You don’t earn a nickname like The Greatest Wrestler on God’s Green Earth, or become one of only six people in four wrestling Halls of Fame (WWE, NWA, Professional Wrestling & Wrestling Observer Newsletter), without making a big impact on the business.
Harley Race’s death yesterday (Aug. 1, 2019) brought forth remembrances and tributes from all corners of the wrestling world. Business partners, friends and fans - both behind-the-scenes & in the stands - were on social media sharing thoughts and stories about The King.
Here’s a sampling:
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
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
Everything about Harley Race commanded RESPECT...
— Triple H (@TripleH) August 1, 2019
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
I will always remember Harley Race as one of the toughest S.O.B’s to ever walk the Earth, who also took the time to personally pick out a pair of earrings for my newborn daughter. Thank you for always being you, a legend in every sense of the word. #RIPHarleyRace
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) 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
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’ve never respected any wrestler more than Harley Race.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) August 1, 2019
He was unequaled in the ring and as physically & mentally tough as anyone I’ve ever met.
For pool players in Heaven, when Harley’s gravely voice says, “I’ve got next” he means it! RIP Friend https://t.co/IjanNKpF0U
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
R.I.P Harley Race. I'll never forget the way you would say "I told that motherfucker " You were a mans man and The 7 time real World Champion. I'll treasure the time you managed me and you driving our rental Cadillac 100 miles an hour. Even when we were headed the wrong way
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) 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
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
#RIPHarleyRace pic.twitter.com/y8sGhIYNxu
— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) August 1, 2019
Godspeed, Harley Race. When I wore the “ten pounds of gold”, in my head I was you. Of course I could never hold a candle to you, but your example inspired me to try my damndest. I’m grateful for the time we shared, and I thank you forever for paving the way. Rest well, King. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Yf3lr4lnJk
— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) 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
#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
May his soul rest in peace...Harley Race #美獣 #RIPHarleyRace pic.twitter.com/FYfbWLnrHP
— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) August 2, 2019
RIP Harley Race. In a day and age where real men seem to be an endangered species, he embodied every bit of the word “real” in and out of the ring. A rough, tough man and a gentleman. Honored to have known him. Godspeed. #RIPHarley
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) August 1, 2019
So saddened to hear about the passing of Harley Race. A man’s man. The real deal. So honored to have known him. Thank you Harley for all of the great memories and cherished time spent together. Prayers and condolences for his family
— Lex Luger (@GenuineLexLuger) August 1, 2019
https://t.co/sMfb4HB6vQ
RIP to a true legend and Icon of this business, “Handsome” Harley Race. If you’re a true student of the game, then at some point you studied Harley Race. Thank you Harley for your kindness, your respect and for paving the way! pic.twitter.com/tHlTWVD2iK
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) August 1, 2019
Hit hard today. He taught me everything before @WWE. A father to me. Took me in, showed me the ropes, gave me leftovers when I was so broke to afford “good food”, was the 1st one to hold my oldest son, but whooped my ass beyond belief. Gonna miss him! Harley Race and WLW I love u
— Curtis Axel (@RealCurtisAxel) August 2, 2019
To me, Harley Race was a father figure. Thought me things that I never knew about even growing up in this business. Made me hard nosed and tough. I’m gonna miss him...
— Curtis Axel (@RealCurtisAxel) August 2, 2019
Harley Race would make sure I worked my ass off in the ring, but after, we would take off on his boat on the Ozarks, have some beers and BJ would make us some awesome dinner. #RIPHarleyRace
— Curtis Axel (@RealCurtisAxel) August 2, 2019
Learning under Harley Race at his school in Eldon, MO, in our early years, will forever be a career highlight.
— Singh Brothers (@SinghBrosWWE) August 1, 2019
Thank you, Harley. @8XNWAChampion ❤️ #RIPHarleyRace pic.twitter.com/42G0ZQbPzU
Harley Race...a champ’s champ! 3 generations of my family worked with, promoted, and called Harley a friend. The first world champion I ever met. #RIPHarleyRace #TheChamp pic.twitter.com/60soGxG9JB
— Jeff Jarrett (@RealJeffJarrett) August 1, 2019
https://t.co/lVfswyg4Xp
— Scott Dawson (@ScottDawsonWWE) August 1, 2019
The standard bearer for professional wrestlers. A tough, respected man who we all hope to be like. He’s MY professional wrestling. The King #RIPHarleyRace
My thoughts are with the family, friends and fans of #HarleyRace. His students are among my favorite people I’ve met in and out of the business. pic.twitter.com/OJzOjIRRW3
— Rob Schamberger (@robschamberger) August 1, 2019
Hail to the King.