Wrestling World Pays Tribute to Legend Harley Race After His Death at 76

Scott Fishman August 2, 2019, 10:30 am

The pro wrestling community mourns the passing of one of its most influential and respected icons in Harley Race. Social media remembrances and tributes began pouring in upon news of the WWE Hall of Famer’s death at the age of 76, reportedly due to complications from lung cancer.

The Missourian’s career dated back to the 1960s, where he would go on to frequently have gold around his waist — including eight times as the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) world champion.

With his gravelly voice and no-nonsense exterior, Race was known for his toughness and he brought a level of legitimacy to every move or promo. He’s someone who embraced being the hated villain and thrived on the crowd’s disdain.

He Will Be Greatly Missed, But Always Remembered By Myself And So Many Others. The Stories Of Harley Race Will Live On Forever! Rest In Peace My Friend!

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 1, 2019

We love you Harley! pic.twitter.com/37T8XfG4Yb

— NWA (@nwa) August 1, 2019

“Handsome” Harley was part of a truly golden age of the business with pro wrestling expanding across the United States and beyond clashing with the likes of the Funks and Dusty Rhodes. Race is often credited with helping put “Nature Boy” Ric Flair on the map, dropping the NWA’s top prize in a classic cage match at the inaugural Starrcade in 1983. Flair called Race the one and only real world champion.

RIP HARLEY,love you my brother HH

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) August 1, 2019

The veteran continued to acquire accolades toward the end of his in-ring run, crowned WWE King of the Ring in 1986. It was while under contract with Vince McMahon that gave him the opportunity to work WrestleMania 3 against Junkyard Dog and main event cards alongside Hulk Hogan.

Despite hanging up the boots in the 1990’s, that didn’t stop his contributions to the industry. He managed the late Big Van Vader during the imposing performer’s dominating WCW title reign and wasn’t above dropping a headbutt or two. Right up until the end, Race never stopped making appearances whether it was meeting fans or lending his knowledge to the future.

💔 #RIPHarleyRace pic.twitter.com/y8sGhIYNxu

— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) August 1, 2019

Everything about Harley Race commanded RESPECT…
Today our world mourns with all the RESPECT you deserve…
One of my favorite people in the business and in life.
See you down the road, my friend.#LegendsNeverDie #ThenNowForever https://t.co/l1q2eD7XAl

— Triple H (@TripleH) August 1, 2019

Thank you Harley. So many legends in the industry will tell you he was the toughest to ever do it. He never stopped giving. I remember when he managed Vader in wcw, he would still try and scare me backstage. Ten pounds of gold never looked better on anybody. https://t.co/Q1qq4qEeGT

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) August 1, 2019

Harley Race, one of the greatest Professional Wrestling legends of all time, passed away today. For years Harley was the standard bearer for all of Wrestling. He was revered and respected by all and feared nothing. I am thankful for all of his advice. Condolences to his family.

— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) August 1, 2019

I wrote this in April of 2017 after reconnecting with Harley at an NXT show in Missouri.

I am incredibly grateful for our time together.

Thank you, Boss.

🖤🖤🖤 pic.twitter.com/SlbOUCLAMi

— CIAMPA (@ProjectCiampa) August 1, 2019

He promoted shows under the World League Wrestling, providing opportunities to up-and-comers including NXT’s Tommaso Ciampa. From Triple H to “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, so many have gone on record citing Race an inspiration. Austin went as far to call him the standard bearer for all of wrestling for a number of years.

His memory will live on thanks to a library of matches and moments available through the WWE Network.