Jim Neidhart (Right) (Picture: WWE)
Former WWE (then WWF) tag-team champion Jim Neidhart has died aged 63.
Neidhart, father of current WWE star Natalya, was one of WWE’s most popular wrestlers in the late 1980s, and was a frequent tag partner of Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart.
The duo, known as the Hart Foundation, twice won the WWE tag-team championships, and established a reputation as a fan-friendly team.
Born James Henry Neidhart in 1955, Jim made his wrestling debut in 1979 after training in the legendary Hart Dungeon under Stu Hart.
A promising athlete, Neidhart held the California high school shot put record for over a decade, before switching to wrestling.
After marrying Ellie Hart, Neidhart became an official member of the Hart family, eventually tagging with brother-in-law Bret, and eventually Owen Hart in the mid 1990s.
He gained his ‘anvil’ nickname after winning an anvil toss competition in Calgary, and competed all over the world in the early 80s alongside the likes of King Kong Bundy and Butch Reed.
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While Neidhart was a successful tag-team star, singles success frequently eluded him despite appearances in WCW and ECW, and his wrestling career began to cool down by the end of the nineties.
In March 2012 he was sentenced to six months in jail after a number of offences, and he twice went through WWE paid rehab.
High profile names from the world of wrestling paid tribute to Neidhart following the news, which comes after the high-profile deaths of former WWE stars Brian Christopher and Nikolai Volkoff last month.
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
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
Stunned and saddened. I just don’t have the words right now. pic.twitter.com/fcO8Skuuhz — Bret Hart (@BretHart) August 13, 2018
Wow…so shocked and saddened at the passing of Jim Neidhart. Such a great talent and the engine of the Hart Foundation. Sending so much love to @NatbyNature @TJWilson and the Neidhart family ….an incredible loss — RosenbergTelevision (@Rosenbergradio) August 13, 2018
It is terrible I just heard Jim Neidhart passed away. I just pray for his family to get through this.Jim was a great friend and I will really miss him. — Demolition Smash (@RealDemoSmash) August 13, 2018
rest in peace to the Anvil, Jim Neidhart https://t.co/S6ehP3zN1k pic.twitter.com/u5Zmb9Vhfn — Brandon Stroud (@MrBrandonStroud) August 13, 2018
Neidhart is survived by his three daughters, Jennifer, Natalie and Kristen.
WWE legend Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart has passed away, aged 63.
Neidhart was best known for his role in the Hart Foundation tag team alongside his brother-in-law, Bret “Hit Man” Hart.
Neidhart began his ring career after playing professional football with the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys.
Sporting deaths 2018 25 show all Sporting deaths 2018 1/25 Tommy Lawrence, 77 Played over 300 times for Liverpool during 14 years as keeper and nicknamed 'the Flying Pig' (14 May 1940 - 9 January 2018) Getty 2/25 Cyrille Regis, 59 Former England international footballer who played at West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City among other clubs and was a pioneer for black footballers everywhere (9 February 1958 – 14 January 2018) Getty 3/25 Dan Gurney, 86 American Formula 1 and Le Mans winner and first man to spray champagne on the podium (13 April 1931 – 14 January 2018) Getty 4/25 Jimmy Armfield, 82 England 1966 World Cup winner and Blackpool legend who spent all 17 years of his playing career at the club (21 September 1935 – 22 January 2018) Getty 5/25 Jarrod Bannister, 33 Commonwealth Games gold medallist in 2010, double Olympian and Australian record holder in the javelin (3 October 1984 - 8 February 2018) Getty 6/25 Liam Miller, 36 Former Manchester United and Celtic midfielder died aged 36 following a short battle with pancreatic cancer (13 February 1981 - 9 February 2018) Getty 7/25 Scott Westgarth, 31 Died after beating Dec Spelman on points in Doncaster (25 February 2018) Getty 8/25 David Astori, 31 Italy international and Fiorentina captain passed away in his sleep as he prepared to face Udinese (7 January 1987 – 4 March 2018) Getty 9/25 Sir Roger Bannister, 88 The first man to run a mile in sub-four minutes and a Commonwealth Games gold medallist (23 March 1929 – 4 March 2018) Getty 10/25 Ray Wilkins, 61 Former England captain, who also played for Manchester United, Chelsea and others died of cardiac arrest (14 September 1956 - 4 April 2018) Getty 11/25 Johnny Valiant, 71 Former WWE star (real name Thomas Sullivan) was killed after being hit by a truck (25 November 1946 - 4 April 2018) WWE 12/25 Eric Bristow, 60 Former BDO and PDC world champion passed away after collapsing at a darts event in Liverpool (25 April 1957 - 5 April 2018) Getty 13/25 Jlloyd Samuel, 37 Former Aston Villa, Bolton Wanderers and England under-21 left back died in a car accident after taking his daughter to school (29 March 1981 - 15 May 2018) Getty 14/25 Ray Wilson, 83 Former Huddersfield Town, Everton and England footballer, who won the 1966 World Cup, died after suffering from Alzheimer's Disease (17 December 1934-16 May 2018) Getty 15/25 Dan Kneen, 30 Isle of Man TT rider suffered a fatal accident in practice for the 2018 event (26 June 1987 - 30 May 2018) Tyco BMW 16/25 Adam Lyon, 26 Adam Lyon suffered a fatal accident at the 2018 Isle of Man TT, aged 26 www.iomtt.com 17/25 Leon White, 63 Vader, real name Leon White, died due to heart failure after being diagnosed with pneumonia (14 May 1955-18 June 2018) WWE 18/25 William Dunlop, 31 Irish road racer was killed in a crash during practice for the Skerries 100 (23 July 1985 - 07 July 2018) Getty 19/25 James Cowton, 26 Yorkshire road racer killed in a crash during the Southern 100 on the Isle of Man Facebook/James Cowton 20/25 Ellie Soutter, 18 The young Team GB snowboarder died on her 18th birthday (25 July 2000 - 25 July 2018) Team GB 21/25 Brian Christopher Lawler The former WWE wrestler, who performed under the name of Grandmaster Sexay and was the son of WWE Hall of Famer Jerry 'The King' Lawler, died after attempting to kill himself in a jail cell (1 January 1972 - 29 July 2018) WWE 22/25 Josip Nikolai Peruzović. 70 Josip Nikolai Peruzović, better known as Nikolai Volkoff (left), died at the age of 70 (14 October 1947 - 29 July 2018) WWE 23/25 Vibeke Skofterud, 38 Vibeke Skofterud, a gold medallist at the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010, died in a jet-ski accident in Norway (20 April 1980 - 29 July 2018) Getty 24/25 Nicholas Bett, 28 World champion hurdler Nicholas Bett was killed in a car crash in Kenya (27 January 1990 - 8 August 2018) Getty 25/25 Jarrod Lyle, 36 Australian professional golfer died after a long battle with cancer (21 August 1981 - 9 August 2018) EPA 1/25 Tommy Lawrence, 77 Played over 300 times for Liverpool during 14 years as keeper and nicknamed 'the Flying Pig' (14 May 1940 - 9 January 2018) Getty 2/25 Cyrille Regis, 59 Former England international footballer who played at West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City among other clubs and was a pioneer for black footballers everywhere (9 February 1958 – 14 January 2018) Getty 3/25 Dan Gurney, 86 American Formula 1 and Le Mans winner and first man to spray champagne on the podium (13 April 1931 – 14 January 2018) Getty 4/25 Jimmy Armfield, 82 England 1966 World Cup winner and Blackpool legend who spent all 17 years of his playing career at the club (21 September 1935 – 22 January 2018) Getty 5/25 Jarrod Bannister, 33 Commonwealth Games gold medallist in 2010, double Olympian and Australian record holder in the javelin (3 October 1984 - 8 February 2018) Getty 6/25 Liam Miller, 36 Former Manchester United and Celtic midfielder died aged 36 following a short battle with pancreatic cancer (13 February 1981 - 9 February 2018) Getty 7/25 Scott Westgarth, 31 Died after beating Dec Spelman on points in Doncaster (25 February 2018) Getty 8/25 David Astori, 31 Italy international and Fiorentina captain passed away in his sleep as he prepared to face Udinese (7 January 1987 – 4 March 2018) Getty 9/25 Sir Roger Bannister, 88 The first man to run a mile in sub-four minutes and a Commonwealth Games gold medallist (23 March 1929 – 4 March 2018) Getty 10/25 Ray Wilkins, 61 Former England captain, who also played for Manchester United, Chelsea and others died of cardiac arrest (14 September 1956 - 4 April 2018) Getty 11/25 Johnny Valiant, 71 Former WWE star (real name Thomas Sullivan) was killed after being hit by a truck (25 November 1946 - 4 April 2018) WWE 12/25 Eric Bristow, 60 Former BDO and PDC world champion passed away after collapsing at a darts event in Liverpool (25 April 1957 - 5 April 2018) Getty 13/25 Jlloyd Samuel, 37 Former Aston Villa, Bolton Wanderers and England under-21 left back died in a car accident after taking his daughter to school (29 March 1981 - 15 May 2018) Getty 14/25 Ray Wilson, 83 Former Huddersfield Town, Everton and England footballer, who won the 1966 World Cup, died after suffering from Alzheimer's Disease (17 December 1934-16 May 2018) Getty 15/25 Dan Kneen, 30 Isle of Man TT rider suffered a fatal accident in practice for the 2018 event (26 June 1987 - 30 May 2018) Tyco BMW 16/25 Adam Lyon, 26 Adam Lyon suffered a fatal accident at the 2018 Isle of Man TT, aged 26 www.iomtt.com 17/25 Leon White, 63 Vader, real name Leon White, died due to heart failure after being diagnosed with pneumonia (14 May 1955-18 June 2018) WWE 18/25 William Dunlop, 31 Irish road racer was killed in a crash during practice for the Skerries 100 (23 July 1985 - 07 July 2018) Getty 19/25 James Cowton, 26 Yorkshire road racer killed in a crash during the Southern 100 on the Isle of Man Facebook/James Cowton 20/25 Ellie Soutter, 18 The young Team GB snowboarder died on her 18th birthday (25 July 2000 - 25 July 2018) Team GB 21/25 Brian Christopher Lawler The former WWE wrestler, who performed under the name of Grandmaster Sexay and was the son of WWE Hall of Famer Jerry 'The King' Lawler, died after attempting to kill himself in a jail cell (1 January 1972 - 29 July 2018) WWE 22/25 Josip Nikolai Peruzović. 70 Josip Nikolai Peruzović, better known as Nikolai Volkoff (left), died at the age of 70 (14 October 1947 - 29 July 2018) WWE 23/25 Vibeke Skofterud, 38 Vibeke Skofterud, a gold medallist at the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010, died in a jet-ski accident in Norway (20 April 1980 - 29 July 2018) Getty 24/25 Nicholas Bett, 28 World champion hurdler Nicholas Bett was killed in a car crash in Kenya (27 January 1990 - 8 August 2018) Getty 25/25 Jarrod Lyle, 36 Australian professional golfer died after a long battle with cancer (21 August 1981 - 9 August 2018) EPA
He was trained by WWE Hall of Famer Stu Hart in the infamous Hart Dungeon in Calgary, Canada, and earned his ring nickname, “The Anvil”, after winning an anvil-throwing contest.
Bret posted on Twitter after hearing the news. He wrote: "Stunned and saddened. I just don’t have the words right now."
Neidhart last completed in WWE in 1997.
In a statement released following news of the American’s death, WWE said: “WWE extends its condolences to Neidhart’s family, friends and fans.”
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As noted, former WWE Tag Team Champion Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart passed away at the age of 63 this morning. The WWE Legend suffered a medical emergency at his home.
ESPN reports that Neidhart fell at his home in Wesley Chapel, Florida and hit his head, according to the Pasco Sheriff's Office. No foul play was suspected. TMZ released audio from the dispatch call and noted that authorities were called at around 6:30am about a man having seizures & convulsions.
The Pasco Sheriff's Office released this statement to TMZ: "Preliminary information indicates that [Neidhart] fell at home, hit his head, and succumbed to his injury. No foul play suspected. No additional information to release at this time."
Anvil's daughter Natalya and son-in-law Tyson Kidd have not commented on the passing as of this writing but WWE has pulled the planned Natalya vs. RAW Women's Champion Alexa Bliss match from tonight's RAW.
Below are just some of the reactions from around the wrestling world to The Anvil's passing:
Reflecting on the life and legacy of Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart today. My thoughts and those of the entire @WWE family are with @NatbyNature and the Neidhart family. pic.twitter.com/d3zl9uyKkn — Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) 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
I am overwhelmed with grief, love and sympathy by the passing of Jim Neidhart. Love and prayers to his family. He was always with me and a real friend through the good and bad. Love and miss you already, Jim. RIP my brother. HH — Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) 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
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
My deepest condolences to my Friends @NatbyNature @TJWilson and their family during this very tough time of loss of a family member not only to you all, but to all of the @WWE Family as a whole?????? — Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) August 13, 2018
My heart is heavy today. @NatbyNature father was one of a kind & seeing their love & relationship with one another was so special. It made you want something like that. My prayers are with the whole family. ?????? — Summer Rae (@DanielleMoinet) August 13, 2018
Th' Anvil's physique , athletic ability and charisma always inspired me! Thank you and goodbye for now. #RIPJimTheAnvilNeidhart — Rusev (@RusevBUL) August 13, 2018
Sad to hear of the passing of Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. Always fun to be around and a unique character in and out of the ring. My best wishes to @NatbyNature and the rest of the Hart family. — William Regal (@RealKingRegal) August 13, 2018
So sad about Jim's passing.
We shared a passion for golf. Used to drag our clubs along on the road. Great times together and cherished memories. Prayers and condolences for his family ?????? https://t.co/KwW88JzVJX — Lex Luger (@GenuineLexLuger) August 13, 2018
Very saddened with Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart's passing. I was his fan (hence my pointy beard), I was fortunate get to work with him in wrestling and a movie. Jim the man was a sweetheart who always greeted me with a hug and smile. My thoughts are with his family. This stings... pic.twitter.com/Sk7G5rF71M — Brian Heffron aka The Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanieBWO) August 13, 2018
Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart...Thank you sir for your years of remarkable talent and charisma in the wrestling industry! Sending comfort and prayers to TJ, Nattie, and family! pic.twitter.com/EMlSBbsYbA — Vickie Guerrero (@VickieGuerrero) August 13, 2018
Shocked & saddened to hear about Jim "anvil" neidhart. My heart hurts for @NatbyNature @TJWilson & the entire Hart family. Praying for comfort during this unimaginable time!???? — Michelle McCool (@McCoolMichelleL) August 13, 2018
I'm heartbroken to hear of the sudden passing of my 30+ year friend, Jim Neidhart.
We met in the 80's when Bill Watts booked 'The Anvil' in Mid South & Jim even coached Cowboy's son Micah on how to shot put.
We lost a damn, good man. #RIPAnvil
?? — Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) August 13, 2018
@NatbyNature we love you sister and are here for you and the family rest well #JimTheAnvilNeidhart — Trinity Fatu (@NaomiWWE) August 13, 2018
Prayers of strength to @NatbyNature & @TJWilson. Thoughts of appreciation for Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. Thank You for entertaining millions. — Byron Saxton (@ByronSaxton) August 13, 2018
RIP to Jim Neidhart! ?? Sending all my love to @NatbyNature and @TJWilson at this sad time. ?? — PAIGE (@RealPaigeWWE) August 13, 2018
What a sad last few weeks for the Wrestling World...another great taken way too soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/oE5mbaaSur — Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) August 13, 2018
Very sad to hear about The Anvil. Thinking of the entire Hart Family. Nattie, you're always there for us backstage and we are all here for you. ?? — Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) August 13, 2018
So sorry to hear about the passing of Jim Neidhart.
What a unique and funny guy, he will be missed.
Condolences to Nattie, and the entire Hart Family, as well friends and fans. — Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) August 13, 2018
@NatbyNature my heart and prayers are with you and your family during this time. I love you! ?? — Joseann Offerman (@ItsJoseann) August 13, 2018
Really sad to hear the unfortunate news about Uncle Jim Neidhart passing away. ?? We always had real special bond together ???????? ?? pic.twitter.com/7aG7mr2sID — Davey Boy Smith Jr. (@DBSmithjr) August 13, 2018
Very saddened that hear of the passing of Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. A staple of my youth watching WWF on television. Especially being a huge fan of tag team wrestling. Sending strength, love and positive vibes to @NatbyNature @TJWilson and the entire Hart family. Godspeed. — Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) August 13, 2018
1993...I was a young boy and green. You worked with me in a HS gymnasium. We talked about shot-putting. You beat me up, blew me up, cloths lined my head off and beat me in 6min.
THANK YOU for helping me pay my dues.
My condolences to the Neidhart family. GOD BLESS?? https://t.co/ooInF2cwiT — Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) August 13, 2018
I'd like to take this time to send my condolences to Nattie and her family. There's a special bond between father and daughter. My heart hurts with and for her. Jim was one of the best, and one of my dear friends. He will be missed,I love you Nattie, God bless you and your family — WWE R-Truth (@RonKillings) August 13, 2018
My condolences go out to @NatbyNature @TJWilson and family for their loss. One of the greatest in @WWE tag team wrestling Jim The Anvil Neidhart. Thank you for all the Great memories, matches and Inspiring my career. You will be missed. #R.I.P. Jim pic.twitter.com/yaLn0tR3pU — D-von Dudley (@TestifyDVon) August 13, 2018
My heart breaks??for my generational sister @NatbyNature and her family at this time. My prayers and condolences??. We all love you and I'm here for you when you need me. — Tamina Snuka (@TaminaSnuka) August 13, 2018
No one I know has endured more than @NatbyNature. She's handled it all with the utmost grace & poise. Sending lots of love to her & her family. — Florida Man (@WWEBigE) August 13, 2018
