The world just got a little bit softer with the passing of one its true tough guys in Harley Race. The 8-time NWA World Champion departed this world yesterday at the age of 76. He maybe one of the most underappreciated legends in the business. As we have moved into the modern era his name appears less and less when we are talking about GOATs in the wrestling business. The reality is that Harley maybe the last true World Champion in the business.
In an era when there were not a lot of multiple time NWA Champions, Race was the standard bearer for the most prestigious title in pro wrestling. The champ had to go from territory to territory representing the 10 Pounds of Gold and face the top talent in that area. Working mostly as a heel during his career he still was able to garner a lot respect from the fans in a time where it was very hard to do as a bad guy.
Universally known around the wrestling business as legit tough guy, Race broke into the business as a teenager. Starting in the 1960s Race found success when he started teaming with Larry “The Axe” Hennig (Mr Perfect’s father) while working in the Amarillo, Texas territory ran by the Funk’s. The team took their act to the AWA where they found tag team gold even beating the legendary team of The Crusher and Dick “The Bruiser”.
In the 1970s Race moved on to the NWA as a singles competitor and became the most dominant wrestler of that decade. He was the first ever United State Champion. In 1973 he won his first NWA World Title from Dory Funk. He was what today we call a transitional champ as he dropped the belt to Jack Brisco. He would go on to regain the belt in 1977 beating Dory’s brother Terry Funk.
Race faced all the top stars of the time period. Feuding with Dory Funk, Dick “The Bruiser”, and a few champion vs champion matches against the likes of Nick Bockwinkel (AWA), Superstar Billy Graham (WWWF). Harley also tour Japan and was a big star overseas. Going into the 1980s Race was the standard bearer and as he went on to feud with an old rival Dusty Rhodes from the 1970s and a new upcoming Ric Flair. Race and Flair headlined the first Starrcade in 1983.
In the 1986 Harley Race went to the WWF and won one of the early King of The Ring tournaments was acknowledged as the King of Wrestling. This allowed the company to recognize his status without speaking of the titles that Race won outside the organization. He defended his crown and had memorable feuds with the likes of Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Junkyard Dog and Hulk Hogan.
In 1991 Race ended his in-ring career but stayed heavily involved in the wrestling business. He was what people call a lifer in the wrestling business as he was part of the scene until he passed. His most notable time was working as a manager in WCW managing World Champions Lex Luger and Big Van Vader. He made several appearances over the years at
legends shows and as a guest ring announcer. In 1999 Race started his own promotion known as World League Wrestling and started Harley Race’s Wrestling Academy. He has trained talents like Trevor Murdoch and Tommaso Ciampa.
Only six wrestlers can state that they are members of the NWA Hall of Fame, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, WWE Hall of Fame and Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. Race is one of those men. A true legend in the business, Race will be missed by fans all over the world.
Written By
Keith B. Holt
Follow on Twitter @Kholtjr
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