Richard “Black Bart” Harris, a well-known professional wrestler, died at the age of 76 after a struggle with Stage IV colon cancer which had metastasized to his liver. His wife, Linda, announced on social media on January 9, 2025 that Harris passed away, stating, “You might know him as Black Bart but to me he was my husband Ricky. He left us this morning. He was pronounced at 5:26 this morning. He is Resting in Peace.”
Prior to his wrestling career, Harris was a bouncer in Texas, and entered the professional wrestling scene in 1975. He initially competed under various pseudonyms such as “Man Mountain Harris,” “Hangman Harris,” and “Hangman Ricky Harris,” before adopting the “Black Bart” character in the early 1980s, a persona that would become integral to his career.
Former WWE star Leilani Kai expressed her condolences, stating, “Black Bart passed away today. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He was a good guy.”
Harris, known for his intense and magnetic in-ring style throughout his 31-year career, competed in various major wrestling promotions such as Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid-South Wrestling, Championship Wrestling from Florida, World Class Championship Wrestling, Universal Wrestling Federation, and World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). He also achieved considerable success in All Japan Pro Wrestling, where his robust style appealed to fans.
In June 1985, Harris clinched the NWA National Heavyweight Championship by defeating Ron Garvin, marking a significant achievement in his career. He also held the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship and the WCWA World Heavyweight Championship. As a member of the Texas Long Riders tag team with “Outlaw” Ron Bass, he dominated the tag team division before joining the Desperados in WCW with Dutch Mantell.
Diagnosed with Stage IV cancer in 2022, Harris battled additional health complications, including diabetes and heart bypass surgery in 2015. He decided to discontinue chemotherapy treatment after his insurance company stopped coverage at a rehabilitation facility, opting to return home instead.
Following his cancer diagnosis in March 2023, the wrestling community rallied around Harris. A tribute show was organized in his honor, and he was awarded the prestigious Courage Award by the Cauliflower Alley Club in 2024. The organization recognized him for his larger-than-life persona, resonant voice, and commanding presence, describing him as a “true old-school cowboy who entertained fans around the world.”
WWE Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield fostered a lasting relationship with Harris, who served as his primary trainer in the late 1980s. This professional relationship evolved into a victorious in-ring partnership as they captured the Texas tag team championship.
Layfield and Harris developed a close personal bond beyond their wrestling achievements, often spending time together backstage where Harris was known for using a spittoon while sharing stories and jokes. This mentor-student relationship matured into a fraternal bond that persisted until Harris’ death. Layfield, who became WWE champion in 2004, consistently attributed his wrestling success to Harris.
After retiring from active competition in 2006, Harris established a wrestling school, fostering several notable performers. His teaching approach emphasized traditional wrestling fundamentals and ring psychology, reflecting his own career. Even after retirement, he remained involved in the wrestling community, mentoring emerging talent and imparting his vast experience.
During his career, Harris collaborated with numerous wrestling legends, including Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, and the Von Erichs. AEW wrestler Dustin Rhodes acknowledged Harris’ influence: “Black Bart taught me a ton in my younger years. Loved him to death.”
Throughout his illness, Harris remained engaged with fans via social media, providing updates about his health until shortly before his death. His generous mentorship and commitment to the wrestling craft have left a lasting impact on the professional wrestling industry.
