There have been quite a high number of deaths involving wrestlers this year. The likes of Bruno Sammartino, Vader, Brian Christopher, and Nikolai Volkoff have all died within the past few months just to list a few names. The unfortunate trend continues as it has just been confirmed that WWE Legend Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart has passed away. Neidhart entertained fans inside and outside of the wrestling ring for decades and he experienced a great deal of success during his career. Details remain scarce at the moment, but what is known is that Neidhart died earlier today at the age of 63. Be sure to stay tuned throughout the week for additional updates and information relating to Neidhart’s sudden death.
Jim Neidhart competed for several different promotion bs during the 70s, 80s, and 90s. He was best known for his time in WWE where he teamed up with WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart to form The Hart Foundation tag team. Together, he and Hart would go on to win the WWE Tag Team Championships on a number of occasions. Neidhart also appeared in WCW, ECW, and TNA during his wrestling career. He was also trained by Stu Hart and worked for his Stampede Wrestlijg promotion. He married into the Hart family after he married Stu’s daughter, Ellie. Neidhart had not wrestled in several years before his death, but he continued to make occasional appearances on television as part of the Total Divas reality show on the E! network.
“The Anvil’s” legacy continues today as his daughter wrestles for WWE as Natalya. She had been scheduled to compete against Alexa Bliss on Raw tonight with Ronda Rousey in her corner, but there is no word yet on whether or not that match is still set to take place. Fans have notes that Bret Hart is also now the only living member of the Hart Foundation faction. Natalya has not commented on her father’s passing yet, but Bret Hart did release a brief statement on the matter on social media. Other WWE Superstars and wrestling personalities have commented on Neidhart’s death and have paid tribute to him online. It seems likely that WWE will air a video package or graphic honoring Neidhart during tonight’s Raw show.
Sad to hear about the passing of Jim Neidhart. Condolences to his family, friends and fans. Jim was an important part of the landscape during one of the most important periods in the industry. RIP Jim,
— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) August 13, 2018
I’m not in the mood to write much. I just wanted to publically show my support for Ellie, Jenni, Muffy, @NatbyNature & @TJWilson I was honored to be allowed into the inner sanctum of the Hart family. Jim Neidhart always showed me love.?? #RIPAnvil
— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) August 13, 2018
Saddened To Hear Jim Neidhart Has Passed. My Prayers Are With His Families. Guess God Needed An “Anvil” Angel RIP Jim????
— SGT SLAUGHTER (@_SgtSlaughter) August 13, 2018
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
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
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
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Jim Neidhart. A Legend of the wrestling industry. My condolences to Jim’s family & friends. #RIPAnvil pic.twitter.com/aMDQAgBTLa
— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) 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
Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Jim Neidhart. The #HartFoundation were the greatest of all time. My thoughts are with @NatbyNature @TJWilson and the rest of the Hart family. #RIPAnvil
— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) 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
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Neidhart. Our thoughts are with his family today. pic.twitter.com/3ZL4XKZDcn
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) August 13, 2018
So sorry to hear about my buddy Jim Neidhart passing. My sympathies go out Nattie and the family. Gods Speed brother. RIP DDP
— Diamond Dallas Page (@RealDDP) 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