Former WWE Superstar Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart has died at age 63 after suffering a medical emergency at home, reports the WWE.
Neidhart made his name in wrestling as one-half of the two-time tag team champions The Hart Foundation with his brother-in-law, Bret “Hit Man” Hart. He was also well-known to current WWE fans as the father of current WWE Superstar Natalya as Neidhart was seen regularly with his daughter on the WWE reality show Total Divas.
Prior to wrestling Neidhart briefly played for the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys in the NFL.
He also headlined two pay-per-views for the then WWF: the 1989 Survivor Series and In Your House 16: Canadian Stampede.
WWE’s tribute to Neidhart reads, in part…
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.
Many (well, pretty much everyone) in the wrestling world also expressed their sadness and condolences at the passing of a WWE legend.
Stunned and saddened. I just don’t have the words right now. pic.twitter.com/fcO8Skuuhz
— Bret Hart (@BretHart) August 13, 2018
The only thing bigger than his on-screen character was his heart.
Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart loved performing with & spending time with his family…and he made us all smile while doing it.
Thinking of @NatbyNature, @TJWilson, & the entire Hart family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/ahWuWGXInv— Triple H (@TripleH) August 13, 2018
My Good Friend Jim Neidhart, A World Class Athlete And A Man Among Men. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/JSmdpZ9YZ1
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 13, 2018
My condolences to @NatbyNature & her family over the loss of her father, Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart. My thoughts, prayers & heart are with you, Nattie.
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) August 13, 2018
RIP Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart pic.twitter.com/IBfWfuw8lj
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) August 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/EBischoff/status/1029024319186190336
https://twitter.com/MaryseMizanin/status/1029028688938053639
https://twitter.com/OfficialHTM/status/1029030158999543808
Devastating news Jim Neidhart my friend has passed away!! I can hardly believe it. Rest In Peace Brother until we meet again !!!
— Brutus Beefcake (@brutusbeefcake_) August 13, 2018
If you couldn't like Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart your the one with the problem. You didn't to always agree with him but if this guy would give the shirt off his back. He was a tremendous athlete. Track and… https://t.co/M26hWaX4vc
— Gene Okerlund (@TheGeneOkerlund) August 13, 2018
I've worked with hundreds in the wrestling business. Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart was no doubt one of the most underrated of all time. Great wrestler, great entertainer, phenomenal human being. Thank you for all you did for us. pic.twitter.com/D8pU9WXJLU
— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) August 13, 2018
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
ONE OF MY OLDEST FRIENDS IN THE BUSINESS JIM NEIDHART. WE TRAVEL TOGETHER I LOVE HIM FOREVER LIKE A BROTHER. GOD BLESS FAMILY I NEVER FORGET YOU BUBBA. pic.twitter.com/lt1dE8QOvt
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) August 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/mauroranallo/status/1029020516101672965
https://twitter.com/WWESheamus/status/1029025610688028672
https://twitter.com/QuirkyInterview/status/1029032284718944256
Rest in peace Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. Heaven is turning into one heck of a Pay Per View.#JimNeidhart #TeamChyna pic.twitter.com/7bfESuXqMv
— Chyna (@ChynaJoanLaurer) August 13, 2018
Jim Neidhart was a great athlete
He was the power & strength of
The Hart Foundation
I loved their finishing maneuver
Celebrate his life
Watch his matches today
My heart hurts for his daughters, wife & @TJWilson
There is only one#Anvil pic.twitter.com/pFvfDHtN8S— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) August 13, 2018
And on and on it goes… RIP Anvil.