The professional wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of its most respected legends.
According to the Ocala Gazette, WWE Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr. passed away on Tuesday at the age of 85. The report cited Funk’s wife, Marti Funk, who stated that her husband died while under hospice care.
News of Funk’s passing quickly led to tributes from across the wrestling industry, with fellow wrestlers, organizations, and fans honoring his remarkable career and lasting influence on the business.
Wrestling World Pays Tribute
The Cauliflower Alley Club was among the first organizations to publicly honor Funk, sharing a memorial graphic on social media and remembering him as:
“A champion, a teacher, a gentleman, and an ambassador for our great sport.”
The CAC mourns the passing of one of professional wrestling’s true legends, Dory Funk Jr.
A champion, a teacher, a gentleman, and an ambassador for our great sport, Dory Funk Jr. leaves behind a legacy that will forever be remembered by wrestlers and fans around the world. pic.twitter.com/8ryT4Wn70b
WWE Hall of Famer Brian Blair also paid tribute on social media, sharing memories of his longtime friend and reflecting on Funk’s impact on professional wrestling.
It’s hard to find the right words to say goodbye to a man who became a mentor, a leader, and a dear friend, Dory Funk Jr. My love for him started all the way back as a kid at the Bayfront Center, booing him as the ultimate heel while he took on my hero Jack Brisco. He was an… pic.twitter.com/2kClxA4Yxb
Dory Funk Jr. began his wrestling career in 1963, working for his father Dory Funk Sr.’s Western States Sports promotion.
Over the following decades, Funk built a reputation as one of the sport’s premier technical wrestlers, competing throughout the United States and internationally. His success in Japan helped establish him as one of the most respected performers of his era.
One of the defining accomplishments of his career came in February 1969 when he captured the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Funk held the title for more than four years, making him the second-longest reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion behind only Lou Thesz.
Success Around The World
Throughout his career, Funk competed for numerous major promotions, including:
All Japan Pro Wrestling
ECW
WCW
WWF/WWE
WWC
His relationship with All Japan Pro Wrestling was particularly notable, with multiple runs for the promotion spanning from the 1970s through the 2010s.
Although he officially retired in 2017, Funk continued making occasional appearances. His final match took place in August 2024 when he teamed with Osamu Nishimura in a victory.
Teacher And Mentor To Generations
Beyond his accomplishments inside the ring, Funk was widely respected for his work training future wrestlers.
In later years, he operated the Funking Conservatory in Ocala, Florida, where he helped develop aspiring talent and passed along decades of wrestling knowledge to the next generation.
Funk’s death comes less than three years after the passing of his younger brother, wrestling icon Terry Funk, who died on August 23, 2023.
Memorial Service Planned
According to the Ocala Gazette, a private service will be held for family members in the coming days.
A public memorial service honoring Dory Funk Jr.’s life and legacy is planned for Thanksgiving Day, with additional details expected to be announced at a later date.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, Dory Funk Jr. leaves behind a legacy that spans generations and helped shape professional wrestling around the world.
WWE veteran Nattie Neidhart is set to make another appearance outside of WWE, as the National Wrestling Alliance has confirmed that she will compete at its upcoming 78th Anniversary Show on July 25 at Philadelphia’s historic 2300 Arena.
The announcement was made Thursday on social media, with the NWA revealing that Nattie will both appear and wrestle at the event. However, the promotion has not yet disclosed who her opponent will be.
Potential Opponents Emerging
While no match has been officially announced, the NWA is already encouraging fans to speculate about who could step into the ring with the former WWE Women’s Champion.
One possibility is current NWA World Women’s Champion Tiffany Nieves, who captured the title from Natalia Markova earlier this year. Both Nieves and Markova are expected to be part of the anniversary event, though neither has been assigned a match as of this writing.
A title match featuring Nattie would certainly add additional intrigue to an event that is shaping up to be one of the NWA’s biggest shows of the year.
Nattie’s Growing Presence Outside WWE
Although she remains under the WWE banner, Nattie has become increasingly active outside the company over the last year. In addition to helping operate the new Hart Dungeon training facility alongside her husband, WWE producer TJ Wilson, she has also accepted select independent wrestling bookings.
Those appearances have allowed her to work with a variety of promotions while continuing her WWE career, something that has become more common in the evolving wrestling landscape.
Return to the NWA
This won’t be Nattie’s first appearance for the NWA. She previously competed at The Crockett Cup 2025, where she challenged then-champion Kenzie Paige for the NWA World Women’s Championship.
Despite a strong effort, Nattie was unable to end Paige’s historic title reign, which eventually stretched to nearly two years and included 29 successful championship defenses.
Paige is also scheduled to appear at NWA 78, though a singles rematch between the two seems unlikely at the moment. The former champion is currently focused on the NWA World Women’s Tag Team Championship scene alongside partner Kylie Alexa, with the duo holding the titles heading into the anniversary event.
NWA 78 Continues to Take Shape
The NWA has been steadily adding notable names to the card as it prepares for its 78th Anniversary celebration. Nattie’s inclusion gives the promotion another recognizable star and continues the trend of WWE-affiliated talent making appearances on independent and partner shows.
With her opponent still a mystery, attention now turns to who the NWA selects to face the veteran competitor when the promotion heads to Philadelphia later this summer.
𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎! WWE Superstar @NatbyNature will appear and be in action at NWA 78, coming July 25 to Philly’s 2300 Arena! https://t.co/yWysZfdt0E
Already announced for the National Wrestling Alliance’s annual anniversary spectacular: ⚡️NWA Worlds Heavyweight… pic.twitter.com/sRdpwqHibq
The National Wrestling Alliance is adding another platform to its growing list of distribution partners, as the promotion has announced a new agreement that will bring NWA Powerrr to Tubi.
According to the announcement, new episodes of the NWA’s flagship weekly series will continue airing on Comet every Saturday at 4 p.m. ET, while also becoming available on demand through Tubi each Thursday. The move gives fans another free option to keep up with the promotion’s weekly programming.
The partnership was first reported by The Takedown on SI before being officially confirmed by the NWA.
Billy Corgan Reacts to the Agreement
NWA owner and president Billy Corgan praised the deal, highlighting Tubi’s massive audience and its ability to reach younger viewers.
Corgan said the company is excited about the opportunity to introduce more fans to the NWA’s roster and weekly programming, adding that the partnership represents another important step in the promotion’s ongoing rebuilding efforts.
Tubi has become one of the largest free streaming platforms in the United States, reporting more than 100 million monthly active users. The service, which is owned by Fox Corporation, offers a wide range of television, film, and original content at no cost to viewers.
Another Step Forward for the NWA
The Tubi announcement continues a period of expansion for the NWA. Earlier in 2026, the promotion returned to broadcast television through its partnership with Comet, marking its first broadcast television presence in more than 30 years.
Adding Tubi to the mix significantly increases the accessibility of NWA Powerrr, giving viewers both a traditional television option and a major streaming platform through which to watch the show.
The promotion has also continued to maintain an international presence. Current NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Thrillbilly Silas Mason has been defending the famous “Ten Pounds of Gold” while competing in Japan for All Japan Pro Wrestling.
Looking Ahead
The announcement comes as the NWA prepares for one of its biggest annual events. The promotion is set to hold its 78th Anniversary Show on July 25, 2026, at Philadelphia’s historic 2300 Arena.
With broadcast television exposure through Comet and now on-demand availability through Tubi, the NWA is continuing its push to expand its audience and strengthen the visibility of one of professional wrestling’s longest-running organizations.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES NEW STREAMING PARTNERSHIP WITH TUBI
New Episodes of NWA Powerrr to air weekly on Tubi
CHICAGO, IL —The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), the world’s oldest wrestling promotion, today announced a new streaming partnership with Tubi, Fox Corporation’s free streaming service. Under the agreement, brand-new episodes of NWA Powerrr, the NWA’s flagship series, will stream weekly on Tubi.
New episodes of NWA Powerrr will be available on Tubi every Thursday on demand, giving fans across the United States easy access to NWA’s unique blend of action, excitement, unforgettable moments, and the compelling personalities that only Professional Wrestling offers. “To say we are thrilled is an understatement,” said Billy Corgan, CEO and President of the National Wrestling Alliance. “Tubi’s reach and presence in the digital sphere, especially with young fans, is unprecedented, and we’re looking forward to sharing our show and our great stars with you as we continue to rebuild this incredible promotion.” The partnership marks another significant milestone in the NWA’s continued growth and distribution strategy, providing fans with even more ways to experience one of professional wrestling’s most iconic brands. About Tubi Boldly built for fandom, Tubi is a free streaming service that entertains over 100 million monthly active users. Tubi offers the world’s largest collection of Hollywood movies and TV shows, thousands of creator-led stories, and hundreds of Tubi Originals made for the most passionate fans. Headquartered in San Francisco and founded in 2014, Tubi is part of Tubi Media Group, a division of Fox Corporation. About the National Wrestling Alliance Founded in 1948, the National Wrestling Alliance is one of the most historic and influential organizations in professional wrestling. Under the ownership of William Patrick Corgan, the NWA has experienced a resurgence through its flagship series, NWA Powerrr, live events across the United States, and international partnerships. In 2026, the organization returned to broadcast television for the first time in more than three decades through its partnership with Comet. NWA talent also continues to compete globally, including the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, Thrillbilly Silas Mason, who is currently defending the Ten Pounds of Gold while competing for All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) in Tokyo. The NWA will celebrate its 78th Anniversary Event on July 25, 2026, at Philadelphia’s historic 2300 Arena, continuing a legacy spanning nearly eight decades. About William Patrick Corgan William Patrick Corgan is a Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, podcast host, and the owner of the National Wrestling Alliance. Best known as the founder, lead singer, and principal songwriter of the multi-platinum rock band The Smashing Pumpkins, Corgan acquired the NWA in 2017 and has led its revitalization through new media partnerships, expanded live event offerings, and renewed national visibility.
The wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of tag team wrestling’s true pioneers, as Dennis Condrey has passed away at the age of 74.
Condrey was best known as one-half of the original Midnight Express, teaming alongside Bobby Eaton with Jim Cornette serving as their outspoken manager. Together, the trio helped redefine tag team wrestling, blending fast-paced action with storytelling that influenced generations of teams that followed.
Making his debut in 1973, Condrey built a lengthy and respected career across multiple territories during wrestling’s territorial era. His résumé included stops in the AWA, NWA, Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid-South Wrestling, and Jim Crockett Promotions, where he became a standout figure in one of wrestling’s most competitive tag team scenes.
Condrey remained active in the business for decades before officially retiring in 2011, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with fans and performers alike.
Following news of his passing, FTR’s Dax Harwood paid tribute while also launching a GoFundMe campaign to support Condrey’s family with funeral expenses. In a heartfelt message, Harwood praised Condrey not only for his in-ring accomplishments but also for the kind of person he was outside of wrestling, describing him as a devoted husband and a man of strong faith.
Harwood noted that the fundraiser was created with the blessing of Condrey’s wife, Theresa, and encouraged fans who were touched by the Midnight Express’ work to contribute if they are able, or simply keep the family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Dennis Condrey’s impact on tag team wrestling is undeniable, and his contributions helped shape the foundation of the division as it’s known today. He leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.
The wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic voices, as Bob Caudle, a staple of Mid-Atlantic, NWA, and WCW programming for decades, has passed away at the age of 95. His son Mike confirmed the news, sharing that Caudle died peacefully in his sleep.
Caudle’s career in broadcasting began humbly in Wilmington, North Carolina, before moving to Savannah, Georgia, where he first stepped into the world of wrestling as the host of a studio show. After returning to North Carolina, he became the weatherman for Raleigh’s WRAL — the same station where NWA Atlantic Wrestling was taped weekly — setting the stage for the role that would cement his place in wrestling history.
For fans of Jim Crockett Promotions, Caudle’s voice is unforgettable. He fronted some of the company’s most recognizable programs, including All-Star Wrestling, Wide World Wrestling, Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, and World Wide Wrestling. His calm, steady delivery and genuine warmth made him one of wrestling’s most beloved broadcasters.
Caudle also teamed with Jim Ross on several major NWA/WCW pay-per-views in the late ’80s, adding credibility and tradition during a transformative time for the company. After leaving WCW in 1991, he continued calling action in Smoky Mountain Wrestling until the promotion closed its doors.
Bob Caudle’s contributions helped shape the sound and feel of an entire era of professional wrestling. His legacy lives on through countless classic broadcasts and the many fans who grew up hearing his signature sign-off: “So long for now.”
WrestlingNewsBlog extends heartfelt condolences to the Caudle family and everyone touched by his legendary career.
The National Wrestling Alliance is saddened to note the passing of Bob Caudle.
Throughout the ‘70s and well into the 1980s and beyond, Bob left an indelible mark on the NWA, its programming, and fans. His was the signature voice of countless NWA broadcasts and pay-per-views… pic.twitter.com/EtQHNy6YSj
It is with a very sad heart that I report that Bob Caudle has passed away. He was 95 years old. His son Mike wrote this morning that Bob passed away peacefully in his sleep overnight. Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to his family. More information will be forthcoming.
The arena is about to get a lot more intense — and a whole lot more jacked — as professional wrestling meets classic ‘90s nostalgia in the upcoming American Gladiators reboot.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, five pro wrestlers have been tapped to star in the new American Gladiators series, which is coming soon to Amazon Prime’s FAST Channels. While a premiere date has yet to be announced, the cast already has fans buzzing thanks to its heavy dose of wrestling star power.
Leading the charge is none other than WWE’s A-Lister himself, The Miz, who will serve as the show’s main host. Joining him from the world of wrestling are:
Eric Bugenhagen (formerly known as Rick Boogs in WWE)
Wardlow, the AEW powerhouse and former TNT Champion
Jessie Godderz, a former TNA Wrestling standout and reality TV alum
Kailey Latimer, better known to AEW and NWA fans as Kamille
Rounding out the broadcast team will be 106 & Park alum Rocsi Diaz as sideline reporter and veteran sports broadcaster Chris Rose handling play-by-play duties.
The reboot promises to blend both modern flair and retro thrills, bringing back fan-favorite challenges from the original series — including “Gauntlet,” “Hang Tough,” and of course, the ultimate test of endurance: “The Eliminator.”
While this isn’t the first attempt to revive American Gladiators, this version might just have the right mix of athleticism, entertainment, and star power to stick the landing. With The Miz at the helm — no stranger to reality TV or over-the-top competition — and a roster filled with legit in-ring talent, the show looks poised to bridge generations of fans.
For now, there’s no official launch date, but expect more updates to drop soon as Amazon ramps up promotion. Wrestling fans and ‘90s kids alike might want to start prepping for battle — because American Gladiators is about to suit up for a new era.
Big news for wrestling fans — and an even bigger move for the National Wrestling Alliance.
The NWA has inked an exclusive streaming rights deal with Roku, bringing its hard-hitting brand of pro wrestling to The Roku Channel starting July 29. As part of the new partnership, NWA programming will air weekly on Roku’s Sports Channel, with episodes dropping every Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Best of all? It’s completely free to stream for viewers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
This marks a major step for the NWA as it looks to expand its reach with a more accessible digital platform. Under the leadership of Billy Corgan, the promotion has been steadily rebuilding its presence, and this move to Roku gives fans a consistent, no-cost destination to follow all the action.
Whether you’ve been riding with the NWA through its YouTube days or you’re a lapsed fan ready to jump back in, Tuesday nights just got a little more old-school — and a lot more exciting.
Set your reminders for July 29 — NWA Tuesdays are about to hit the big screen.
You can check out the official announcement below:
Roku Inks North American Streaming Rights Deal with Billy Corgan’s National Wrestling Alliance
Partnership kicks off on July 29 on The Roku Channel’s Roku Sports Channel
SAN JOSE, Calif. — June 10, 2025 — Roku, the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico*, and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) announced a new partnership that exclusively brings the promotion’s live professional wrestling matches to The Roku Channel. Starting on July 29, NWA matches will stream for free in the U.S. every Tuesday at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT on The Roku Channel’s Roku Sports Channel. In Canada and Mexico, audiences will be able to watch for free on The Roku Channel.
“We’re thrilled to call The Roku Channel the streaming home of the National Wrestling Alliance, and as Billy and his team continue to excite audiences, we look forward to tapping into the scale of our platform to bring this historic and storied promotion to millions of viewers,” said Joe Franzetta, Head of Sports, Roku Media.
“When I purchased the National Wrestling Alliance in 2017, it was understood we were inheriting the history and legacy of the most storied brand in all combat sports, so to announce today we have now partnered with the #1 TV streaming platform in North America is indeed a moment to be proud of,” said Billy Corgan, Owner, National Wrestling Alliance. “I look forward to sharing new episodes of ‘NWA Powerrr’ with the incredible audience that Roku brings.”
Established in 1948, the National Wrestling Alliance is one of the oldest and most prestigious professional wrestling brands worldwide. In 2017, internationally renowned recording artist William Patrick Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) acquired the NWA with the vision of reinventing the brand for the modern era while honoring its legacy from the 1980s. The NWA has expanded its programming, starting with the critically acclaimed “Ten Pounds Of Gold” docuseries, followed by weekly broadcasts of “NWA Powerrr.” You can follow the NWA across social media platforms such as Meta, X, and YouTube for exclusive content.
The Roku Channel is available to stream on Roku devices or TVs and can be easily accessed online at TheRokuChannel.com and on iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TVs, Samsung TVs, and Google TVs and other Android TV OS devices.
The National Wrestling Alliance has announced that it will bring back the NWA Texas Championship at an event this Sunday.
See NWA’s announcement below:
The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) is proud to revive a legendary championship that dates back to the 1930s. This Sunday, at the NWA Texas: Paradox Presents Mutual Combat wrestling show, a new chapter will be written as the NWA crowns its newest NWA Texas Champion.
The NWA Texas Championship is a storied title with a rich history of legendary wrestlers, including David Von Erich, Fritz Von Erich, Lou Thesz, Buddy Rogers, Bruiser Brody, and Kevin Von Erich, among many others. Now, it’s making a historic comeback in an exciting eight-man tournament that will determine the next holder of this prestigious belt.
VIP front-row tickets include a limited edition poster, early admission to the meet-and-greet, and a group photo with the wrestling superstars.
This is a family-friendly wrestling event, perfect for fans of all ages! Big’z Burger Joint offers delicious food and a full bar, making it an ideal place for a fun and exciting night out with the whole family.
Dogg Pound Championship Wrestling, in partnership with the NWA, is proud to host this historic event in the San Antonio area, a vital part of the NWA’s territory system, which also includes shows in Dallas run by TSW.
Quote from Rodney Mack, Co-Owner of Dogg Pound Championship Wrestling:
“Reviving the NWA Texas Championship is a huge honor, not only for us but for wrestling fans
everywhere. This title’s history is legendary, and we’re proud to make history again by crowning a
new champion in San Antonio. It’s a milestone for our sport and a testament to the incredible talent here.”
Quote from Joe Galli, COO of the NWA:
“Growing the NWA’s presence in our territory system is vital to our mission of showcasing the best in professional wrestling. The San Antonio area is filled with incredible athletes, and this event highlights the rich wrestling heritage and bright future of our sport.”
Interviews with wrestlers are available before or at the show. Please contact us to arrange interviews of for additional information.
Join us this Sunday as history is made and a new NWA Texas Champion is crowned. Don’t miss
your chance to witness this historic moment in wrestling history!
WWE veteran Natalya stepped into unfamiliar territory this past weekend, making her long-awaited debut in the National Wrestling Alliance — but came up just short in her pursuit of gold.
Competing under the name Nattie Neidhart, the multi-time WWE champion challenged reigning NWA World Women’s Champion Kenzie Paige during the Crockett Cup 2025 event at the historic ECW Arena in Philadelphia. Despite a hard-fought effort, Neidhart was unable to unseat Paige, who retained her title in a match that was taped for an upcoming episode of NWA Powerrr.
This cross-promotional showdown had been brewing since last month’s GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII, where Paige ambushed Natalya following her victory over Miyu Yamashita. That post-match confrontation laid the groundwork for the NWA title clash, which marked Natalya’s first bout since Bloodsport — and her first ever inside an NWA ring.
Though not active in the WWE ring since that Bloodsport appearance, Natalya has continued to appear on Raw, occasionally featured in backstage segments alongside Maxxine Dupri and the Alpha Academy. For her NWA debut, she made a powerful statement with her presentation, once again entering to Rage Against the Machine’s iconic “Killing in the Name” — backed by her crew, giving the entrance a defiant and gritty vibe fitting the venue and occasion.
Natalya has been vocal about her passion for wrestling beyond the confines of WWE, citing her longtime friendship with NWA owner and Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan as one reason she pushed hard to compete in the promotion. “I’ve wanted to wrestle in NWA for years,” she said in a recent interview, adding that she did “everything in [her] power” to make the Crockett Cup appearance happen.
While the NWA World Women’s Championship slipped through her fingers, Natalya isn’t slowing down. She remains ambitious about her future in WWE, where she’s got her eyes on newly launched titles: the Women’s United States Championship and the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. With decades of experience and a renewed fire, it’s clear that Natalya is looking to carve out her legacy both inside and outside of WWE rings.
Veteran WWE star Natalya is set to make her mark in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) as she has officially been announced for the NWA Crockett Cup 2025. The event, which takes place on May 17th at the iconic 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA, will be Natalya’s first-ever appearance in an NWA ring. The news was revealed on Busted Open Radio, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming tournament.
This move follows another major announcement for the former WWE Women’s Champion, as she was recently confirmed to compete at Bloodsport, a hard-hitting, hybrid wrestling event that focuses on a more MMA-inspired style. With these appearances, Natalya is proving she’s ready to test herself outside of WWE and showcase her versatility in different wrestling environments.
Natalya’s involvement brings even more prestige to an event already known for its rich history and high-caliber competition.
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