10 Most Universally Respected Wrestlers Ever

2. Harley Race

Harley Race is a tough man. Not a year goes by without rumours of the King's health deteriorating, and each rumour is met by a good old fashioned no sell by Race himself. He once broke a man's hand just by shaking it, and even Andre the Giant feared him. As with Haku, if Andre feared you then respect was a given.

Race is as old school as they come. He started wrestling at the age of 15, survived a car crash and cancer, and with this toughness and resilience comes genuine respect. If someone dared disrespect Race they would soon find the disrespect slapped out of them, as was the case when The Honky Tonk Man had the temerity to claim Race had no guts. Dynamite Kid soon put Honky in his place.

There is also the famous story of a promoter trying to screw Race out of a world title in West Texas, booking Race to win a strap match only for his opponent to 'slip' and win instead. When the fix came in, the new 'champion' fled to the back. Race was in pursuit, dragging him all the way back to the ring and proceeding to slap all four corners.

If you come at the king, you best not miss.