As I’m sure you already heard, the wrestling world was saddened today by the loss of Harley Race. You can check out Brandon’s post for a fuller look at Race, but if you didn’t know him, the gist is that he was one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
Race was the very first to hold the United States Championship that currently belongs to AJ Styles. He was also an eight-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, and competed for that belt against Ric Flair in the main event of the very first Starrcade. In WWF, he was the second King of the Ring tournament winner, but the first to roll that win into a “King” gimmick, like Randy Savage and Booker T would after him. In 2004 he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Ric Flair, a man he once put out a hit on with a suitcase full of money.
Naturally, the entire wrestling internet is out on social media remembering such a legendary figure. I’ve done my best to collect the tweets that have come out so far, and if I’ve missed any (or when more come later, you can point them out in the comments.
The NWA, where Harley Race truly became a legend, has already tweeted about him several times, and most other companies and wrestling institutions have had something to say as well.
Today the world lost one of the toughest men ever to walk God's green earth.
RIP Harley Race!
8X NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion.The entire sport of professional wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Harley. pic.twitter.com/rEiHknbYn1
— NWA (@nwa) August 1, 2019
From this past November at @WrestleCade, the NWA Worlds Champion @RealNickAldis has a significant moment with Harley Race (@8XNWAChampion)#RIPHarleyRace pic.twitter.com/9e4UE87JJc
— NWA (@nwa) August 1, 2019
In one of Harley Race's last public interviews, he appeared on #TenPoundsOfGold with @RealNickAldis about what it means to be the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship. #RIPHarleyRace@8XNWAChampion pic.twitter.com/4ORacgNuHo
— NWA (@nwa) August 1, 2019
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race passed away today at age 76. WWE extends its condolences to Race’s family, friends and fans. https://t.co/lO4OimLsSd
— WWE (@WWE) August 1, 2019
IMPACT Wrestling is saddened to hear of the passing of Harley Race. We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/OZp5KPh48F
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) August 1, 2019
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 (@AEW) August 1, 2019
Our thoughts are with the family, friends, colleagues and fans of Harley Race.
Harley Race was one of the greatest professional wrestlers who ever lived. He will be sincerely missed. pic.twitter.com/VERMtch0kc
— #StarrcastDownunder (@StarrcastEvents) August 1, 2019
From the @theobserver archive: RIP "Handsome" Harley Race. His career spanned nearly four decades, where he was known as one of the toughest guys in and out of the ring. The WWE Hall of Famer was 76. 📸: @jsiner pic.twitter.com/S9L8psIpcD
— The Charlotte Observer (@theobserver) August 1, 2019
Then there are all the individuals with fond memories of Race, whether because they knew him or just because they admired his work.
Harley Race was literally the King of his profession for 25 years. Long live the King. pic.twitter.com/nY3V5hyp3N
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) August 1, 2019
On January 25th 1993 in met a great man who became a great friend and mentor. A proper man in and out of the ring. One of the true greats. Harley Race passed today. I will be forever grateful for the time I’ve spent with him.
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) August 1, 2019
https://twitter.com/WWEAleister/status/1157013333075267584
https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/1157010175162802182
https://twitter.com/ProjectCiampa/status/1157007255503560704
https://twitter.com/OfficialTAZ/status/1157012798687330311
The Hart family loves you forever King Harley Race. Grateful I got to tell you what you meant to my grandfather Stu Hart, who adored you. My thoughts and prayers to Harley’s family today🙏 pic.twitter.com/t5PqOJW0Lx
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) August 1, 2019
The wrestling world has lost another legend and I have lost a dear friend and mentor. RIP Harley Race. You are loved and will be very much missed. https://t.co/KDJzcQY2sI
— Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) August 1, 2019
Sad news. Harley was a trailblazing performer & a true ICON in our industry. He was always so kind & friendly in all of our interactions over the years. My heartfelt thoughts go out to his family & friends. https://t.co/G8TDwRxGR2
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) 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
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
So Sad To Hear Harley Race Has Passed😔Wonderful Man That I Admired & Loved❤️He Taught Me So Much In & Out of The Squared Circle #RIP Champ🙏🏻
— SGT SLAUGHTER (@_SgtSlaughter) August 1, 2019
Rest In Peace to a true king, Harley Race. #RIPHarley #HarleyRace
— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) August 1, 2019
Respect.
RIP Sir. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Zct6Iobv9B— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) August 1, 2019
https://twitter.com/RealBullJames/status/1157007811907338249
https://twitter.com/AriyaDaivariWWE/status/1157004159654256641
Learning under Harley Race at his school in Eldon, MO, in our early years, will forever be a career highlight.
Thank you, Harley. @8XNWAChampion ❤️ 🙏🏽 #RIPHarleyRace pic.twitter.com/42G0ZQbPzU
— Bollywood Boyz (@BollywoodBoyz) August 1, 2019
https://twitter.com/TheRealXPac/status/1157008557025316864
https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/1157017691623788544
#RIP Harley Race. This is why we should not throw the term Legend around freely. It needs to be saved for people like Harley who truly are.
— Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) August 1, 2019
https://twitter.com/FrankieKazarian/status/1157005629719867392
