by Dick Bourne
Mid-Atlantic Gateway
This was always one of my favorite photos in the old Weston magazines, it ran in many issues over the years in stories or mentions about Paul Jones and/or Terry Funk.
What I like is the way Funk is selling. It was a familiar look for him when selling during the 70s and early 80s.
Jones is working over Funk's leg, perhaps setting him up for his trademark Indian deathlock. Funk has his arms wrapped around his head - - his right over his eyes, his left over his ear. I used to joke this was the "see no evil" method of selling. If I can't see you and and I can't hear you, then you can't hurt me.
One of the best matches on tape to see Funk sell in this way is the famous Toronto match in 1977 where he loses the NWA title to Harley Race.
It's a small thing, really, but it always stood out to me, and it did in this great photo as well.
Originally published May 2018 on the Mid-Atlantic Gateway. Republished 5/30/2020, 4/14/2022.
