Harley Race, a professional wrestling legend, boasts an impressive career spanning four decades, during which he has accumulated an impressive eight NWA Heavyweight Championships and numerous other titles. His remarkable journey began in 1973 when he defeated Dory Funk Jr. to win his first NWA World Title in Kansas City, a victory that holds a special place in his heart as Funk had held the title for over four years.
Throughout his illustrious career, Harley has been involved in numerous bloody rivalries, including those with Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk, as well as working memorable programs with other wrestling legends such as Dusty Rhodes, Bruiser Brody, Dick the Bruiser, and Ric Flair. In fact, it was Ric Flair who defeated long-time champion Harley to win his first heavyweight title, a moment that marked a significant turning point in his career.
Harley's incredible journey has taken him to every country in the world, with the exception of Russia and Communist China. He holds a special place in his heart for Japan, having made over 60 trips to the country during his career. Towards the end of his in-ring wrestling career, Harley joined the WWF (now WWE) and became known as "The King" Harley Race, feuding with notable figures such as "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan and Hulk Hogan.
One of his most memorable matches took place at WrestleMania III, where he faced off against the late Junk Yard Dog in front of an audience of over 90,000 people. Harley also won one of the WWF's first King of the Ring tournaments during his time with the organization, which was managed by the infamous "The Brain" Bobby Heenan.
After leaving the WWF, Harley returned to the NWA, now known as WCW, where he retired from the ring and began managing. He went on to manage a number of notable wrestlers, including the Kolassal Kongs, The Super Invader, Yoshi Kwan, Vinnie Vegas (Kevin Nash),Mr. Hughes, Lex Luger, and Big Van Vader, all of whom went on to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.
In 1994, Harley officially retired from the ring and returned to his hometown of Kansas City. However, he remained involved in the wrestling world, founding World League Wrestling in the summer of 1999. In recognition of his incredible contributions to the sport, Harley was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on March 13, 2004, and the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame on May 15, 2004.
