The 5 best Harley Race matches

#4 Harley Race vs. Jumbo Tsuruta - 1978

Very saddened to hear about the news of Harley race passing away. 🙏👑 I had huge respect for Harley’s in-ring wrestling, and his professionalism. His match with Jumbo Tsuruta was one of my favorites. He as also a dear friend with everyone in my family. RIP Harley 👑👍🙏🤼‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/CCd86lSrNG

— Davey Boy Smith Jr. (@DBSmithjr) August 1, 2019

During his long career, Harley Race traveled extensively, showcasing his abilities in front of people from all over the world. Some of his best matches happened in Japan against the likes of Abdullah the Butcher, Giant Baba, and Dustin Rhodes while they were working for All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW).

One of Harley’s greatest Japanese rivals was Jumbo Tsuruta, who is famous for becoming the first Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion in history by unifying three of the most well-known titles of the era.

During Harley Race’s stint in AJPW, the two men had several breathtaking matches including a two out of three falls match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at the Setagaya Ward Gymnasium in 1977. The match was critically acclaimed and most people did not think that they could top it.

In 1978, they proved everyone wrong by having the match of the year according to Tokyo Sports. The match showcased their great in-ring chemistry and allowed each man to shine. The two men would go on to have more matches against each other but none could top their 1978 classic.

In his Twitter Tribute to Race, Davey Boy Smith Jr said that this was his favorite Harley Race match.