Jim Neidhart Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 24, 2024
Jim Neidhart Then
Jim Neidhart, born on February 8, 1955, in Montebello, California, was an athlete with a promising future in strength-oriented sports from a young age.
His talent became evident during his time at Newport Harbor High School, where he excelled in track and field events, particularly in shot put.
In 1973, Neidhart set a California high school record in shot put, a remarkable achievement that remained unbeaten until 1985.
This record highlighted his natural power and athleticism, foreshadowing a career defined by his physical prowess.
After high school, Neidhart shifted his focus toward professional football, aiming to make a name for himself in the National Football League (NFL).
He had the opportunity to train and participate in practices and preseason games with both the Oakland Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys.
Although he didn’t secure a lasting position on either team, his experiences in the NFL showcased his versatility as an athlete and laid the foundation for his future career in professional wrestling.
Jim Neidhart’s combination of strength, agility, and discipline developed during his time in football and track and field.
These attributes became essential as he transitioned into wrestling, where he eventually found fame.
His background as a record-setting shot putter and his experience with top-tier football teams contributed to the unique persona he brought to the world of professional wrestling, making him a standout competitor in the years to come.
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Jim Neidhart Wrestling Career
Jim Neidhart had a significant wrestling career before, during, and after his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
After being released from the Dallas Cowboys, he traveled to Calgary to train with Stu Hart and transitioned into professional wrestling.
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He worked for Hart’s Stampede Wrestling from 1978 to 1983 and briefly again in 1985, where he became a two-time Stampede International Tag Team Champion.
Neidhart gained the nickname “The Anvil” after winning an anvil toss at the Calgary Stampede, earning publicity from Stu Hart.
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In addition to Stampede Wrestling, Neidhart wrestled in Germany for the Catch Wrestling Association and in Japan for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
He also teamed with King Kong Bundy in Georgia Championship Wrestling and worked for Mid-South Wrestling, winning the Mid-South Tag Team Championship with Butch Reed.
Neidhart held several titles, including the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship and the NWA United States Tag Team Championship during his stint with Championship Wrestling from Florida.
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In 1985, when Stu Hart sold Stampede Wrestling to Vince McMahon, Neidhart and Bret Hart were part of the deal, leading to the formation of The Hart Foundation in the WWF.
Managed by Jimmy Hart, The Hart Foundation became one of the top tag teams of the era, winning the WWF World Tag Team Championship twice.
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They had notable feuds with teams like The British Bulldogs, Demolition, and The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers.
The team also experienced highs and lows, including title losses and internal conflicts that led to temporary splits and reunions.
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Neidhart also had singles runs and formed other tag teams, most notably with Owen Hart as the New Foundation.
After a brief firing from the WWF in 1992, Neidhart wrestled in various promotions, including Eastern Championship Wrestling (ECW), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and Japan’s NJPW.
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He returned to the WWF in 1994, aligning himself with Owen Hart against Bret Hart.
This led to memorable storylines, including Neidhart’s interference at King of the Ring and their participation in the infamous steel cage match at SummerSlam 1994.
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After several more stints in independent circuits and brief returns to major promotions like WCW and the WWF, Neidhart’s career gradually wound down.
Despite facing ups and downs, including issues that led to his firings, Neidhart remains remembered for his powerful style, iconic role in The Hart Foundation, and lasting impact on wrestling history.
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Jim Neidhart Wrestling Competition
- Stampede Wrestling
- Catch Wrestling Association (CWA)
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
- Georgia Championship Wrestling
- Mid-South Wrestling
- Continental Wrestling Association (CWA)
- Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF)
- World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
- World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
- Eastern Championship Wrestling (ECW)
- Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling (ECCW)
- Border City Wrestling (BCW)
- Memphis Championship Wrestling (MCW)
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)
Jim Neidhart’s Wife and Children
Jim Neidhart and his wife, Ellie Hart, had three daughters, one of whom is Natalie Neidhart-Wilson, widely known in the wrestling world as Natalya.
Natalya followed in her father’s footsteps and has established herself as a prominent professional wrestler.
She is currently signed to WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), where she has garnered acclaim for her skills and contributions to the sport.
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Jim Neidhart Now
Jim Neidhart, known for his powerful presence and role in the Hart Foundation, tragically passed away on August 13, 2018, in Florida, USA.
At the age of 63, Neidhart’s death was the result of a fall at his home, which led to a severe head injury.
According to reports, he succumbed to this injury, marking a somber end to the life of a beloved professional wrestler.
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Neidhart’s passing was met with widespread sorrow in the wrestling community, as he was celebrated not only for his contributions to the sport but also for his larger-than-life persona in the ring.
As a key member of the Hart Foundation, he played a significant role in the team’s success during the 1980s, showcasing his strength and charisma as one of wrestling’s standout tag team competitors.
His death was a significant loss to fans and fellow wrestlers alike, reflecting the profound impact he had on the world of professional wrestling.
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FAQs
Jim Neidhart fell at his home and suffered a head injury. He succumbed to this injury on August 13, 2018.
There is no confirmed public information about Jim Neidhart having dementia.
Jim Neidhart passed away in Florida, USA, on August 13, 2018.
Jim Hart, better known as Jimmy Hart, is 80 years old.
Jim Neidhart, also known as “The Anvil,” died due to complications from a fall that led to a severe head injury.
Jim Neidhart is deceased and is buried in Florida, USA.
Jim Neidhart left WWE for the final time in 1997 but made sporadic returns to the company in subsequent years.
The cause of death was a head injury sustained from a fall at his home.