The world has unfortunately lost another legend, as Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart has passed away at the age of 63 according to Cauliflower Alley Club President B Brian Blair.
So sad to announce the passing of my friend and longtime colleague, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. Your thoughts and prayers for the family are deeply appreciated! @CACReunion @JimValley @allan_cheapshot @mattfarmer93 @WrestlingIWF @davemeltzerWON @SlamSports @jumpinjbrunzell
— B Brian Blair 🇺🇸 (@Killerbee1B) August 13, 2018
Neidhart is the father of current WWE Superstar Natalya, a former WWE Tag Team Champion, and best known for being one of the founding members of the Hart Foundation.
Details regarding Jim Neidhart’s passing are unknown at this time. Stay tuned for updates as they become available.
Our sincerest condolences go out to Jim Neidhart’s family, friends and fans.
WWE also confirmed Neidhart’s passing with the following statement:
“WWE is saddened to learn that Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart passed away.
Best known as the powerhouse of the legendary Hart Foundation tag team with his brother-in-law, Bret “Hit Man” Hart, Jim Neidhart was also the father of current WWE Superstar Natalya.
Neidhart began his ring career after playing professional football with the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. He was trained by WWE Hall of Famer Stu Hart in the infamous Hart Dungeon in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and earned his ring nickname, The Anvil, after winning an anvil throwing contest.
Neidhart married Stu’s daughter, Ellie, to become a member of the legendary Hart Family before making the move to WWE along with Bret “Hit Man” Hart, Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy Smith when WWE purchased Stu Hart’s Calgary Stampede Wrestling.
Initially, Neidhart and Hart were managed by Jimmy Hart as The Hart Foundation and went on to win two WWE World Tag Team Championships.
After several years of teaming with Bret’s younger brother, Owen Hart, and some singles competition, The Hart Foundation was re-formed in controversial fashion in 1997. Consisting of Neidhart, Bret, Owen, Smith and Brian Pillman, the pro-Canadian faction stirred United States crowds into a frenzy with their anti-American sermons.
Neidhart last competed in WWE in 1997 but his legacy lives on today through his daughter, Natalya, who displays her father’s signature charisma and toughness every time she steps in the ring.
WWE extends its condolences to Neidhart’s family, friends and fans.”
