WWE lost another wrestling legend on Monday when it was announced that Jim ‘The Anvil’ Neidhart had died at age 63. Police later said that he died after hitting his head in a fall in his home.
Neidhart was a founding member of The Hart Foundation and father to current WWE Superstar Natalya. The reaction from the WWE community was swift and mournful, as the former tag team champion was a beloved figure of those in the wrestling community. It started with Brett Hart, who confirmed the terrible news with a post on Twitter on Monday.
Stunned and saddened. I just don’t have the words right now. pic.twitter.com/fcO8Skuuhz
— Bret Hart (@BretHart) August 13, 2018
Natalya released a statement late in the afternoon mourning the loss of her father while also thanking WWE, the fans, and everyone that reached out to offer love and support.
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) August 13, 2018
Triple H also posted a heartfelt message about Neidhart on Twitter.
The only thing bigger than his on-screen character was his heart.
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— Triple H (@TripleH) August 13, 2018
Ric Flair, who has had his own health problems in the past year, called Neidhart “a world class athlete and a man among men” on Twitter.
My Good Friend Jim Neidhart, A World Class Athlete And A Man Among Men. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/JSmdpZ9YZ1
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 13, 2018
Plenty of other former WWE wrestlers shared condolences online.
I am overwhelmed with grief, love and sympathy by the passing of Jim Neidhart. Love and prayers to his family. He was always with me and a real friend through the good and bad. Love and miss you already, Jim. RIP my brother. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) August 13, 2018
ONE OF MY OLDEST FRIENDS IN THE BUSINESS JIM NEIDHART. WE TRAVEL TOGETHER I LOVE HIM FOREVER LIKE A BROTHER. GOD BLESS FAMILY I NEVER FORGET YOU BUBBA. pic.twitter.com/lt1dE8QOvt
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) August 13, 2018
Saddened To Hear Jim Neidhart Has Passed. My Prayers Are With His Families. Guess God Needed An “Anvil” Angel RIP Jim🙏🏻
— SGT SLAUGHTER (@_SgtSlaughter) August 13, 2018
Many shared memories of Neidhart on Monday as news of his loss spread.
I’m heartbroken to hear of the sudden passing of my 30+ year friend, Jim Neidhart.
We met in the 80’s when Bill Watts booked ‘The Anvil’ in Mid South & Jim even coached Cowboy’s son Micah on how to shot put.
We lost a damn, good man. #RIPAnvil
🙏— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) August 13, 2018
Current wrestlers also shared their grief online, too.
So sad to hear the news… RIP to Jim Neidhart. Sending my love and condolences to @NatbyNature and your family.♥️
— Mandy (@mandysacs) August 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/mauroranallo/status/1029020516101672965
https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/1029059777308106753
R.I.P. Jim Neidhart sending all my love @NatbyNature @TJWilson
— Lina Fanene (@LinaFanene) August 13, 2018
WWE confirmed Neidhart’s death on Monday, but other wrestling outfits also shared their grief at the star’s loss.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Neidhart. Our thoughts are with his family today. pic.twitter.com/3ZL4XKZDcn
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) August 13, 2018
WWE will certainly address his passing in its live shows during the week.
