Tuesday 14 August 2018 09:36, UK
WWE legend Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart - half of the hugely popular Hart Foundation tag team - has died at the age of 63.
Neidhart was the powerhouse of the legendary Hart Foundation tag team with his brother-in-law, Bret 'Hit Man' Hart, and was also the father of current WWE superstar Natalya.
He began his ring career after playing professional football with the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys and was trained by WWE Hall of Famer Stu Hart in the infamous Hart Dungeon in Calgary. He earned his ring nickname, The Anvil, after winning an anvil throwing contest.
Neidhart married Stu's daughter, Ellie, to become a member of the legendary Hart Family before making the move to WWE along with Bret 'Hit Man' Hart, Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy Smith when WWE purchased Stu Hart's Calgary Stampede Wrestling territory.
Initially, Neidhart and Hart were managed by Jimmy Hart as The Hart Foundation and went on to win two WWE World Tag Team Championships.
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.
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.
