Richard “Black Bart” Harris, a renowned professional wrestler, has died at the age of 76 after battling Stage IV colon cancer, which had metastasized to his liver. His wife Linda revealed his passing on social media on January 9, 2025, 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 utilized his strength as a bouncer in Texas. He entered the professional wrestling circuit in 1975, initially wrestling under various aliases, including “Man Mountain Harris,” “Hangman Harris,” and “Hangman Ricky Harris.” However, it was his Black Bart persona, adopted in the early 1980s, that eventually defined his career.
Leilani Kai, former WWE star, expressed her condolences, stating, “Black Bart passed away today. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He was a good guy.”
Throughout his 31-year career, Harris was recognized for his intense in-ring style and his knack for energizing audiences. He participated in several major wrestling promotions, including 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). His hard-hitting style also earned him a significant fanbase in All Japan Pro Wrestling.
One of Harris’ most notable achievements was winning the NWA National Heavyweight Championship in June 1985, by defeating Ron Garvin. Throughout his career, he also held the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship and the WCWA World Heavyweight Championship. As part of the Texas Long Riders tag team with “Outlaw” Ron Bass, he dominated the tag team division before joining the Desperados in WCW alongside Dutch Mantell.
In 2022, Harris was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer and faced other health issues, including diabetes and a heart bypass operation in 2015. He ceased chemotherapy treatment after his insurance company stopped covering it at a rehabilitation facility. He chose to return home instead of pursuing further treatment.
Following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis in March 2023, the wrestling community united in support of Harris. A special tribute show was organized in his honor, and in 2024, the Cauliflower Alley Club presented him with their prestigious Courage Award. The organization hailed him for his exuberant persona, powerful voice, and commanding presence, referring to him as a “true old-school cowboy who entertained fans around the world.”
John “Bradshaw” Layfield, WWE Hall of Famer, developed a deep bond with Harris early in his career when Harris served as his main trainer in the late 1980s. This professional relationship eventually led to a successful in-ring partnership when they won the Texas tag team championship.
Outside of their professional achievements, Layfield and Harris forged a close personal friendship, often spending hours together backstage, where Harris was known for using a spittoon while sharing stories and humor. This mentor-student relationship grew into a brotherly bond that lasted until Harris’ passing. Layfield, who became WWE champion in 2004, consistently acknowledged Harris as the key influence on his wrestling career.
After retiring from active competition in 2006, Harris established a wrestling school producing several notable performers. His teaching style emphasized old-school wrestling basics and ring psychology, which were the cornerstones of his career. Despite retiring, he remained involved in the wrestling community, mentoring young talent and sharing his decades of experience.
During his career, Harris collaborated with many 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 maintained contact with fans via social media, providing updates about his condition until just before his death. His dedication to mentoring and his commitment to the art of wrestling created a lasting legacy in the professional wrestling industry.