We’ve lost yet another wrestling great all too soon, as Harley Race has lost his battle with various health issues. The legend passed away today at the age of 76.
Race had been dealing with these problems over the past few years. Ric Flair made note of his lung cancer earlier this year, though he would later say he was “misinformed”.
Race has had quite a storied wrestling career over the years. He would get his start as the first NWA United States Heavyweight Champion, and later become the WWA World Heavyweright Champion and the NWA World Heavyweight Champion eight times. He also began a notable run in the World Wrestling Federation under the name “King” Harley Race after winning the 1986 King of the Ring Tournament.
His career also included an induction into the WCW Hall of Fame in 1994, as well as the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996 and, at long last, the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.
Many wrestlers and brands have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the passing of Race, including Ted DiBiase, Dustin Rhodes and AEW.
The wrestling world has lost another legend and I have lost a dear friend and mentor. RIP Harley Race. You are loved and will be very much missed. https://t.co/KDJzcQY2sI
— Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) August 1, 2019
So Sad To Hear Harley Race Has Passed😔Wonderful Man That I Admired & Loved❤️He Taught Me So Much In & Out of The Squared Circle #RIP Champ🙏🏻
— SGT SLAUGHTER (@_SgtSlaughter) August 1, 2019
Today the world lost one of the toughest men ever to walk God's green earth.
— NWA (@nwa) August 1, 2019
RIP Harley Race!
8X NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion.
The entire sport of professional wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Harley. pic.twitter.com/rEiHknbYn1
AEW is saddened to learn that Pro Wrestling Hall of Famer Harley Race has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Ik29DwZIQ4
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 1, 2019
RIP to one of the greatest performers there ever was. He was a friend. You will be missed #HarleyRace #RIP
— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) August 1, 2019
And for those that want a reminder of one of his greatest matches, here’s him going toe-to-toe with Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. It’s still amazing stuff.
Rest in power, Harley Race. Our thoughts are with your friends, family and fans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVNotxff_MI
