HARLEY RACE AS NWA WORLD CHAMPION IN THE 70's
Harley Race, one of the biggest stars in wrestling during the 70's and 80's passed away on Thursday, August 1st. The former NWA Champion was 76 years old. Race began his career in the American Wrestling Association in the 60's appearing in a tag-team with Larry "The Axe" Hennig. After winning the AWA tag team titles three different times with Hennig, Race moved onto the National Wrestling Alliance.
Race entered the National Wrestling Alliance in 1970 and became one of the biggest stars the promotion ever had. In 1973, Race defeated Dory Funk Jr. to win his first NWA World Championship. Between 1973 and 1983, Harley Race would win the NWA World title eight times during his career engaging in legendary feuds with Terry Funk, Dusty Rhodes, and Ric Flair. In November 1983, Race and Flair made history when Starrcade, the first pay per view aired on closed circuit TV. Starrcade was the precursor to Wrestlemania and would launch a new age in pro wrestling. At Starrcade, Ric Flair would defeat Harley Race for the championship and Race would leave the NWA in 1984.
HARLEY RACE WITH BIG VAN VADER
By 1986, Harley Race started wrestling in World Wrestling Entertainment as "The King" after he won the King Of The Ring tournament. He engaged in feuds with the Junkyard Dog, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and Hulk Hogan. In 1989, Race would leave the WWE and work other promotions including the NWA and AWA. In 1991, Harley Race retired as an active wrestler and became a manager in World Championship Wrestling. Harley Race managed both Lex Luger and Big Van Vader to World title runs in WCW.
Harley Race was one of the biggest stars in the territory days of pro wrestling. His legendary skill and toughness made him a major attraction in wrestling during the 70's and 80's. During his legendary career he was a true icon of the sport and he crafted a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Class Dismissed,
THE PROFESSOR
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