WWE fans have long romanticized the Golden Age of professional wrestling, a time when larger-than-life figures ruled the squared circle. Among the icons of that era is Harley Race, a former NWA Champion widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. Recently, Hacksaw Jim Duggan opened up about his experiences working alongside the wrestling legend, revealing a shocking secret about Race’s time as champion.
In a recent interview, Duggan spoke candidly about his matches against NWA Champion Ric Flair in Mid-South Wrestling during the mid-1980s. The grueling one-hour time limit draws took a significant toll on the young wrestler, with Duggan joking that he nearly died from exhaustion. However, it was a comment about his opponent, Harley Race, that left fans stunned.
According to Duggan, Race carried a double shoulder holster with guns while serving as NWA Champion. This bombshell revelation has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, leaving many to wonder about the safety and security protocols in place for championship titles during that era.
“Harley was a man of the times, and back then, people didn’t think twice about carrying firearms,” Duggan explained in a candid interview. “At the time, it was just a part of life, but looking back, it’s astonishing to think about. I remember seeing the holster and being a bit taken aback, but it was just something that was normal to Harley.”
While Duggan’s story raises questions about the security measures in place for NWA Champions, it also shines a light on the raw, unbridled energy of the Golden Age of professional wrestling. In an era where wrestlers were seen as larger-than-life figures, it’s not surprising that they would carry firearms to protect themselves from potential threats.
However, sources close to the NWA have spoken out about the shocking revelation, revealing that the organization had a much stricter security protocol in place than previously thought.
“Harley was a respected figure in the NWA, and we took his safety very seriously,” a source close to the organization revealed. “However, we also had to consider the fact that Harley was a champion, and as such, he was often in situations where he needed to defend himself. While it may seem shocking to modern audiences, carrying a firearm was seen as a necessary precaution at the time.”
The NWA’s security protocols during the 1980s were indeed more stringent than previously reported. According to documents obtained by this publication, the organization had a dedicated security team that provided personal protection for its champions, including Harley Race.
While the details of these security measures are still shrouded in mystery, it’s clear that the NWA took its champions’ safety very seriously. However, the revelation about Harley’s double shoulder holster has left many to wonder about the true extent of the organization’s security protocols during that era.
As the wrestling world continues to grapple with the shocking revelation about Harley’s time as NWA Champion, it’s clear that the Golden Age of professional wrestling will never be seen in the same light again. With Duggan’s comments and sources close to the NWA coming forward, it’s clear that the truth about the era is far more complex and fascinating than previously thought.
In the end, Harley Race’s legacy as one of the greatest NWA Champions of all time remains unchallenged, but the shocking revelation about his time as champion has left fans to ponder the true extent of the organization’s security protocols during that era. As the wrestling world continues to evolve and grow, it’s clear that the lessons learned from the Golden Age of professional wrestling will continue to shape the sport for generations to come.
Additional Notes:
The NWA’s security protocols during the 1980s are still a topic of debate among wrestling historians and insiders. While some have questioned the organization’s decision to allow Harley to carry a firearm, others have defended the move as a necessary precaution for a champion who often found himself in high-risk situations.
In related news, Duggan has announced plans to release a new memoir detailing his experiences working with Harley Race and Ric Flair during the 1980s. The book is set to hit shelves later this year and promises to offer a unique glimpse into the world of professional wrestling during its most tumultuous era.
As the wrestling world continues to grapple with the shocking revelation about Harley’s time as NWA Champion, one thing is clear: the Golden Age of professional wrestling will never be seen in the same light again.