Relatively rare footage from the Kansas City territory (aka Central States or Heart of America Promotions). The studio presentation is hosted by Bill Kersten, likely in the late 1970s or early 1980s. We are told that this studio production was taped at KBMA TV 41, later KSHB 41. (Additional information always welcome.)
Race, sometimes called "Mad Dog" in Kansas City before winning the NWA title in 1973, now went by the moniker "Handsome" Harley Race, which was always our favorite. Bill Kersten drove that home throughout this match; Harley was the hometown favorite. The video is a nice time-capsule of Harley in his prime as NWA champion, with a great closing shot of him in the ring at the ropes holding the ten pounds of gold.
Thanks to Mike over at the Mid-Atlantic Championship Podcast (@midatlanticpod) for tipping us off to this video (always love seeing Harley Race as in a studio ring) and Tyrone Mendez for info on the location.
More information on Bill Kersten over at the Studio Wrestling.
This post is based on and edited from an earlier post from October 2020 on our Studio Wrestling website.
