WWE Legend Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, father of current WWE Superstar Natalya, passed away this morning at the age of 63. The news was first announced on Twitter by Cauliflower Alley Club President Brian Blair.
Neidhart, best known as the powerhouse of the legendary Hart Foundation tag team with his brother-in-law, Bret “Hit Man” Hart.
Neidhart began his pro-wrestling career in 1979 after playing preseason NFL games with the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. He was trained by the legendary Stu Hart. He joined the World Wrestling Federation in 1985, where he teamed up with Bret “Hitman” Hart as one-half of the Hart Foundation. Together, they won the Tag Team Championship twice.
Neidhart last competed in WWE in 1997.
WWE released the following statement on Neidhart’s passing:
Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart passes away
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.
Photo Credit: WWE
