Former WWE wrestler Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, best known as part of The Hart Foundation tag team in the 80’s and 90’s, has died, WWE officials confirmed Monday in a statement.

Neidhart played football with the Oakland Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys before launching his wrestling career. He earned his nickname after winning an anvil throwing contest.

He married Ellie Hart, the daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Stu Hart, before joining the WWE. As part of The Hart Foundation, Neidhart wrestled alongside his brother-in-law, Bret “Hit Man” Hart.

He is survived by his wife and three daughters, including Natalie Neidhart, who wrestles in the WWE under the stage name “Natalya.”

Friends, fans and fellow wrestlers took to Twitter to share condolences Monday.

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Instructor Daniel Jean-Baptiste reminds students to "measure twice, cut once" while using a hand saw at the Construction Ready accelerated summer program at Westside Works in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The program provides training for careers in construction and the skilled trades. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

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