Former WWE and WCW superstar Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart passed away Monday morning after suffering a fall in his Florida home. He was 63.
According to the Pasco Sheriff's office via TMZ Sports, "preliminary information indicates that [Neidhart] fell at home, hit his head, and succumbed to his injury." News of Neidhart's passing came from Killer Bee B. Brian Blair on Twitter before WWE's confirmation.
After short pre-season stints in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys, Neidhart began his wrestling career in 1979 training under Stu Hart in the infamous Hart Dungeon of Alberta, Canada. He earned his nickname by winning an anvil throwing contest hosted by Stu while the two worked in the Calgary Stampede promotion.
Training in the Hart Dungeon introduced Jim to his Stu's daughter, Ellie. The two married, officially making Neidhart a part of the Hart Family. Along with brother-in-laws Bret and Owen Hart, Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy Smith, Neidhart was part of the Hart Foundation faction for years, wrestling in Calgary Stampede and other promotions like New Japan in the 80s.
Neidhart eventually made his way into the then-WWF in 1985, and he and Brett would become two-time Tag Team Champions as the Hart Foundation, managed by Jimmy Hart. After Neidhart and Brett split, The Anvil continued as a singles competitor and teamed up with Bret's younger brother, Owen.
In 1997, the Hart Foundation re-formed with Neidhart, Bret, Owen, Davey Boy Smith and Brian Pillman. He last wrestled for the WWE in 1997, before jumping to WCW and making sporadic appearances in other promotions, like Impact.
Neidhart's legacy in WWE lives on through his past accomplishments and with his daughter, former Women's Champion, Natalya, who continues to wrestle and honor her family's commitment to the sport.
Following the news of Neidhart's passing, current and former superstars took to Twitter to share their condolences and memories.
Stunned and saddened. I just don’t have the words right now. pic.twitter.com/fcO8Skuuhz
— Bret Hart (@BretHart) 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
R.I.P. Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Jim stood out in a unique world with one of a kind personalities.
— Bruce Prichard (@bruceprichard) August 13, 2018
The only thing bigger than his on-screen character was his heart.
— Triple H (@TripleH) August 13, 2018
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
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