Professional wrestler Richard “Black Bart” Harris passed away at age 76, following a battle with Stage IV colon cancer that had spread to his liver. His wife Linda announced his passing on January 9, 2025 on social media, 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.”
Before his wrestling career, Harris worked as a bouncer in Texas before entering the professional wrestling circuit in 1975. He competed initially under various ring names, including “Man Mountain Harris,” “Hangman Harris,” and “Hangman Ricky Harris,” before adopting the Black Bart persona in the early 1980s, which would define his career.
Former WWE star Leilani Kai shared her memories, 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 became known for his rugged, intense in-ring style and ability to energize crowds. He competed in numerous 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). He also had significant success in All Japan Pro Wrestling, where his hard-hitting style resonated with fans.
His most outstanding championship achievement came in June 1985 when Harris captured the NWA National Heavyweight Championship by defeating Ron Garvin. During his career, he also held the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship and the WCWA World Heavyweight Championship. As one-half 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.
Harris was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer in 2022 and faced additional health challenges, including diabetes and heart bypass surgery in 2015. He recently stopped chemotherapy treatment after his insurance company ceased coverage at a rehabilitation facility. Rather than continue treatment, he chose to return home.
After announcing his cancer diagnosis in March 2023, the wrestling community rallied around Harris. A special tribute show was held in his honor, and in 2024, the Cauliflower Alley Club recognized his courage by presenting him with their prestigious Courage Award. The organization praised him for his larger-than-life persona, booming voice, and imposing presence, describing him as a “true old-school cowboy who entertained fans around the world.”
WWE Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield developed a lasting bond with Harris early in his career when Harris took on the role of his primary trainer in the late 1980s. Their professional relationship evolved into a successful in-ring partnership when they captured the Texas tag team championship.
Beyond their achievements in the ring, Layfield and Harris formed a close personal friendship, often spending hours together backstage in the dressing room where Harris was known for using a spittoon while sharing stories and jokes. Their mentor-student relationship transformed into a brotherly bond that lasted until Harris’ passing. Layfield, who became WWE champion in 2004, consistently credited Harris as the foundational influence on his wrestling career.
Following retirement from active competition in 2006, Harris established a wrestling school producing several notable performers. His teaching methodology emphasized old-school wrestling fundamentals and ring psychology, which defined his career. Despite stepping away from the ring, he remained active in the wrestling community, mentoring young talent and sharing his decades of experience.
During his career, Harris worked 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.”
Harris continued to engage with fans through social media during his illness, providing updates about his condition until shortly before his passing. His reputation as a generous mentor and dedication to the wrestling craft left an indelible mark on the professional wrestling industry.