Today brings about some sad news to pass along, as the legendary wrestling superstar “King” Harley Race has reportedly passed away. Widely regarded by longtime wrestling fans as one of the best performers and promoters of all time, Race’s passing was officially confirmed on the officialWWEwebsite. The iconic wrestler had been in and out of the hospital for various health issues over the past several years, and fellow legend Ric Flair had announced a few months back Race had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Due to complications stemming from lung cancer, Race passed away on Thursday at 76 years old.
Born Harley Leland Race in 1943, Race was one of fewwrestling superstarsfrom his era to compete in WWE and other major wrestling promotions using his real name. From a very early age, he knew he wanted to be a pro wrestler. After overcoming polio as a child, Race began his wrestling training as a teenager under former world champions Stanislaus and Wladek Zbysko. After an altercation in high school led to his expulsion, Race pursued his passion full-time, and was wrestling in Nashville by age 18. Wrestling as Jack Long with storyline brother John Long, Race’s first title win would be the Southern Tag Team Championship.
However, around this time, Race fell victim to atragic car accidentwhich changed his entire life and could have put a premature stop to his legendary career. Sadly, Race’s first wife Vivian, who was pregnant at the time, was killed in the accident. Race’s leg was also seriously injured, and doctors were planning on amputating the limb. When wrestling promoter Gust Karras became aware of the accident, he rushed to the hospital and talked the medical staff out of the procedure. This saved Race’s leg, and although he was warned he’d never walk again, the wrestler amazingly made a full recovery after several grueling months of physical therapy.
In the years since, Race would go on to become one of the business’s all-time greatests, appearing in promotions like the AWA, NWA, WCW, Ring of Honor, TNA, and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Of course, he is perhaps best known for the years spent in WWE, then called theWorld Wrestling Federation. Initially dubbed “Handsome” Harley Race, the wrestler adopted the “King” moniker after winning the company’s King of the Ring tournament. Playing the character to the fullest, Race would come out in a crown and cape, often having defeated opponents kneel before him with the help of manager Bobby Heenan. He later returned to the company to be inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2007.
It’s certainly a sad day for the wrestling business, as the wrestling world has lost another legend. We offer our condolences to the family and friends of the fallen entertainer at this difficult time. The legacy of Harley Race will live on forever, and may herest in peace. This news comes to us fromofficial WWE.com website.
