WWE History Vol. 3: The Kings of Wrestling

The First King: Harley Race

The pro wrestling industry is full of tough men. But there are certain athletes who stand out from even this crowd.

Harley Race is one such man. Race was a major star in the NWA territories during the 1970s and early 1980s and frequently held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Harley Race faced Nature Boy Ric Flair in a steel cage during the first ever Starrcade main event.

WWE acquired his contract in 1985, but a major star like Race presented a problem. WWE did not want to publicly acknowledge his accomplishments in other promotions, but at the same time, they wanted fans to recognize Harley Race as a major force in wrestling.

The solution was that he would win the first King of the Ring tournament, and subsequently, be crowned by his manager Bobby Heenan. Not only did this give Race some prestige, but it also kept him out of the world title picture which was dominated by Hulk Hogan during this era.

Harley went all in on the gimmick, demanding his opponents and the fans at ringside bow to his monarch's glory. He worked the crowds up into a frenzy with his pompous ways and was an effective heel.

Race picked up a huge win at WrestleMania III over Junk Yard Dog, who was forced to bow to the king. Other notable feuds included Hacksaw Jim Duggan, who brawled with Race at the first ever Slammy awards.

Race would hold the crown for years until a match against Hulk Hogan gave him a legit injury when he dove through a table. Bobby Heenan soon announced that there would be a new king, however.