News recently broke regarding wrestling legend Harley Race and his rapidly deteriorating health, with some sources claiming that the iconic performer was in such a poor state that he had to be admitted to a nursing home.
Whilst Race may have had his health issues in the past, it seems that those predicting his doom right now were somewhat far from the mark, and the man has denied the rumours himself via social media.
According to PWInsider, the WWE Hall of Famer has indeed been admitted to a nursing home, but this is for care and assistance with ongoing physical therapy on his legs. The decision was made for Race to move temporarily, as his son Leland Race is currently away touring with New Japan Pro Wrestling for the first time.
Also watch: Video: Ric Flair takes on Harley Race in a steel cage match
The move was one of maintenance as opposed to any further deterioration in Race’s health, to ensure enough and appropriate attention to a body that has taken a battering over many decades.
Leland Race, Harley’s son, was the first one to rubbish the rumours on Twitter, he stated:
Race took to Twitter to deny the rumours of him being on his death bed, stating that ’I’m not on my death bad much nor will I be. I am not a quitter’. Many news sources have removed original posts reporting Race’s health issues in the wake of the denial.
Here’s Harley Race’s Tweet:
Race was fighting a tough battle with health issues from the very beginning, suffering from polio as a child but overcoming it on his way to becoming one of the most respected men to ever step inside the squared circle.
Race went on to win a plethora of championships in the 60s, 70s and 80s, taking part in legendary matches against illustrious opponents like Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes and Terry Funk.
It was Flair and Race who headlined the very first Starrcade event in 1983, with the Nature Boy picking up the victory over Race inside a steel cage with the NWA World Heavyweight Championship on the line.
Race went on to have a short run in the then-WWF, where he was managed by Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan and won the second-ever King of the Ring tournament. One of the toughest men to ever lace up a pair of boots, Race was reported to be one of only two men that Andre the Giant feared (the other being Haku/Meng).
Despite what the rumours suggested it would seem that there is plenty of life left in the Mad Dog. Here’s to the King!
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