• On This Day In Pro Wrestling History (August 2, 1998) – ECW Heat Wave 1998
On this day in Pro Wrestling history on August 2, 1998, Extreme Championship Wrestling aired ‘ECW Heat Wave 1998’ LIVE on PPV from the Hara Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
This was the 5th out of 7 ECW Heat Wave events the company produced from 1994 to 2000, but only the 1998, 1999 & 2000 shows made it to pay-per-view.
The results of the show can be found here:
– Justin Credible defeated Jerry Lynn
– Chris Candido defeated Lance Storm
– Masato Tanaka defeated Mike Awesome
– ECW World Tag Team Championship: Rob Van Dam & Sabu (c) defeated Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki
– Falls Count Anywhere – FTW Heavyweight Championship: Taz (c) defeated Bam Bam Bigelow
– Street Fight: Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman & Spike Dudley defeated The Dudleys
• Ric Flair, Steve Austin, Vince McMahon, Triple H & More React To Harley Race’s Death
As we noted yesterday, WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race passed away at the age of 76.
Harley was dealing with lung cancer and was recently hospitalized. He was scheduled to appear at the Knoxville Fan Expo last weekend, but he couldn’t make the appearance as he was in the hospital.
Below are Harley’s major accomplishments in Pro-Wrestling:
– 8x NWA World Heavyweight Champion
– WWF King of the Ring (1986)
– 1x NWA United States Heavyweight Champion
– 3x AWA World Tag Team Champion
– NWA Hall of Fame
– WCW Hall of Fame
– WWE Hall of Fame
Today at 12:50, we lost the man that fought up until the very last of his existence. More information will be released soon, but just know that he loved pro-wrestling and the fans that loved him.
Harley Race, we love you
— Harley Race (@8XNWAChampion) August 1, 2019
R.I.P Harley Race
[April 11, 1943 – August 1, 2019]
Below is how the wrestling world reacted to Harley Race’s death:
He Will Be Greatly Missed, But Always Remembered By Myself And So Many Others. The Stories Of Harley Race Will Live On Forever! Rest In Peace My Friend!
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 1, 2019
Harley Race, one of the greatest Professional Wrestling legends of all time, passed away today. For years Harley was the standard bearer for all of Wrestling. He was revered and respected by all and feared nothing. I am thankful for all of his advice. Condolences to his family.
— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) August 1, 2019
Harley Race was literally the King of his profession for 25 years. Long live the King. pic.twitter.com/nY3V5hyp3N
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) August 1, 2019
Everything about Harley Race commanded RESPECT…
Today our world mourns with all the RESPECT you deserve…
One of my favorite people in the business and in life.
See you down the road, my friend.#LegendsNeverDie#ThenNowForever https://t.co/l1q2eD7XAl— Triple H (@TripleH) August 1, 2019
I will always remember Harley Race as one of the toughest S.O.B’s to ever walk the Earth, who also took the time to personally pick out a pair of earrings for my newborn daughter. Thank you for always being you, a legend in every sense of the word. #RIPHarleyRace
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) August 1, 2019
Thank you Harley. So many legends in the industry will tell you he was the toughest to ever do it. He never stopped giving. I remember when he managed Vader in wcw, he would still try and scare me backstage. Ten pounds of gold never looked better on anybody. https://t.co/Q1qq4qEeGT
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) August 1, 2019
The wrestling world has lost another legend and I have lost a dear friend and mentor. RIP Harley Race. You are loved and will be very much missed. https://t.co/KDJzcQY2sI
— Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) August 1, 2019
So saddened to hear about the passing of Harley Race. A man’s man. The real deal. So honored to have known him. Thank you Harley for all of the great memories and cherished time spent together. Prayers and condolences for his family
??? https://t.co/sMfb4HB6vQ— Lex Luger (@GenuineLexLuger) August 1, 2019
RIP Harley Race. The few times we met you were very kind and had kind words for us. Thank you sir.
— Rodriguez ???? (@RRWWE) August 1, 2019
Rest in Peace to the legendary Harley Race…..
— Brian Heffron aka The Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanieBWO) August 1, 2019
"If I hit him with my left and he doesn't go down, I will walk around him to see what's holding him up.”
RIP Harley Race ?
What a legend.
Harley vs. JYD from WrestleMania 3 is such an underrated match & a perfect example of maximizing your minutes.
Condolences to his family.
— BULL ? (@RealBullJames) August 1, 2019
We lost one of the greats today. #RIPHarley
Sending love and light to his friends and family.
— Queen of Queens (@trishstratuscom) August 1, 2019
I had the pleasure of watching him work and studying his moves and style. I later had the honor of sitting next to him and listening and learning first hand! You will be missed, God speed #HarleyRace and thank you! pic.twitter.com/tWZOHQJ0D6
— Bill DeMott (@BillDeMott) August 1, 2019
Sad news. Harley was a trailblazing performer & a true ICON in our industry. He was always so kind & friendly in all of our interactions over the years. My heartfelt thoughts go out to his family & friends. https://t.co/G8TDwRxGR2
— The VESSEL of Matt Hardy (@MATTHARDYBRAND) August 1, 2019
RIP to a true legend and Icon of this business, “Handsome” Harley Race. If you’re a true student of the game, then at some point you studied Harley Race. Thank you Harley for your kindness, your respect and for paving the way! pic.twitter.com/tHlTWVD2iK
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) August 1, 2019
We lost a legend today, a real genuine true to the core legend #RIPHarleyRace
— Santino Marella (@milanmiracle) August 1, 2019
RIP one of the toughest, real world champs in any era. He was responsible for me getting smart to the business way back when. Harley Race was one of a kind. Toughest man on God's green earth! pic.twitter.com/i0Jc8ITRVW
— Tom Prichard (@drtomprichard) August 1, 2019
So sad to loss a icon like Harley!! https://t.co/oXGfgl83XA
— TheMarkHenry (@TheMarkHenry) August 1, 2019
Triple I know you were close, the wrestling world morns with you. https://t.co/zZtZDJHz2E
— TheMarkHenry (@TheMarkHenry) August 1, 2019
Damn.. RIP to a legend. @8XNWAChampion #HarleyRace
— PAIGE (@RealPaigeWWE) August 1, 2019
"What's your finish? ….I'll move!"
Harley Race— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) August 1, 2019
Respect.
RIP Sir. ? pic.twitter.com/Zct6Iobv9B— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) August 1, 2019
Love and strength to the family and friends of @8XNWAChampion …Harley’s presence will never be forgotten by all of those he touched! #RIPHarleyRace
— Beth Copeland (@TheBethPhoenix) August 1, 2019
