Harley Race, miembro del Salón de la Fama de la WWE, falleció a la edad de 76 años hoy debido a complicaciones del cáncer de pulmón. Race reveló por primera vez en marzo que estaba luchando contra la enfermedad.
Las personas cercanas a Race indicaron en su cuenta oficial de Twitter que falleció a las 12:50 pm de esta tarde. Escribieron: “Hoy a las 12:50, perdimos al hombre que luchó hasta el final de su existencia. Pronto se dará a conocer más información, pero solo sé que amaba la lucha libre y los fanáticos que lo amaban. Harley Race , te amamos”.
Race fue nueve veces campeón del mundo, habiendo ganado el Campeonato Mundial de Peso Pesado de la AWA una vez y el Campeonato Mundial de Peso Pesado de la NWA ocho veces. Además fue el primer Campeón de los Estados Unidos en la NWA.
Race fue uno de los seis luchadores que ingresaron al Salón de la Fama de la WWE, el Salón de la Fama de la NWA, el Salón de la Fama de la Lucha Profesional y el Salón de la Fama del Wrestling Observer.
A continuación se presentan las reacciones de varias personalidades del mundo de la lucha libre:
Harley Race was literally the King of his profession for 25 years. Long live the King. pic.twitter.com/nY3V5hyp3N
Everything about Harley Race commanded RESPECT… 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#ThenNowForeverhttps://t.co/l1q2eD7XAl
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
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
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
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 ?????? https://t.co/sMfb4HB6vQ
#RIPHarleyRace We lost a true ledend today; one of the toughest men and one of the greatest champions our sport has ever known. I loved working with him, I loved talking with him. I was proud to be his friend. pic.twitter.com/1W103AZt67
I had the pleasure of watching him work and studying his moves and style. I later had the honor of sitting next to him and listening and learning first hand! You will be missed, God speed #HarleyRace and thank you! pic.twitter.com/tWZOHQJ0D6
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
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
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
RIP one of the toughest, real world champs in any era. He was responsible for me getting smart to the business way back when. Harley Race was one of a kind. Toughest man on God's green earth! pic.twitter.com/i0Jc8ITRVW
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
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!
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.
Harley's wife, BJ, had packed the cooler with sodas, snacks and Lunchables for the drive. A bit in to the drive, I hear that gravely voice, "Hey kid, did BJ pack any pop in that cooler?". My eyes widened and I confirmed as I opened a diet Coke and passed it to him, spout to face.
I began to recount a story @MICHAELMODEST had told me right before I left for Harley's the previous year, that 2 Cold Scorpio had shared with him. Back in WCW Harley had invited Scorp to ride with him (and I think Vader). Scorpio is in the back with the beer and Harley is driving
Harley then did his best to turn the can so he could access the opening. When I finished recounting that to him, Harley replied "Oh, so that's how you knew to do that". pic.twitter.com/HjIcSjehHn
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
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
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
