“Black Bart” Richard Harris, an expert wrestling veteran who had stints in WWE and WCW, has died. He was 76.
His spouse, Linda, confirmed the passing on Thursday (January 9), revealing in a Fb publish that Harris died on Thursday morning after a battle with most cancers.
“You would possibly know him as Black Bart however to me he was my husband Ricky. He left us this morning. He was pronounced at 5:26 this morning. He’s Resting In Peace,” Linda wrote.
Harris was identified with stage 4 most cancers in 2022 and entered hospice care final month after stopping chemotherapy therapy. Late final 12 months, wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell claimed on his Story Time Podcast that Harris’ medical insurance coverage had run out and would not cowl his therapy.
A member of the family shared a Fb publish on January 5, writing, “I wasn’t going to say something but however determined to let his individuals know he’s on hospice. We recognize the prayers and do want them to proceed however as I stated earlier than he’s not taking the chemo and his most cancers was stage 4 when identified in 2022.”
“His brothers within the enterprise are thought of household, I hope the remainder of you perceive. However speedy household comes first,” the publish continued. “The remainder of you may be notified with updates as quickly because the household is able to give them. However don’t assume we love you any much less. Proper now Bart remains to be hanging in there. We’re retaining him comfy and ache free. That’s all I can say for now. A lot like to you all!!!
Born on January 30, 1948, in Texarkana, Arkansas, Harris began wrestling in 1975 and, all through his profession, competed in promotions similar to Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, Georgia Championship Wrestling, and World Class Championship Wrestling.
A former NWA Nationwide Heavyweight Champion and the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Champion, Harris joined WWE (then the WWF) in 1990, the place he turned identified for wrestling rookie and debuting wrestlers. He left WWE in 1991 and joined rival promotion WCW, the place he joined a steady known as the Desperados.
Harris would proceed wrestling on the impartial circuit all through the late Nineties and early 2000s, finally retiring in 2002 (although he made a quick return in 2006). He was additionally a revered coach, having educated WWE Corridor of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield.
Black Bart took me underneath his wing and taught me find out how to be an expert wrestler. We have been tag champs in Texas-but we have been additionally simply buddies. We sat collectively within the dressing room whereas Bart spit in his garbage can and continuously joked about every little thing. Bart meant the world to me. I… pic.twitter.com/ItRybdJphl
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) January 10, 2025
Following the information of Harris’ passing, Layfield took to X to pay tribute, writing, “Black Bart took me underneath his wing and taught me find out how to be an expert wrestler. We have been tag champs in Texas-but we have been additionally simply buddies. We sat collectively within the dressing room whereas Bart spit in his garbage can and continuously joked about every little thing. Bart meant the world to me. I really like you large brother. RIP.”
Wrestling legend and present AEW star Dustin Rhodes additionally paid tribute, posting, “Black Bart taught me a ton in my youthful years. Liked him to demise. He will probably be missed.”
Black Bart taught me a ton in my youthful years. Liked him to demise. He will probably be missed. #RIP
— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) January 10, 2025
You’ll be able to try extra tributes beneath.
The professional wrestling group misplaced considered one of its nice characters with the passing of Black Bart (Ricky Harris). A True Authentic, Bart was beloved and extremely revered amongst his friends. pic.twitter.com/4tNMLgVHAR
— Mike Mooneyham (@ByMikeMooneyham) January 10, 2025
The Cauliflower Membership Alley celebrates the enduring legacy of Black Bart, and extends its heartfelt sympathies to his family members and admirers worldwide, honoring the profound affect he left on the lives of so many. Relaxation in Peace Bart, thanks for the reminiscences. pic.twitter.com/BgNVmutbzW
— Cauliflower Alley Membership (@CACReunion) January 10, 2025
Linda Harris, Black Bart’s spouse, known as and knowledgeable me that Black Bart has handed away. He “took his final breath” at 3:45am and was formally pronounced useless at 5:26am.
Linda said that he’s “in no extra ache” as she mourned for the lack of her husband whereas we have been on the… pic.twitter.com/2ujIwxrDN3
— Dr. Chris Featherstone, Ph.D. (@chrisprolific) January 10, 2025
Black Bart handed away at present. My ideas and prayers are along with his household and mates. He was a great man. 🙏🏻
— Leilani Kai (@realLeilaniKai) January 10, 2025
Very unhappy. Black Bart is the primary professional wrestler I ever noticed stay. He was within the opener at a WWF home present in Scranton. He labored lots of home reveals in that point too. https://t.co/jLoL9Pfk1d pic.twitter.com/ql3gq6i28u
— Michael (@mikeVSphilly) January 10, 2025
R.I.P. Black Bart. He was an absolute pleasure to work with and sadly the 4th individual in my set that we have now misplaced, together with Vincent, Lanny Poffo, and Mantaur. Ideas are along with his household and mates. pic.twitter.com/Emti5Qfkfs
— Korey Bastian (@KoreyBastian) January 10, 2025
I’m saddened to listen to that Black Bart aka Rick Harris has handed away. Bart was def an affect on me, and my model within the ring. Thanks for the reminiscences Bart. My condolences to his household and mates. pic.twitter.com/Kxp63Ntr88
— Tyrant Eric Dawson (@TyrantDawson) January 10, 2025