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Harley Race, WWE legend and Hall of Famer, dies aged 76

In the 70s and 80s, he was the most dominant champion and became well known after winning the World Heavyweight Championship from the likes of Dory Funk Jr., Giant Baba, Terry Funk, Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair

BY PRIYANKA SUNDAR

PUBLISHED AUG 2, 2019

Harley Race, who is a legend in the world of WWE died at the age of 76, and the same was confirmed by Dustin Rhodes on Twitter. He wrote, "RIP to one of the greatest performers there ever was. He was a friend. You will be missed #HarleyRace #RIP."

So far, the circumstances of his death not been revealed and updates about the same are expected. Race was admitted in the hospital in July as he suffered from cancer and returned home on Tuesday.

The official Twitter handle of the wrestler announced the news of his death. "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."

Race made his debut into the world of wrestling in 1960 and worked for American Wrestling Alliance (AWA) and Northern Wrestling Alliance (NWA) among other alliances. In the 70s and 80s, he was the most dominant champion and he became well known after winning the World Heavyweight Championship from the likes of Dory Funk Jr., Giant Baba, Terry Funk, Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair.

Race joining WWE in 1986 was considered unthinkable at the time. One of the most influential figures of the NWA, he joined WWE during the company's expansion and was even the first to don the regal robes and crown after winning the King of the Ring tournament.

Dubbed 'King' Harley Race by fans, he was managed by Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan and this move in his career introduced him to a new generation of fans. One of the most talked-about fights of Harley Race happens to be the one against Junkyard Dog at WrestleMania III where he pinned his opponent in front of a record-setting attendance of 93,000 fans.

He is also one of the few wrestlers to have fought all of WWE's top heroes according to a report in WWE.com. Harley Race is survived by three children and five grandchildren.