Jim Neidhart
Jim Neidhart | |
---|---|
Birth name | James Henry Neidhart |
Born | Montebello, California, U.S.[1] | February 8, 1955
Died | August 13, 2018 Wesley Chapel, Florida, U.S. | (aged 63)
Cause of death | Head injury caused by a seizure resulting in a fall[2] |
Spouse(s) | |
Children | 3, including Natalie |
Family | Hart |
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Jim Neidhart[1] Who[4] |
Billed height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)[5] |
Billed weight | 281 lb (127 kg)[5] |
Billed from | Reno, Nevada, U.S.[5] "Who Knows Where" (as Who) |
Trained by | Stu Hart[1] |
Debut | 1978 |
Retired | 2016[1] |
James Henry Neidhart (February 8, 1955 – August 13, 2018)
Early life
At Newport Harbor High School, Neidhart first gained athletic acclaim for his success in strength-oriented track and field events. He set a California high school record in shot put in 1973 which stood until 1985. After graduating from high school,[7] Neidhart pursued a career in the National Football League (NFL), where he played for the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys in practices and preseason games.[8]
Professional wrestling career
Early career (1978–1985)
Following his release from the Dallas Cowboys, Neidhart traveled to Calgary to train with Stu Hart and pursue a career in professional wrestling.[9] He worked for Hart's Stampede Wrestling from 1978 to 1983, and again in 1985, during which time he married Ellie Hart, one of Stu's daughters.[10] He was a two-time Stampede International Tag Team Champion, with Hercules Ayala in 1980 and Mr. Hito in 1983. Stu Hart, seeking publicity for Neidhart, promised him $500 to enter and win an anvil toss at the Calgary Stampede. He did, throwing it 11 feet, 2 inches. This earned him the nickname "The Anvil", replacing his prior nickname, "The Animal".[11][12]
In September 1981, Neidhart appeared in Germany with the Catch Wrestling Association, taking part in the World Catch Cup. From April to May 1982, Neidhart wrestled in Japan for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) on its Big Fight Series tour as part of Stampede Wrestling's working relationship with NJPW. In January 1983, he made a second tour with NJPW, competing in its New Year Golden Series.[13]
Neidhart teamed twice with
World Wrestling Federation (1985–1992)
Hart Foundation (1985–1991)
When Stu Hart sold Stampede Wrestling to
The new team was dubbed the Hart Foundation and was managed by
The Hart Foundation wrestled in another 20-man battle royal at
The Hart Foundation reformed full-time in March 1990 in
New Foundation (1991–1992)
Neidhart returned to WWF television on the November 9, 1991 episode of Superstars of Wrestling, donning new
Neidhart returned once more on the December 1, 1991 episode of
Various promotions (1992–1994)
After leaving the WWF in February 1992, Neidhart wrestled a handful of matches on the
In February and March 1993, Neidhart wrestled in Australia for the "Wrestling Down Under" promotion, working three matches with
Throughout early 1994, Neidhart wrestled for various independent promotions. He returned to the World Wrestling Federation in June 1994.[25]
World Wrestling Federation (1994)
Neidhart returned to the WWF at
Neidhart joined Owen on Shawn Michaels' team, The Teamsters, to face Razor Ramon and The Bad Guys in an elimination match at
Various promotions (1995–1996)
After leaving the WWF once again, Neidhart returned to the ring in February 1995 for the Mid-Eastern Wrestling Federation (MEWF). Over the following months, he wrestled for various independent promotions. In April 1995, he returned to ECW, losing to Marty Jannetty and Ron Simmons on consecutive nights. After several more matches on the independent circuit, in July 1995 Neidhart made a one-night appearance with the Catch Wrestling Association in Graz, Austria, competing in the Euro Catch Festival. Later that month, Neidhart appeared with ECW once more, wrestling Marty Jannetty to a double disqualification. Over the following few months, he continued to wrestle on the independent circuit, briefly holding the MEWF Heavyweight Championship. In November and December 1995, Neidhart worked for the Catch Wrestling Association in Germany, competing in the CWA International Catch Cup tournament.[26]
Neidhart wrestled sporadically throughout early-1996, including appearing at the World Wrestling Peace Festival in June 1996. He returned to the World Wrestling Federation later that month.[27]
After leaving the WWF once more, in October 1996 Neidhart wrestling in England for Hammerlock Wrestling. In December 1996, he began appearing with the New York-based independent promotion Ultimate Championship Wrestling.[27][28][29] In March 1997, he appeared with the Sacramento, California-based National Wrestling Conference.[30]
World Wrestling Federation (1996, 1997)
Who (1996)
On the July 6, 1996, episode of Superstars, Neidhart returned to the WWF as the masked heel "Who", a gimmick designed for commentators
Hart Foundation reunion (1997)
Neidhart returned to the WWF once more on the April 28, 1997, episode of
After Bret and Davey Boy Smith left the WWF on bad terms because of the Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series. D-Generation X (DX) leader and WWF Champion Shawn Michaels offered Neidhart a spot in the group on the November 24 episode of Raw Is War. Neidhart accepted, only for it to be revealed as a setup as the group assaulted Neidhart at the end of the show. The following week on the December 1 episode of Raw is War, DX member Triple H defeated Neidhart. After the match, DX attacked Neidhart once again and spray-painted "WCW" on his back and signifying him following Bret Hart to World Championship Wrestling. Sgt. Slaughter and Ken Shamrock saved him, before Slaughter and Shamrock attacked D-Generation X at the end of the show. His last match in WWF was when he defeated The Sultan at a house show on December 1. WWF announced that Neidhart was released from his WWF contract on December 2, 1997.
World Championship Wrestling (1998)
Neidhart returned to
Neidhart wrestled his first return match for WCW on the January 20, 1998 episode of
Neidhart's final televised match for WCW was on the September 26, 1998 episode of WCW Saturday Night where he and the British Bulldog lost to Stevie Ray and Vincent. Neidhart went on to wrestle on house shows until being released from WCW in October 1998.[34]
Late career (1998–2016)
Following his departure from WCW, Neidhart largely retired from the ring, but continued to make sporadic appearances in
On Raw XV, the 15th-anniversary WWE Raw special on December 10, 2007, Neidhart returned to WWE for the first time since 1997, and participated in the 15th Anniversary Battle Royal, eventually making it to the final five before being eliminated by Skinner.[36]
Neidhart's last known match was on March 5, 2016, when he teamed with Koko B. Ware and Frankie the Pizza Guy as they defeated Nikolai Volkoff, Clay Dasher and Shawn Andrews at a BCW event in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Professional wrestling style and persona
Neidhart usually wrestled in pink attire and the Hart Foundation tag team was nicknamed "The Pink and Black Attack".[37][38] It popularized the Hart Attack finisher maneuver.[39]
Other media
On April 6, 2010,
Personal life
Neidhart and wife, Ellie Hart had three daughters; one,
Neidhart was arrested on September 6, 2010, and charged with two counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, two counts of trafficking illegal drugs, one count of burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, and one count of third-degree grand theft for property stolen between $300 and $5,000. He was arrested after becoming aggressive with police after ingesting multiple pills outside a gas station.[41] In March 2012, he was sentenced to five months and 29 days in jail. During his sentencing, he was arrested and held in contempt of court.[42] Neidhart completed two stints in rehabilitation paid for by WWE.[41]
Death
According to TMZ, Neidhart's wife Elizabeth told investigators that on August 13, 2018, he was having problems sleeping and got out of bed to adjust the thermostat.[43] As he went to touch it, he "turned weirdly as if he were about to dance", then fell against the wall and floor.[43] She immediately dialed 911, believing he was having a seizure, something for which he took medication. He had a four-inch long gash on his face when emergency services arrived.[43] He died at the scene at age 63, with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office stating to TMZ that their preliminary investigation believed he hit his head and succumbed due to his injuries, with foul play not being suspected.[2][44] At the time, his wife stated his doctor's believed he may have had Alzheimer's disease.[43][9] WWE later paid tribute to Neidhart on their website.[45]
Championships and accomplishments
- Championship Wrestling from Florida
- Canadian Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Class of 2022 – as a member of the Hart Foundation[49]
- Legends Pro Wrestling
- Hall of Fame (2011)[50]
- Memphis Championship Wrestling
- Memphis Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Class of 2022
- Mid-Eastern Wrestling Federation
- Mid-South Wrestling
- 1 time) – with Butch Reed[46]
- New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Class of 2014[52]
- Professional Wrestling Federation
- PWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[53]
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Pro Wrestling Ohio
- PWO Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Greg Valentine[46]
- Stampede Wrestling
- Mr. Hito (1)[46]
- Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 1995)[57][58]
- Top Rope Championship Wrestling
- TRCW International Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Universal Wrestling Alliance
- UWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[1]
- World Wrestling Federation/WWE
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2019) as a member of The Hart Foundation
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Feud of the Year (1997) with The Hart Foundation vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
- Canadian Wrestling Hall of Fame
See also
- List of premature professional wrestling deaths
- Bret Hart
- Owen Hart
- Hart Dungeon
- The Hart Foundation
- The Hart Dynasty
- Natalya Neidhart
- Tyson Kidd
- Davey Boy Smith Jr.
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Jim Neidhart Profile". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved March 27, 2008.
- ^ a b Johnson, Mike (August 13, 2018). "MORE ON PASSING OF JIM NEIDHART". PWInsider. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- ISBN 978-1-55022-787-1.
- ^ Pro Wrestling Illustrated, 7th annual edition, p.34.
- ^ a b c "WWE Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart profile". WWE. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
- ^ "Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart dies". canoe.com. Archived from the original on August 13, 2018. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- ^ "Shoot With Jim Neidhart" DVD synopsis". RFvideo.com. Archived from the original on August 2, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2007.
- ^ Houston, Mitchell (August 13, 2018). "Former WWE star Jim 'the Anvil' Neidhart dies at 63". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- ^ a b Kaufman, Bill (August 14, 2018). "Neidhart's Calgary wrestling roots recalled". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on August 15, 2018. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
- ^ Martin, Kevin (February 5, 2005). "Neidhart accused of theft". Calgary Sun. SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on January 10, 2013.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b DiFino, Lennie DiFino (June 27, 2007). "Catching up with Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart". WWE. Retrieved June 7, 2008.
- ^ Patton, Kristi (May 3, 2007). "Neidhart-Santana ready to renew rivalry". Cochrane Times. SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on December 8, 2013. Retrieved July 9, 2007.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b c d e Saalbach, Axel. "Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database". www.wrestlingdata.com.
- ^ a b c Saalbach, Axel. "Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database". www.wrestlingdata.com.
- ISBN 978-0307371461.
- ^ Graham Cawthon (October 30, 1990). "WWF Show Results 1990". Retrieved July 13, 2007.
- ^ Graham Cawthon (November 3, 1990). "WWF Show Results 1990". Retrieved July 13, 2007.
- ISBN 978-1-4165-1686-6.
- Sporting News. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- ^ a b Cawthon, Graham. "Ring Results: 1991". The History of WWE. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
- ISBN 978-0307371461.
- ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Jim Neidhart - matches - 1992". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
- ^ "WCW 1993 results, from TheHistoryOfWWE.com". January 16, 2023.
- ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Jim Neidhart - matches - 1993". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
- ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Jim Neidhart - matches - 1994". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
- ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Jim Neidhart - matches - 1995". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
- ^ a b Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Jim Neidhart - matches - 1996". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
- ISBN 978-1-55022-939-4.
- ^ "WRESTLER CHARLES "GUILLOTINE" LeGRANDE ON TIGER KHAN". smashedmedia.us. Archived from the original on January 28, 2016.
- ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Jim Neidhart - matches - 1997". Cagematch.net. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
- ^ "1996 WWF results, from TheHistoryOfWWE.com". January 16, 2023.
- ^ 14.WWE.Network.Collection.Jim.The.Anvil.Neidhart.A.Canadian.Stampede.07.06.1997.WEB.h264-WD, retrieved May 9, 2022
- ^ Matt (December 15, 2015). "WCW: Monday Nitro (01.12.98)". PDRWrestling.net.
- ^ a b Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Jim Neidhart - matches - World Championship Wrestling". Cagematch.net.
- ^ Wilkenfeld, Daniel (November 12, 2009). "Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact Report 11/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved November 13, 2009.
- ^ Clayton, Cory (December 15, 2007). "Rhodes and Holly golden on Raw's 15th Anniversary". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved September 14, 2008.
- ^ "PWTorch.com - COLLECTIBLES COLUMN: The Five Coolest Wrestling Figures Decked Out in Pink". www.pwtorch.com.
- ^ "Bret "The Hitman" Hart necesitando otra cirugía". March 27, 2014.
- ^ "Wrestling world pays tribute to Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart".
- ^ a b "Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart". WWE. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- ^ a b McCoy, Heath (September 8, 2010). "Former wrestler Jim Neidhart arrested in Florida on drug charges". Calgary Herald. Postmedia Network. Archived from the original on September 11, 2010. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
- ^ Johnson, Mike. "Jim Neidhart Arrested After Court Appearance". PWInsider.com.
- ^ a b c d "Jim Neidhart Collapsed from Apparent Seizure ... Banged Head". TMZ. August 13, 2018. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- ^ "Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart Dead at 63 After Fall at Home". TMZ.
- ^ "Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart passes away". WWE. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Jim Neidhart". Cagematch. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
- ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
- ^ "2022 Class". Canadian Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
- ^ "Legends Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame". Facebook. August 13, 2018. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
- ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
- ^ "Class of 2014". Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
- ^ The Internet Wrestling Database. Cagematch (March 29, 2011). Retrieved on April 12, 2011.
- ^ Wrestling Information Archive – Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 500 Wrestlers of the PWI Years Archived July 7, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. 100megsfree4.com. Retrieved on April 12, 2011.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 100 Tag Teams of the PWI Years". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on June 16, 2008. Retrieved May 31, 2008.
- ^ Whalen, Ed (host) (December 15, 1995). "Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame: 1948-1990". Showdown at the Corral: A Tribute to Stu Hart. Event occurs at 27:55. Shaw Cable. Calgary 7.
- ^ "Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame (1948–1990)". Puroresu Dojo. 2003. Retrieved June 7, 2008.
- ^ Canadian Online Explorer. April 3, 2016. Archived from the originalon April 29, 2015.
External links
- Jim Neidhart on WWE.com
- Jim Neidhart's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database