WWE Legend Jim ‘The Anvil’ Neidhart Has Died Aged 63

WWE

Former wrestler Jim ‘The Anvil’ Neidhart has died at the age of 63. 

Jim was best known for his appearances on WWE in the 80s and 90s, where he was a two-time Tag-Team champion.

The wrestler reportedly died in his home this morning (August 13), and his death was announced on Twitter this afternoon.

The tweet read:

So sad to announce the passing of my friend and longtime colleague, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart. Your thoughts and prayers for the family are deeply appreciated!

Jim played football for the Dallas Cowboys before starting his wrestling career, which he began in training with Stampede Wrestling founder Stu Hart.

The wrestler earned the nickname ‘The Anvil’ after winning an anvil throwing contest, throwing it 11 feet, 2 inches.

The WWE legend worked for Stampede Wrestling in the late 70s and early 80s, during which time he married one of Stu’s daughters, Ellie Hart.

The couple had their daughter Natalya Neidhart in 1982.

Jim went on to debut for WWE in 1985, and won his first Tag-Team Championship in 1987, with his brother-in-law Bret Hart.

WWE shared their condolences for Jim, writing:

WWE is saddened to learn that Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart has passed away.

They also released a statement about Jim’s death, and honoured his daughter for carrying on his legacy.

It read:

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.

Bret Hart – the other half of ‘The Hart Foundation’ – expressed his sadness on Twitter, sharing a picture of himself and his WWE partner and brother-in-law.

He wrote:

Stunned and saddened. I just don’t have the words right now.

Jim’s fans and friends have also been expressing their feelings about the news.

One person wrote:

Jim Neidhart was so awesome. His laugh and goatee were the best. He truly was memorable. Very sad to hear of his passing. #RIPAnvil

Another added:

I am truly shocked this morning. #JimNeidhart was always one of my favorites, second only to #OwenHart in my mind. While I will always be a huge @BretHart fan, I loved watching Jim’s powerhouse moves. To Bret, @NatbyNature and the rest of the family, I am sorry for your loss,

The wrestler’s cause of death has not yet been revealed.

Our thoughts are with Jim’s friends and family at this time.

If you have a story you want to tell, send it to [email protected]. 

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.

Emily Brown

Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.