Wrestling’s problem is that nobody believes anymore, not even for a second. Suspension of disbelief used to be the profession’s lifeblood. Now, it’s impossible.
Harley Race made you believe.
His was a different era. But Race’s style was conducive to suspending disbelief. He made foes look better than they were. His bouts were physical and epic. They had credibility.
Race was real.
Race was eight-time National Wrestling Alliance world heavyweight champ from 1973-84. He passed away Thursday at 76. No wrestler ever got more respect.
I’m writing a longer obit for TribLive.com. But if you want a primer in wrestling brilliance, watch these videos. They provide testimony to the excellence of the greatest wrestler on God’s green earth.
Harley Race, RIP.