Former WWE Wrestler Jim ‘The Anvil’ Neidhart Dies

Jack Phillips
8/14/2018
Updated:
8/14/2018

WWE wrestler Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart died at the age of 63, according to the company on Aug. 13.

In a statement, the WWE wrote that it 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,” it added.

Neidhart went to the WWE after playing professional football with the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys.

“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,” the WWE said in a statement. “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.”

Other details about his death, including the cause, were not revealed in media reports on Aug. 13.

Condolences Offered

A number of wrestlers and former wrestlers offered their condolences.
“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,” wrestler Triple H wrote on Twitter.
“Stunned and saddened. I just don’t have the words right now,” wrote former wrestler Bret Hart.
In a statement, his daughter Natalya said that she “can’t put into words” how hard it is to “say goodbye to my dad.” She added: “He meant the world to us, and nothing will ever replace the special times we shared together as a family.”

“My dad was always a fighter and an incredibly special person,” she said.

Former wrestler Hulk Hogan wrote: “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.”
Former wrestler The Iron Sheikh said: “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.”
The news was first shared on Twitter by former wrestler 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!” he said.
Brian Christopher Lawler posing for a photo in May 2000. (Mandy Coombes via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license)
Brian Christopher Lawler posing for a photo in May 2000. (Mandy Coombes via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license)
As The Daily Mail reported, a number of former pro wrestlers have died in 2018. They include Bruno Sammartino, Johnny Valiant, Matt Capotelli, Masa Saito, Vader, and Brian Christopher Lawler. Lawler, the son of commentator Jerry “The King” Lawler, died on July 29 of a reported suicide.
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter with 15 years experience who started as a local New York City reporter. Having joined The Epoch Times' news team in 2009, Jack was born and raised near Modesto in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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