Wrestling
WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race Passes Away at Age 76
On Thursday, August 1st, 2019, WWE Hall of Famer and former NWA World Champion, Harley Race, passed away at the age of 76. The former 8-time NWA World Champion passed just before 1 p.m. Thursday afternoon; reports from earlier in the month stated that Race was hospitalized and needed to be checked out.
Early in July, while traveling to Knoxville, Race apparently exhibited signs that he needed medical attention. Additionally, a fundraiser was opened to help out with expenses, while he was away from home. Sadly, it would appear that he succumbed to his ailments. His passing sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. Dustin Runnels (Goldust), son of one of Race’s greatest foes in the ring, Dusty Rhodes, sent his condolences to the former champ.
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
Harley Race’s personal Twitter sent news of his passing shortly after, saying…
Today at 12:50, we lost the man that fought up until the very last of his existence. More information will be released soon, but just know that he loved pro-wrestling and the fans that loved him.
Harley Race, we love you
— Harley Race (@8XNWAChampion) August 1, 2019
AEW also expressed their sadness and offered their condolences to Race’s friends and family:
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 (@AEWrestling) August 1, 2019
One of the toughest men to walk God’s green earth…
Having debuted in 1960, Harley Race soon gained notoriety in the American Wrestling Alliance (AWA); a run which saw him rise to dominance from 1965 to 1986. During which, he also started to make a mark in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) from 1970-1984. In that time, he wrestled the likes of Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes, amongst others. He also had notable feuds against the likes of Lou Thesz, Dick the Bruiser and The Crusher.
After his run with both the AWA and NWA, he would enjoy a short stay in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF/E) from 1986 to 1989, before transitioning to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from 1990-1995(then later on, in 1999). At that time, he was utilized in a managerial role for Vader. After his run with WCW, he would go on to open Harley Race’s Wrestling Academy. Additionally, he would hold monthly shows for his World Wrestling League promotion.
With a combined 1,799 days under his belt across all eight of his NWA World Title reigns. Additionally, he is one of six men to be inducted to the WWE, NWA, Professional Wrestling and Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fames.
Condolences
We here, at TSJ101Sports, offer the friends and family of Harley Race of deepest condolences and well wishes.
Written by Gregory Black
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