There has been an update to the health of Black Bart, a classic star of the WWF (later WWE), WCW, and countless other promotions, and it is very, very unfortunate.
I just spoke to Black Bart's wife in detail about his health. She gave me permission to report an update.
She stated, "he's ready to meet his maker, so it's a win-win situation. When it's time to go to heaven, he knows where he's going."
He is currently resting at home with… pic.twitter.com/78XVmiXD3c
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According to professional wrestling journalist Chris Featherstone, Black Bart is refusing chemotherapy for his reported stage 4 liver cancer and his wife Linda is making end-of-life preparations.
"I just spoke to Black Bart's wife in detail about his health. She gave me permission to report an update," Featherstone's social media post stated. "She stated, 'he's ready to meet his maker, so it's a win-win situation. When it's time to go to heaven, he knows where he's going.'"
Black Bart, born Richard Harris in Arkansas, began his wrestling career in the mid-1970s, initially using several ring names, including "Man Mountain Harris," "Hangman Harris," and "Hangman Ricky Harris," as he developed his wrestling persona.
He gained significant attention in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), where he earned a reputation as a tough and intimidating competitor, wrestling for various regional promotions throughout his early years.
In 1990, Black Bart made his debut for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), appearing in a dark match. His time in the WWF helped establish him as a recognizable name in the industry.
Later, in 1991, he signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he became part of a stable known as "The Desperados", alongside Dutch Mantell and Deadeye Dick.
In his later career, Black Bart transitioned into a coaching role, where he mentored future WWE star John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL).
JBL would go on to become a key figure in WWE and is credited with originating the popular Tribute to the Troops event, an annual WWE tradition honoring the U.S. military.
Featherstone's update regarding Black Bart's health says that although he is no longer going through therapy, he appears to be in good spirits.
"He is currently resting at home with his wife Linda. He is refusing chemotherapy and his bladder has stopped working. Linda stated that he said that he felt so bad after the chemo, "each time he's done it, he's felt worse." He is no longer able to walk and is barely eating."
"His weight dropped from 320 to 210, and his wife stated, "he's nothing but skin and bones now." She said that "he's prayed up and ready to go," and he is in good spirits. She expressed that instead of a memorial, Bart "wants a party" to celebrate his life and be remembered for how he was before getting terminally ill."
"And ain't a DAGGUM thing you can do about it. 🙏🏾"
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