and Funk is universally respected as one of the greatest of all time.
Investment Potential
Good long-term hold for wrestling fans. While not a 'blue chip' like Hulk Hogan, Funk's legacy as a 'wrestler's wrestler' ensures permanent demand.
Similar Autographs
Mick Foley, Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, Harley Race.
Display & Preservation
Keep in an acid-free top loader or frame with UV-protective glass to prevent the black sharpie from fading to a brown or purple tint over time.
Interesting Facts
Funk was famous for his numerous 'retirements.' He also had a notable acting career, appearing in films like 'Road House' and 'Over the Top.'