As champion, I traveled with the NWA World Championship Belt, usually in my wrestling bag in flimsy felt container for protection. I checked it on the airlines, left it in dressing rooms while visiting with fans and was not concerned about leaving it in my hotel room while I was out. Even though is was proud of the World Title Belt, the real value didn't strike me. 

In 1974 a new NWA Belt was authorized by the NWA and ten thousand dollars appropriated to purchase the gold required and have the belt made. The belt I had would be retired to its original owner, Sam Muchnick. 

Many years later I received a call from Giant Baba, a two time NWA World Champion. He wanted to buy the belt. I called Sam Muchnick to ask about purchasing it and he told me the following story on the phone:

When Sam's wife Helen died, after the funeral he held a reception in his home. Many former champions, wrestling friends and media celebritieswere in attendance. The NWA World Title as always remained on the mantle over his fireplace. When the reception was over, the belt was gone. 

An artifact of wrestling was lost forever. 

The above picture is a very good replica of the old NWA World Title, However most likely the original is lost forever.

Dory Funk Sr. and Dory Funk Jr. after the Kiniski Match in Tampa, Florida February 11, 1969
The original version of the NWA World Championship Belt

E-mail Dory Funk Jr.
Visit Dory's Home Page
News from The Funking Conservatory

Rock 'N Roll Express to Train with Funking Conservatory Students
 

The Funking Conservatory will present "February Fight Nights" on Sunday, February 22 at the new Dory Funk Arena at Skatemania in Ocala, Florida. Doors open at 6:00pm and Show time is 7:00pm.

New Japan Pro-wrestling's Osamu Nishimura in the Main Event will face Dory Funk Jr.
In an Indian Strap Match, The Royal Stud Adam Windsor will face Li'l Wahoo McDaniel.

In a special attraction, The Rock 'N Roll Express, Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson will face two opponents to be chosen from the students training in the Funking Conservatory. The Rock 'N Roll Express will stay over to view tapes of !BANG! with our students and train with them in the ring the next day. 

The Rock 'N Roll Express are one of the most popular tag team combinations ever. 

Osamu Nishimura for the last three years consecutively has been named best technical wrestler in Japan by Nikkan Sports Pro-Wrestling News, a Japanese publication with circulation of more than 12 million. Osamu Nishimura will also be at the Funking Conservatory scouting talent for his company, New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Osamu has just signed a new long term contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. 

Magnum the 7' 300 pound Giant will also be appearing on the card.
352-895-4658
E-mail Dory Funk Jr.
Visit Dory's Home Page