Richard “Black Bart” Harris, a renowned professional wrestler, succumbed to Stage IV colon cancer, which had metastasized to his liver, at the age of 76. Linda Harris, his wife, revealed his death on January 9, 2025, via social media, saying, “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 profession, Harris was employed as a bouncer in Texas, and he started his career in professional wrestling in 1975. Initially, he wrestled under various names like “Man Mountain Harris,” “Hangman Harris,” and “Hangman Ricky Harris,” before he took on the moniker “Black Bart” in the early 1980s, a persona that became synonymous with 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, in his career spanning 31 years, was celebrated for his intense, rugged in-ring style and his ability to electrify the audience. He took part in several 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). His robust style also gained popularity with the audience in All Japan Pro Wrestling.

One of Harris’ notable championship victories occurred in June 1985 when he secured the NWA National Heavyweight Championship by defeating Ron Garvin. In addition to this, he 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 with Dutch Mantell.

In 2022, Harris was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer and faced further health complications, including diabetes and a heart bypass surgery in 2015. He terminated his chemotherapy treatment after his insurance company stopped coverage at a rehabilitation facility, deciding to return home instead of continuing treatment.

The wrestling community rallied around Harris following his cancer diagnosis announcement in March 2023. A tribute show was organized in his honor, and in 2024, he was presented with the prestigious Courage Award by the Cauliflower Alley Club. The organization recognized his courage, lauding his larger-than-life personality, booming voice, and imposing presence. He was described as a “true old-school cowboy who entertained fans around the world.”

John “Bradshaw” Layfield, a WWE Hall of Famer, had a long-lasting bond with Harris, who served as his primary trainer in the late 1980s. This professional relationship later evolved into a successful in-ring partnership, leading them to win the Texas tag team championship.

Their professional relationship extended beyond the ring into a close personal friendship, marked by long hours spent backstage sharing stories and jokes. This mentorship blossomed into a brotherly bond that persisted until Harris’ death. Layfield, who became the WWE champion in 2004, continuously acknowledged Harris as the fundamental influence on his wrestling career.

After retiring from active competition in 2006, Harris established a wrestling school that produced several renowned performers, focusing on old-school wrestling fundamentals and ring psychology. He remained an active figure in the wrestling community, mentoring upcoming talent and sharing his wealth of experience.

Throughout his career, Harris collaborated with numerous wrestling legends such as Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, and the Von Erichs. AEW wrestler Dustin Rhodes acknowledged Harris’ influence, stating, “Black Bart taught me a ton in my younger years. Loved him to death.”

Despite battling his illness, Harris stayed connected with his fans via social media, updating them about his condition until shortly before his death. His generosity as a mentor and dedication to the craft of wrestling left a significant imprint on the professional wrestling industry.