Funk’s Corner – Spinning Toe Hold
Dory Funk Sr. was wrestling ad shows in the carnivals earning ten dollars if he won and nothing if he lost. Funk, a former Hammond High Indiana State amateur wrestling champion now on the Indiana University wrestling team won all his matches but ten dollars every once in awhile was not enough to provide for his family.
Dory Funk Sr. spoke to the local wrestling promoter at the Hammond Civic Center, Balk Estes about turning professional wrestler. It was tough to break into the wrestling business in 1941. Dory Funk Sr. wrestled shoot matches on the bottom of the card as local promoter, Balk Estes tried to discourage Dory Funk Sr. from getting into the wrestling business. Main event wrestlers at the time were Lou Thesz, Billy Goelz, Bobby Managolf and Mike Mazurki.