King of the Ring: The Harley Race Story by Harley Race


King of the Ring: The Harley Race Story
Title : King of the Ring: The Harley Race Story
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1613212119
ISBN-10 : 9781613212110
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 208
Publication : First published November 19, 2004

A true legend, Harley Race has enjoyed almost unparalleled success in the world of professional wrestling. Having turned pro in 1959 at the age of fifteen, he had a work ethic and innovative style that allowed him to become one of the three biggest names in wrestling during the 1970s and early ’80s. He won the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) championship on eight occasions and was dubbed World Wrestling Entertainment's first "King of the Ring" in 1986. His incredible journey from farm boy to international superstar is captured within the pages of King of the Ring . In addition to his legendary ring career, Harley Race also became a successful promoter in the Midwest during the mid ’'80s with a wrestling organization seen on thirteen television stations covering five states. Although injuries and a car accident in 1995 effectively ended his wrestling career, he decided to give back to the sport he loved. Race opened the World League Wrestling (WLW) organization in 1999, which serves both as a training camp and as a touring organization for young wrestlers. King of the Ring explores Race's life and career, both in and out of the ring, detailing everything from the grind of traveling 300 days a year to the glory of being a world champion. From the pitfalls and vices associated with professional wrestling to overcoming career threatening injuries and the death of his first wife, the Harley Race readers will meet in King of the Ring is as candid as he is successful.

King of the Ring: The Harley Race Story Reviews

  • boofykins

    Harley Race kind of reminds me of my dad in the way he told stories, which makes sense since they were of the same generation, born only a few years apart. There's a dry matter-of-factness to his delivery. There is a lot of subversive wit and humor, however. There isn't any detectable bullshit, even though there are parts that certainly are embellished.

    Harley was a one-of-a-kind, tough-as-nails talent who wore the Ten Pounds of Gold with honor. I feel he presents himself pretty accurately, as far as I can tell. Maybe not as glossy as some other rasslin' memoirs, this is a must read for any pro wrestling fan.

  • Oliver Bateman

    A solid enough retelling of Race's life, with good bits about his many injuries and accidents, but this came out during the first wave of wrestler autobiographies and lacks the professional "sheen" to be found in more recent ones (Jim Ross, Bob Backlund, et al.).

    also mentioned in my Ringer obituary for Leon "Vader" White:


    https://www.theringer.com/2018/6/20/1...

  • David Bowles

    What a great read. Would have liked a bit more length but Race comes across as a genuine guy. Not that I would want to cross him though!

    He is a genuine tough guy who does not suffer fools gladly and someone you would not be advised to get on the wrong side of.

    On the other hand he really cares about the wrestling business and those in it. He respects the fans and believes that they deserve the best.

    Easy to read and entertaining.

  • Rob Sobieck

    It was a good book. To tell you the truth I hated Harley Race. If I would have read his book when I used to watch him wrestle I would have thought differently of him. sorry Harley. I have respect now though.

  • Big

    Very honest account of his life by Race. He wasn't polished, but I considered his genuine self assessment refreshing.

  • Jerry

    This book was very interesting. When I can read a book over a weekend, it is usually very good. This was one of those books.

  • Mark James

    Truly a legend in the business. Few men were tougher or more feared. I really enjoyed this book and it was great ride through the 1960s, 70s and 80s.