Net Worth Ranker
What Is Harley Race’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on August 1, 2019, Harley Race, the celebrated former professional wrestler, wrestling promoter, and trainer, had a net worth of $600,000. This figure reflects his earnings and assets accumulated over a career spanning several decades in the professional wrestling industry. Although detailed financial records and specific income breakdowns are not publicly available, we can infer the components of his net worth from his career trajectory and activities.
Early Career and Wrestling Associations
Harley Race was born in Quitman, Missouri, in April 1943. He embarked on his professional wrestling journey in 1960, marking the beginning of a career that would see him compete across several major wrestling organizations. Race’s early career included stints in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), where he honed his skills and began to establish his reputation. His time in the AWA contributed to his initial earnings and provided a foundation for future success in the industry. Although specific financial figures for his early AWA contracts are not available, it is known that wrestlers at this level earned relatively modest sums compared to later eras.
His wrestling career in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) was the bedrock of his financial stability and eventual net worth. He spent a significant portion of his career in the NWA, achieving considerable success. As an eight-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Race was a top draw for the organization, participating in main event matches that generated significant revenue. The NWA World Heavyweight Championship was one of the most prestigious titles in professional wrestling during its heyday, and Race’s multiple reigns would have significantly boosted his income. While specific figures for each title reign and match earnings are not public, it’s reasonable to assume that his earnings during this period were substantial compared to those of mid-card wrestlers. Furthermore, these title reigns would have increased his booking fee for subsequent events.
Harley Race also spent time wrestling in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE. In 1986, he won the King of the Ring tournament. His time in the WWF, although shorter than his tenure in the NWA, still contributed to his overall earnings. While detailed contract specifics are not publicly available, it’s plausible to conclude that his WWF earnings added to his net worth, given his established reputation and the organization’s prominence.
Post-Wrestling Career and Ventures
After retiring from active wrestling in 1991 due to injuries, Race transitioned into roles as a manager and promoter. He worked for World Championship Wrestling (WCW), further sustaining his income through managerial duties. During his post-wrestling career, Harley Race also operated his own wrestling promotion, Heart of America Sports Attractions, and later, World League Wrestling. These ventures were instrumental in keeping him active in the wrestling world and added to his financial portfolio. As a promoter, Race would have earned revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and potentially television deals. The success of these promotions would have directly impacted his earnings, although precise revenue figures are not available publicly. His involvement in training aspiring wrestlers also provided a source of income, as he was highly regarded for his knowledge and experience.
His induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004 was a testament to his lasting impact on the sport. His eight NWA World Heavyweight Championships further solidified his legacy, and in 2005, he was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame. He was also a three-time AWA World Tag Team Champion with Larry Hennig and the first-ever NWA United States Heavyweight Champion. These accolades contributed to his brand and ongoing marketability, which could have translated into further earnings through appearances and endorsements. While the exact financial benefits of these honors are difficult to quantify, they undoubtedly enhanced his overall financial standing.
Components of Harley Race’s Net Worth
Harley Race’s estimated net worth of $600,000 at the time of his death would have comprised various assets and income streams. These would likely have included:
Earnings from Wrestling: A significant portion of his net worth would have come from his wrestling career, including match earnings, bonuses, and appearance fees. The exact amounts would vary from year to year based on his booking schedule and championship status.
Promotional and Managerial Income: His roles as a wrestling promoter and manager would have provided a steady income stream, contributing to his overall net worth. The success of his wrestling promotions would have been a key factor in the financial returns.
Real Estate and Investments: It is plausible that Race held some real estate assets or had made investments, which could have added to his net worth. However, specific details on these assets are not publicly available.
Merchandise and Memorabilia: As a prominent figure in wrestling, Race may have generated income from merchandise sales and memorabilia. Although the exact figures are unknown, this would have contributed to his earnings.
Given the information available, Harley Race’s net worth of $600,000 reflects a career that blended in-ring success with promotional ventures and managerial roles. While specific details are limited, this estimate provides a reasonable snapshot of his financial standing at the time of his death.
