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Interview With Harley Race

Posted: May 8th 2013 By: CMBurnham

C.w. Smith: It is known that you innovated the diving headbutt. How do you feel about this move?

Harley Race: Everyone has a choice. It is up to them if they choose to continue to do a particular move or not.

Cws: What is the biggest difference in wrestling then and now?

H.R.: Removal of actual wrestling and the movement towards spotfests.

Cws: How do you feel about the WWE not recognizing your 8th NWA Heavyweight Championship reign?

H.R.: There is no way they can deny it. My arm was raised and there are pictures proving it.

Cws: What do you feel is the biggest mistake in indy wrestling today?

H.R.: Not pushing as much towards wrestling. More copying what they see then teaching rather than keeping it believable and entertaining.

Cws: Who is the biggest name to come out of the WLW ( World League Wrestling. Which you founded in 1999?

H.R.: C.M. Punk

Cws: You've wrestled all around the world. What is your favorite style to wrestle?

H.R.: As long as you're involved in wrestling, bumptaking and keeping everything clean without insulting parents. Wrestling was designed to entertain not to turn away.

Cws: Which of your title reigns was most memorable for you personally?

H.R. The very first one.

Cws: Was it harder to hold the title then as compared to now and would you redo any one match you've had?

H.R.: No, I wouldn't really redo anyone match. Being able to become the champion in that era meant that you had more people making championship decisions instead of just one or tow people. You had to be respected throughout the world due to the diversity of the board of director, it shows the respect I had during that era.

Cws: Now I've researched you extensively. Is it true that during one of your title reigns that you had to physically take the title from Dory Funk Jr.

H.R: Dory was at a point in his life where he was making rough decisions I was just doing what I was asked to keep the belt in a positive light.

Cws: You're the first ever holder of the NWA US TITLE. How did that title come into being?

H.R. At the point in time the objective was to make a title close to the level of prestige that the world title had. One that would have more opportunities to be defended.

Cws: Any regrets?

H.R.: Anyone alive has regrets. As far as my wrestling career? How couldn't I be satisfied. I was the 1st ever King of the ring and an 8 time World Heavyweight Champion.

Once again, I'd like to thank Mr. Harley Race and NWA World Wide Wrestling. Special thank you to everyone involved in making this happen, you know who you are.