Jim Neidhart

[Hitman84]

Does anyone know what Jim Neidhart is doing these days? I know he's done some promotional work with Bret Hart in the past, but is he still wrestling?

Plus does anyone have any pictures of the 1997 Hart Foundation? Group pics, and any individual pics of Bret, Owen, Neidhart, Bulldog or Pillman in their Hart Foundation gear?

[Lara Emily]

Sadly he died from choking on his own beard about a year ago

[Hitman84]

I think I speak for everyone here when I say 'Huh?!'

[Loose Cannon]

check the front page. Go to a column called Random Rewind. Go to the Hart Foundation one. Should say "When Harts beat as One" or some shit. You will find pics.

[The Mackem]

Last I heard he was doing shows for NWA UK or something.

[Hitman84]

Is he still wrestling as the Anvil in Hart Foundation colours? I kinda hope so, you know, the squadron never dies, keep the flag flying and all that ...

[CSL]

Originally Posted by Hitman84 I think I speak for everyone here when I say 'Huh?!'

Or 'Who'...

[Dave Youell]

Originally Posted by The Mackem Last I heard he was doing shows for NWA UK or something.

I know he has done some work in the UK, but not on a regualr basis

[Danny Electric]

Last I heard he was about to go to jail or something.

[Iceman90]

Here in Calgary, Jim is still active in the community. He's often seen in the crowd @ Stampede Wrestling events, and I heard he is running a gym here now and helping with some training.

I know he and Bret had an autograph session a while back together, and attended a Hitmen game together where they were honoured.

[Esoteric]

i read somewhere that his daughter is now getting into pro wrestling imagine how tight it would be if her, teddy hart and harry smith came to the wwe and formed the new hart foundation....maybe in a few years

[Iceman90]

Originally Posted by Esoteric i read somewhere that his daughter is now getting into pro wrestling imagine how tight it would be if her, teddy hart and harry smith came to the wwe and formed the new hart foundation....maybe in a few years

She is. Nattie Neidhart.

She works in Stampede Wrestling, and she is pretty damn good.

[The Ravishing One]

[KayfabeMan]

Just incase anyone cares, Neidhart is scheduled for an overseas tour that also will see Harry Smith and a few others. He was also seen at JAPW's 3/26 event at ECW Arena:

**Teddy Hart and Jack Evans over Homicide and B-Boy to win the Jersey All Pro Wrestling Tag Team Titles

After a long intermission to get up the cage...this was the wild spot fest it was designed to be with spots like Evans hanging upside down from the top of the cage (head resting on top turnbuckle) and B-Boy jumping with a kick into a trash lid into Evans' head, a Teddy Hart shooting star press turned into an Ace Crusher, a Hart Orihara moonsault from the cage out to the floor, Hart moonsault from the cage into the ring onto Homicide and B-Boy, and a Jack Evans Phoenix splash off the cage.

At one point. all four ended up brawling outside the cage, with some front row fans handing some toys to Homicide, including what appeared to be a metal bowl, a NO PARKING sign, and even a fork. The metal bowl was repeatedly smashed over Teddy's head and eventually used by pretty much everyone in the match.

Teddy juiced bigtime...pretty well for a guy who whined about working a death match in CZW. Homicide carves Teddy with a fork repeatedly. Teddy bleeding so bad he tells the refs he can't see. Low-Ki comes out to help B-Boy and Homicide, with the Rottw...er...Strong Style Thugs...getting the upper hand over Hart and Evans.

The lights went out again...then back on with Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart inside the ring. Neidhart interferes in return to help Evans and Teddy win the Jersey All Pro Wrestling Tag Team Titles to send the crowd home happy as the old Hart Foundation music was played, and the crowd walked out chants for JAPW.

[Hitman84]

Originally Posted by KayfabeMan The lights went out again...then back on with Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart inside the ring. Neidhart interferes in return to help Evans and Teddy win the Jersey All Pro Wrestling Tag Team Titles to send the crowd home happy as the old Hart Foundation music was played, and the crowd walked out chants for JAPW.

Cool!

Plus, do we know if it was the Hart Foundation music from the 80s/90s that became Bret Hart's music? Or Bret's/new Hart Foundation c.1997 WWF music? Not that it's important, I'm just curious.

[KayfabeMan]

Not sure. In the few recaps I've read, it's just said the same exact thing.

If JAPW has a forum board, that'd be the place to probably find out.

[KayfabeMan]

Sorry I couldn't be more of a help

[PullMyFinger]

I just thought of something...

3/5 of the Hart Foundation is literally dead...kinda sad when you think about it.

[KayfabeMan]

Yep, and it's strange to think that it started with Bret and Neidhart, and now they're the only two survivors.

[Hitman84]

Originally Posted by KayfabeMan Yep, and it's strange to think that it started with Bret and Neidhart, and now they're the only two survivors.

A mate of mine and I were only discussing this the other day

We have also often thought about what might have been if Bret hadn't left for WCW, and therefore hadn't been screwed in Montréal, resulting in the entire Hart Foundation staying in WWF/E.

I'd like to think that Neidhart would have won the Hardcore title, as this best suited his style towards the end in WWF. He may also have enjoyed another Tag Team title reign with Owen or British Bulldog. Bret would have lost the World title eventually, leading to more intense feuds with Stone Cold, Triple H and HBK. Owen and Bulldog would both have had at least one other Intercontinental title run, with either of them picking up a most deserved, but also unexpected, World title. Unexpected as Bret would have been, as team captain, the most likely to win the belt again.

But I think the best scenario would have been for Owen or Bulldog to win the Royal Rumble and have to face Bret for the gold at WrestleMania. Obviously this could have resulted in the break-up of the Foundation, but what a storyline it would have been!

Unfortunately, twas not to be

What do we think??

[KayfabeMan]

Originally Posted by Hitman84 We have also often thought about what might have been if Bret hadn't been forced to go to WCW, and therefore hadn't been screwed in Montréal, resulting in the entire Hart Foundation staying in WWF/E

I think that saying it that way would be fairer to Bret. I know that Bret didn't want to go to WCW, as evident by the fact that he turned them down many times - despite them offering him big bucks. It is my belief that Vince wanted Bret to go to WCW all along, as he felt that Bret wasn't a major draw at that point, and what better way to get rid of him than to have him go to WCW. It was the perfect plan, as it'd leave Vince looking like the good-guy, what with him telling the guy to go get more money since he "couldn't pay him what he was worth". 'Cept for it backfiring when Bret wanted to drop the belt his way.

Anyhow, with that being said - on to your question / discussion, which is a good one. I think that if everything were different all the way aroud, and if Michaels didn't have as much say so at the time - that Bret definitely could have had a great great feud with Owen, leading to what would have been a tremendous WM main event - possibly the best one ever.

I also think that Neidhart could've done well with the HC Title - as you said, or that he and Bulldog could have formed another tag team (as they did over in WCW anyway) and got over well, if given the chance to. It's tough to say what could've / should've happened though, as there are so many factors.

[KayfabeMan]

Also, on a related note, it'd have been real hot shit if Owen's contract at the time was different than what it was. You have to look at it that OH would have went over there with Bret, as it'd have not only made him more money (which would've allowed him to retire faster - which was one of his goals), but he would've also had a new playground so to speak.

And if he and Bret (and possibly the other Hart Foundation members) had all come into WCW at once, it'd have made a definite bigger impact than what Bret's debut just on his own did [not that that was handled right anyway, but that's a whole different one in it's own]. Even The Steiners storyline with The Outsiders could've been edited down to The Steiners feuding with the Hart Foundation (namely Jim and Bret) for the Titles. It would have been entertaining, as they could've won the Titles, and then alternated who defended them, allowing Bret and Owen to move into singles slots (after getting nice pushes off the bat), while giving Anvil and Bulldog something to do. Something along those lines, just IMO.

[BigDaddyCool]

Originally Posted by Iceman90 She is. Nattie Neidhart. She works in Stampede Wrestling, and she is pretty damn good.

She is currently my womens champion in Komatose Wrestling Federation in EWR. I'm a nerd.

[BigDaddyCool]

Oh, and Nattie isn't half bad looking either.

[KayfabeMan]

You can check out her site at www.NattieNeidhart.cjb.net

[Hitman84]

Fitting that she wrestles in pink and black I think.

[Hitman84]

Originally Posted by KayfabeMan I think that saying it that way would be fairer to Bret. I know that Bret didn't want to go to WCW, as evident by the fact that he turned them down many times - despite them offering him big bucks. It is my belief that Vince wanted Bret to go to WCW all along, as he felt that Bret wasn't a major draw at that point, and what better way to get rid of him than to have him go to WCW. It was the perfect plan, as it'd leave Vince looking like the good-guy, what with him telling the guy to go get more money since he "couldn't pay him what he was worth". 'Cept for it backfiring when Bret wanted to drop the belt his way. Anyhow, with that being said - on to your question / discussion, which is a good one. I think that if everything were different all the way aroud, and if Michaels didn't have as much say so at the time - that Bret definitely could have had a great great feud with Owen, leading to what would have been a tremendous WM main event - possibly the best one ever. I also think that Neidhart could've done well with the HC Title - as you said, or that he and Bulldog could have formed another tag team (as they did over in WCW anyway) and got over well, if given the chance to. It's tough to say what could've / should've happened though, as there are so many factors.

I agree with you Kayfabe.

I'm interested to know what the others think could have been if the Hart Foundation hadn't been forced to leave WWF ...

[Loose Cannon]

In a way, I'm kind of glad the Hart's never broke up in a storyline kind of way. I didn't want to see that happen and I'm sure a lot of thier fans didn't want to see that eathier. There the only "big time" stable that never broke up or kicked anybody out because of having fights with each other. I like to think the Hart Foundation is still alive and kicking. They were my favorite stable ever and no other stable even comes close for my liking.

[The Mackem]

Hart Foundation's entrance at Canadian Stampede was immense. It was an interesting time in wrestling the Canada/USA stuff especially when they occasionally went to Canada.

[Zen v.W.o.]

I agree with LC, I didnt want them to break up. Although a breakup would have been preferable to having 3 of them pass away. But alas..

Also, someone pointed this out earlier, and I'd like to add to it. I think another Hart Foundation would work out down the line or come about anyways, if they all make it.

Teddy Hart, Nattie, Harry Smith, TJ Wilson and Jack Evans. TJ is dating nattie right now and jack is marrying Ted's sister. So once again it's an all in the family thing.
It had quite the lineage I must say.

[Hitman84]

Originally Posted by KayfabeMan Anyhow, with that being said - on to your question / discussion, which is a good one. I think that if everything were different all the way aroud, and if Michaels didn't have as much say so at the time - that Bret definitely could have had a great great feud with Owen, leading to what would have been a tremendous WM main event - possibly the best one ever.

Exactly! I have often pictured Owen winning the Royal Rumble cleanly, ie no interference from Neidhart or Bulldog, and getting the shot at the title at WrestleMania. There would then be a similar build-up to the Summerslam 92 Bret/Bulldog match, given that they're family. The feud would be a 'friendly' one, though, so as not to break up the stable, resulting in a classic 35-minute encounter. I don't want to say whether I think Bret or Owen should win, but the win would be clean and there would be a handshake and joint celebration at the end.

My other idea would be for Bret to drop the strap to a heel Stone Cold or Triple H. The new champion would taunt the Hart Foundation and issue a challenge to either Owen or Bulldog, with the title on the line, hoping to turn the Foundation members against each other. Owen or Bulldog would win the match, resulting in a much deserved World title reign. Hoping to cash in on a potential feud, the 'Comissioner', another heel, possibly Michaels, would book a title match between Owen/Bulldog and Bret - again I won't say who wins, as I wouldn't really like to choose, but it would backfire on the heel, as the match would be hard fought but clean with a handshake afterwards.

I know all stables have to break up sometime, otherwise the stroylines and matches would become stale, but there was so much that could have been done with the Hart Foundation before needing to split them up, my ideas being just two examples.

Have any of you others thought about similar storylines for what could have been?

[The Mackem]

Originally Posted by Zen v.W.o. I agree with LC, I didnt want them to break up. Although a breakup would have been preferable to having 3 of them pass away. But alas.. Also, someone pointed this out earlier, and I'd like to add to it. I think another Hart Foundation would work out down the line or come about anyways, if they all make it. Teddy Hart, Nattie, Harry Smith, TJ Wilson and Jack Evans. TJ is dating nattie right now and jack is marrying Ted's sister. So once again it's an all in the family thing. It had quite the lineage I must say.

Is Michael Hart still training to be a wrestler? You could add him to the mix.

[KayfabeMan]

Originally Posted by Hitman84 Exactly! I have often pictured Owen winning the Royal Rumble cleanly, ie no interference from Neidhart or Bulldog, and getting the shot at the title at WrestleMania. There would then be a similar build-up to the Summerslam 92 Bret/Bulldog match, given that they're family. The feud would be a 'friendly' one, though, so as not to break up the stable, resulting in a classic 35-minute encounter. I don't want to say whether I think Bret or Owen should win, but the win would be clean and there would be a handshake and joint celebration at the end

VERY cool idea indeed, and great points / discussion thus far

Just another idea to add to that:

Owen could have EASILY carried the company as a very credible Champion, and drew well for them as well. If they would have worked things right, Bret could have dropped the Title to Owen in Montreal, and there wouldn't have been a problem - but of course everything had to rotate around planet HBK.

The Montreal situation would have been perfect all the way around. You get rid of Bret, he does the job on the way out, you get a FRESH champ who was already way over, and it's in their hometown, so either way - no matter who won the match - the live fans are happy. Could have been the start of a big big thing right there, and with Bret going to WCW and Owen being the WWF Champion, it would've been great marketing too. That's just my opinion.

[Hitman84]

Originally Posted by KayfabeMan ... of course everything had to rotate around planet HBK.

Unfortunately this is still the case, but that's another post.

Imagine that the Hart Foundation survived into the Attitude Era. Who could have been the fifth member and why?

I'd say Chris Benoit as his style is very much like Bret's, he trained in the dungeon and is close to the family. But then again, I'd also like to think Chris Jericho could have been a suitable Hart Foundation candidate too. His style at the time was like Owen's: quick, with a solid technical and aerial knowlegde. Plus, with his mic skills, he could well have been the comedian of the group.

I'd love to know your views on this, plus the previous posts about possible storylines.

Afterthoughts: Maybe 'survived' wasn't the best word to choose here, given that only two members of the stable remain but I didn't know how else to word what I wanted to say. Plus I know Brian Pillman was the fifth member, and I'm in no way trying to 'replace' him, I'm just curious to know who you guys think could have joined the faction later on.

[Zen v.W.o.]

Well I think in full health Brian Pillman would have been a big time star, especially during the "attitude" years. But since he had died, if you want to add more members to the stable, you could go two ways..make a couple of additions, or add a rather large influx to the group, which also could have been done. I do recall during their time in the wwf, they thought about adding Yoko to the stable..they were rumours anyways of it, and it seemed like furnas and lafon were getting closer to them right near the end of their time in the wwf, if anyone noticed.

I think if they had lasted through all those years, you could have added Benoit and Jericho easily. They have ties to the family in that they trained and competed with them in Calgary. Ditto Lance Storm. Then again you could have even added moreso to the stable by just about including every canadian into it. Edge, Christian, Test..who Bret had actually aided getting into the company. Maybe Val, Trish? They would have been quite the powerful stable, and the thing is, they wouldnt have looked like just 3 good credible guys with a bunch of shit after them like the nWo did, and the Ministry did. They all had skill and talent. I've been imagining stuff like this for years though.

And as for Michael Hart I'm not sure, I'll look that up though.

[Hitman84]

Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon teamed with Neidhart and the Bulldog at Survivor Series 1997 if I'm not mistaken. They could well have joined the Foundation but they left not long after the screwjob anyway. Plus I'm very glad Yokozuna didn't join!

Benoit and Jericho in the pink and black would have been fantastic to see. The same for E&C. I think though that adding every Canadian to the stable would go a little too far - with Bulldog being English you'd need to add William Regal as well for example. This would turn the stable into team Canada plus two Brits and one American. For it to work properly, I think you could really only add two more members, and I'm going with Benoit and Jericho!

Originally Posted by Zen v.W.o. They all had skill and talent.

This makes the Hart Foundation the only credible stable in the history of WWF/E in my book, and further backs up why Benoit and Jericho would have fitted nicely into the faction if it still existed.

[Iceman90]

There was an article in the newspaper today about robbery charges being dropped against him.

[Fabien Barthez]

Originally Posted by Hitman84 This makes the Hart Foundation the only credible stable in the history of WWF/E in my book.

Fair point but how many stables have there been in the WWF/E? I still think at least 2 'versions' of the Horsemen were better from a wrestling point of view, and DX were the better from an entertainment standing point.

Say what you want about Bret leaving and the potential of the Hart Foundation but it is nearly 10 years since Montreal and it is still in the top 3 most talked about affairs in wrestling history. I'm pretty sure that Vince planned it all from breaking kayfabe on the PPV to the coments he has thrown in here and there ever since.

I personally think Bret is a bit of an idiot. If you have ever seen the RF Shoot with him, you will know that he is deluded towards wrestling and almost believes it to be a real competative sport. The way he talked about how WCW took his ideas and how he wouldn't do suggested angle because they made him look like a beaten heel. Fact is in WCW he didn't have any creative control in his contract and seriously thought he was the top draw and should have been a Hogan-esque superhero face from the outset.

In reality, WCW had to sign up Bret, because he was Bret Hart. I don't think he really fitted into their plans to be a main eventer since they had Hogan and were hardcore pushing Goldberg at the time.

I just don't like him as a person, as a wrestler the man was the best.



As far as the speculation towards what could have happened, it probably wouldn't happen because all the members of the HF were forever meant to be the equivilant of JBL's cabinet and not a great deal more.

It's not like the best wrestlers don't get held down anyway, Chris Jericho is a prime example. I would say he is the best all rounder in the WWE and possibly since Bret but yet he still puts others over show after show and the only mic action he ever gets is the Highlight Reel.



Respect for Harry Smith for wearing Davey Boy's trunks.



And Nattie Neidhart is not hot at all. Josh, you must have low standards my man.

[Zen v.W.o.]

I respect your opinion man, but the part I strongly disagree with was where you stated the rest of the members basically were like JBL's cabinet to Bret.
The cabinet may suck in that way, but every member of the Hart Foundation, excepting Neidhart really all had high profile matches or were involved in feuds with other guys that were upper midcard status at the least.
Had they gone on, eventually Bret is gonna drop the title right, but unlike the cabinet, the Foundation had talented wrestlers and guys like Pillman who had charisma and could work a mic like practically no other. Bret talked alot but imo Pillman could have very well easily have taken most of the load and more in that area. He'd have done well in the attitude era, and with Bret around, Owen wouldnt have went the way of the Blazer. I could see Owen being a champ, shit why not, Batista may become one soon enough. I do believe Vince would have done more with the other members. Recall at the time Pillman was very much sought after by the wwf when he became a free agent basically..they were gonna push him hard. Of course that fucking accident had to have occured forever crippling his ability and causing him pain. Down the road who knows, maybe a cabinet member might get a decent push but this isnt something I think would last as long as the Foundation anyhow..they weren't just randomly thrown together..they had a common purpose and actually had common ties and bonds. HF I mean.

I just think it was a shame for the things that happened to that stable. Wasn't meant to be in the end.

[Loose Cannon]

LOL @ you comparing the Cabinet guys to Hart Foundation memebrs.

Are you actually serious there?

Owen, Bulldog, Pillman compared to Jordan and the Bashams

That's to Fabien Barthez BTW