WWE Legend Jim Neidhart Passes Away
He was 63-years old.
WhatCulture.com is saddened to learn that former WWE Tag Team Champion Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart passed away this morning. He was 63-years old.
Cauliflower Alley Club president Brian Blair broke the news earlier:
"It is with a sad heart that I share with you the passing of a long time friend and colleague, Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart. Your thoughts and prayers for the family are appreciated.
Neidhart, born James Henry Neidhart on 8 February 1955 in Tampa, FL, was a natural athlete, excelling at track and field before moving on to pro football. He made the books of the Oakland Raisers and Dallas Cowboys, but never made an appearance for either team.
Instead, he turned his head to wrestling, heading to Canada to learn under the tutelage of the great Stu Hart. It was whilst training in The Dungeon that he met his first wife, Stu's daughter Elizabeth, and long-term tag team partner Bret Hart.
As part of the Hart Foundation, Neidhart twice claimed tag gold in the WWF during a seven year spell of duos' dominance. Bret's emergence as a singles star left his former partner somewhat rudderless, and after a failed attempt to revive the tandem alongside brother-in-law Owen, Neidhart drifted between Japan, WCW, and ECW, before eventually returning to Stamford in 1994. After a forgettable stint as the one-note Who, a more substantial Hart Foundation was formed, propping up many of the company's best angles before Bret Hart's acrimonious departure following Survivor Series '97.
After retiring, Neidhart had the pleasure of seeing his daughter Natalya promote women's wrestling to its greatest height in WWE.
WhatCulture.com would like to send our condolences to Neidhart's family and friends.