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The Last Hart Beating: From the Dungeon to WWE
WWE Superstar Natalya “Nattie” Neidhart—the longest-serving female wrestler in WWE history—invites readers inside her extraordinary journey, from her upbringing in the legendary Hart family home through her more than two decades in wrestling While most children grow up running around with their friends, Nattie Neidhart was schooled in the Hart family Dungeon, in the shadow of her grandfather Stu Hart, father Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, and legendary uncles Bret and Owen Hart. Through every body slam and rejection, Nattie eventually fought her own way into pro wrestling (the only woman in her family to do so) to become a two-time women’s world champion and world record–holding superstar in WWE. In this raw, unwaveringly honest memoir, Nattie opens up for the first time about her life as the legacy of the Hart family dynasty, candidly sharing untold details Her chaotic childhood in the boom-and-bust world of professional wrestling, including her family’s brush with homelessness Her father’s battles with addiction and other effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, leading to his eventual sudden death, and how they shaped her Her struggle to navigate the complex dynamics between the Hart family and WWE in the aftermath of the Montreal Screwjob, Owen Hart's tragic death, and her husband TJ Wilson’s near-fatal, career-ending, in-ring injury Her front-row seat to the rise of women’s wrestling and the resilience it took to thrive as a female wrestler at a time when what you looked like on screen was more important than how talented you were between the ropes From heart-pounding glory to devastating loss, The Last Hart Beating pulls no punches when it comes to the drama, hilarity, and outright mayhem of life inside the ring and out.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
82 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
December 16, 2025
"If you want to be the first anything in this family, be the first to leave without being broke or broken. Be the first of us to beat the f*cking House."
This was such an easy read. I think Nattie did a great job of telling her story in a well-structured way that flowed seamlessly from one chapter to the next. It felt polished but not sanitised. I didn't feel like I was being fed a politically correct and surface-level version of her story.
As a Nattie fan, I appreciated the insight into her career journey. Compared to some of the other wrestlers who have memoirs out there, Nattie is so underrated because she has not been afforded the same opportunities as the top stars in WWE. So, her perspective on all the backstage politics and how that interwove with her personal life at times, was very refreshing.
While Nattie's 2017 championship win is the perfect climax for her career, I wish that wasn't also where the book seemed to end. There's a good eight years between then and now that I wish were also reflected in the book. That would be my only gripe. Especially since Nattie also acknowledges that winning championships isn't the be all and end all for a successful professional wrestling career.
"I'm grateful for the early days of my wrestling career, being surrounded by people who knew that becoming a wrestler isn't about perfection, it's about perseverance."
This was such an easy read. I think Nattie did a great job of telling her story in a well-structured way that flowed seamlessly from one chapter to the next. It felt polished but not sanitised. I didn't feel like I was being fed a politically correct and surface-level version of her story.
As a Nattie fan, I appreciated the insight into her career journey. Compared to some of the other wrestlers who have memoirs out there, Nattie is so underrated because she has not been afforded the same opportunities as the top stars in WWE. So, her perspective on all the backstage politics and how that interwove with her personal life at times, was very refreshing.
While Nattie's 2017 championship win is the perfect climax for her career, I wish that wasn't also where the book seemed to end. There's a good eight years between then and now that I wish were also reflected in the book. That would be my only gripe. Especially since Nattie also acknowledges that winning championships isn't the be all and end all for a successful professional wrestling career.
"I'm grateful for the early days of my wrestling career, being surrounded by people who knew that becoming a wrestler isn't about perfection, it's about perseverance."
October 16, 2025
What a fantastic memoir! I grew up idolizing Bret “The Hitman” Hart, Owen Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart - The Hart Foundation was larger than life in my house. My brother and I used to copy their moves, and tried to pull off a Sharpshooter half as smooth as Bret’s and channel “The Anvil’s” wild energy. So naturally, I’ve always had a soft spot for Nattie Neidhart. But my admiration for her goes far beyond her family name. She’s an incredible wrestler in her own right - technically gifted, passionate, and one of the most underrated talents WWE has ever had.
This memoir shows a side of Nattie that fans rarely get to see. She writes candidly about her struggles to stand out in a male-dominated industry, where women were often valued more for looks than wrestling skill. She opens up about trying to please Vince McMahon, battling insecurities about her body, and constantly feeling like she didn’t fit the “Divas Division” mold. Through it all, she never gave up and ultimately became the backbone of the women’s division, by helping make everyone she worked with look like a star. It’s incredibly admirable to have that kind of love and patience for the business while relentlessly chasing your dreams.
Beyond the ring, Nattie also shares deeply personal stories about her family, her father’s battles with addiction, and her love for her husband TJ Wilson. The chapters about her husband (Tyson Kidd) and the horrific neck injury that nearly took his life are absolutely gut-wrenching. I had no idea about the full extent of his “hangman fracture” until reading this book - it’s a miracle he survived, and even more moving to see how they both rebuilt their lives afterward.
The Last Hart Beating isn’t just another wrestling memoir, it’s a story about perseverance, identity, and staying true to yourself in a business that constantly tries to define you. Nattie’s honesty, humor, and resilience make her story unforgettable. She carries the Hart legacy with grace, strength, and authenticity - and reminds us why she’s truly the heart and soul of women’s wrestling. With this book, Nattie proves she can still steal the show and put on a five-star performance, inside and outside the ring. I highly recommend reading this!
This memoir shows a side of Nattie that fans rarely get to see. She writes candidly about her struggles to stand out in a male-dominated industry, where women were often valued more for looks than wrestling skill. She opens up about trying to please Vince McMahon, battling insecurities about her body, and constantly feeling like she didn’t fit the “Divas Division” mold. Through it all, she never gave up and ultimately became the backbone of the women’s division, by helping make everyone she worked with look like a star. It’s incredibly admirable to have that kind of love and patience for the business while relentlessly chasing your dreams.
Beyond the ring, Nattie also shares deeply personal stories about her family, her father’s battles with addiction, and her love for her husband TJ Wilson. The chapters about her husband (Tyson Kidd) and the horrific neck injury that nearly took his life are absolutely gut-wrenching. I had no idea about the full extent of his “hangman fracture” until reading this book - it’s a miracle he survived, and even more moving to see how they both rebuilt their lives afterward.
The Last Hart Beating isn’t just another wrestling memoir, it’s a story about perseverance, identity, and staying true to yourself in a business that constantly tries to define you. Nattie’s honesty, humor, and resilience make her story unforgettable. She carries the Hart legacy with grace, strength, and authenticity - and reminds us why she’s truly the heart and soul of women’s wrestling. With this book, Nattie proves she can still steal the show and put on a five-star performance, inside and outside the ring. I highly recommend reading this!
October 12, 2025
Really enjoyed this audiobook. Nattie telling her story felt really honest and as a lifelong wrestling fan I loved hearing all the behind the scenes stories.
September 26, 2025
I’d like to start this by saying thank you to Simon and Schuster for giving me the opportunity to review this book before it’s release. It has been a true privilege not only as a reader, but as lifelong wrestling fan who grew up idolizing Nattie ‘Natalya’ Neidhart.
WOW. I had to take a second after I finished this book to just sit and think - specifically about the message that was clearly conveyed throughout each chapter, being ‘perseverance and believing in yourself is the key to success.’ The key to success in your career but most importantly the key to success in your personal life, and how you feel about yourself.
Nattie’s story is one that wrestling fans have been able to see through a lens, whether that be through WWE or Total Divas, but never really on a deeper level - and this memoir truly feels like Nattie’s way of controlling the narrative about herself and her family. A reoccurring theme I noticed is how Nattie told her life story by telling us the story of people IN her life, which I think speaks volumes about how much her family and friends have made her the person she is today.
On many occasions while reading I caught myself tearing up, because this memoir was written in a way that feels like a friend talking to a friend about their life, their happiness, their pain. It never felt like a celebrity talking to a fan, or an entertainer trying to entertain - it felt real, raw and personal. Nattie’s humour shines through in many chapters too, giving us another layer to herself as a person and not just the character we see on TV.
This memoir is carefully laid out, written in a mostly chronological way that makes it easy to read but also easy to see Nattie’s growth as a person. The stories she chose to share about the people in her life all have meaning, and being able to hear about how she felt experiencing it and what she learnt from those experiences made me self reflect a lot of my own experiences dealing with similar things. I felt seen reading this book, and I know a lot of other women who grew up watching Nattie would be able to say the same after reading this book. Thank you Nattie for sharing your vulnerable moments with your fans, you truly are a trail blazer - a genuinely strong woman who I can comfortably say I am proud to have idolized as a young girl.
WOW. I had to take a second after I finished this book to just sit and think - specifically about the message that was clearly conveyed throughout each chapter, being ‘perseverance and believing in yourself is the key to success.’ The key to success in your career but most importantly the key to success in your personal life, and how you feel about yourself.
Nattie’s story is one that wrestling fans have been able to see through a lens, whether that be through WWE or Total Divas, but never really on a deeper level - and this memoir truly feels like Nattie’s way of controlling the narrative about herself and her family. A reoccurring theme I noticed is how Nattie told her life story by telling us the story of people IN her life, which I think speaks volumes about how much her family and friends have made her the person she is today.
On many occasions while reading I caught myself tearing up, because this memoir was written in a way that feels like a friend talking to a friend about their life, their happiness, their pain. It never felt like a celebrity talking to a fan, or an entertainer trying to entertain - it felt real, raw and personal. Nattie’s humour shines through in many chapters too, giving us another layer to herself as a person and not just the character we see on TV.
This memoir is carefully laid out, written in a mostly chronological way that makes it easy to read but also easy to see Nattie’s growth as a person. The stories she chose to share about the people in her life all have meaning, and being able to hear about how she felt experiencing it and what she learnt from those experiences made me self reflect a lot of my own experiences dealing with similar things. I felt seen reading this book, and I know a lot of other women who grew up watching Nattie would be able to say the same after reading this book. Thank you Nattie for sharing your vulnerable moments with your fans, you truly are a trail blazer - a genuinely strong woman who I can comfortably say I am proud to have idolized as a young girl.
November 1, 2025
Nattie Neidhart’s memoir is a raw and honest exploration of her life, filled with vulnerability, reflection, humor, and a touch of sadness. Reading it felt like having a deep conversation with a close friend over coffee. She candidly shares her experiences growing up in the Hart family, detailing the highs and lows and the immense pressure that came with it.
One of the most revealing and heartfelt parts of the book is her relationship with her father, the legendary Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart. She doesn’t hold back in sharing the details of his struggles, his challenging personality, her attempts to help him, and the health issues he faced.
Despite her remarkable achievements in her career, Nattie still feels inadequate and driven to do more. She’s always been the one to make others look good or help them out, but her career and her story are important and valuable.
The book also delves into her relationship with TJ Wilson, another highlight of the book. Their love for each other is palpable, and when she talks about his career-ending injury and the emotional toll it took on him, it deeply moved me.
One minor criticism of the book is its brevity. It’s a little over 250 pages, which feels like it could have been expanded to 350 to 400 pages. For instance, Becky Lynch’s 2024 memoir was 384 pages long. Nattie’s story could have covered more ground, and I wish it had been longer, as she’s an open book, likable, sweet, and a great storyteller.
While she doesn’t hold back and is very detailed, I feel like certain subjects, like Teddy Hart, could have been given more space. Nevertheless, this is a truly excellent book, and I highly recommend it to all wrestling fans. It made me an even bigger fan of Nattie.
One of the most revealing and heartfelt parts of the book is her relationship with her father, the legendary Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart. She doesn’t hold back in sharing the details of his struggles, his challenging personality, her attempts to help him, and the health issues he faced.
Despite her remarkable achievements in her career, Nattie still feels inadequate and driven to do more. She’s always been the one to make others look good or help them out, but her career and her story are important and valuable.
The book also delves into her relationship with TJ Wilson, another highlight of the book. Their love for each other is palpable, and when she talks about his career-ending injury and the emotional toll it took on him, it deeply moved me.
One minor criticism of the book is its brevity. It’s a little over 250 pages, which feels like it could have been expanded to 350 to 400 pages. For instance, Becky Lynch’s 2024 memoir was 384 pages long. Nattie’s story could have covered more ground, and I wish it had been longer, as she’s an open book, likable, sweet, and a great storyteller.
While she doesn’t hold back and is very detailed, I feel like certain subjects, like Teddy Hart, could have been given more space. Nevertheless, this is a truly excellent book, and I highly recommend it to all wrestling fans. It made me an even bigger fan of Nattie.
January 1, 2026
This is the best wrestling book I have read. Nattie's is a great storyteller and this book is fully in her voice. Being famous can look so glamorous but her story is a reminder that it isn't an easy road and her life has had her share of tragedy. I felt like the book should have been (or maybe was intended to be) longer. There are so many good stories even hinted at within the photos that were not told - including the first women's match in Saudi or working with Rhonda Roussey. She did a great job of making this book about her - not gossipy, not scathing or dramatic. Nattie has had an extraordinary life and a hall of fame career. As a fellow Canadian, she has always been one of my favorites. Highly recommended this read if you have any interest in sports entertainment.
January 10, 2026
Easily my favourite book of all time. Five out of five stars. I'd give more if I could.
November 1, 2025
Natalya is my favourite wrestler so her book was super informative
October 28, 2025
The Last Hart Beating is a fascinating memoir telling the story of Nattie Neidhart forging her way as a woman and a third-generation legacy in the men-dominated world of wrestling.
I listened to this book as an audiobook and I always appreciate when memoirs are narrated by the storyteller. Nattie told her story so compassionately and lively; I rooted for her from the first to the last word! Her passion and her resilience are admirable. You go, girl! Beat the f****** house!
I‘m not a huge wrestling fan, but I did like to watch it as a teen. I stopped because I got older and started to think about what these athletes did to their bodies and didn‘t agree with how the women in wrestling were portrayed. So when I saw this memoir, I was highly interested in the opinion of a woman who lived it firsthand.
I‘m honestly impressed, because Nattie managed the perfect mix between highlighting her passion for and criticism of wrestling. You can hear that she lives and breathes wrestling, but she‘s also raw and honest about things and times in her career that made her doubt herself and her love for the sport. She got me so invested that her epilogue made me cry.
This book / audiobook is for you if you love wrestling or if you love stories about strong women who never give up. Thank you, Nattie, for sharing your story with us; you are truly inspiring!
Thank you to Nattie Neidhart and Brilliance Publishing for sending me an ALC. All opinions are my own.
I listened to this book as an audiobook and I always appreciate when memoirs are narrated by the storyteller. Nattie told her story so compassionately and lively; I rooted for her from the first to the last word! Her passion and her resilience are admirable. You go, girl! Beat the f****** house!
I‘m not a huge wrestling fan, but I did like to watch it as a teen. I stopped because I got older and started to think about what these athletes did to their bodies and didn‘t agree with how the women in wrestling were portrayed. So when I saw this memoir, I was highly interested in the opinion of a woman who lived it firsthand.
I‘m honestly impressed, because Nattie managed the perfect mix between highlighting her passion for and criticism of wrestling. You can hear that she lives and breathes wrestling, but she‘s also raw and honest about things and times in her career that made her doubt herself and her love for the sport. She got me so invested that her epilogue made me cry.
This book / audiobook is for you if you love wrestling or if you love stories about strong women who never give up. Thank you, Nattie, for sharing your story with us; you are truly inspiring!
Thank you to Nattie Neidhart and Brilliance Publishing for sending me an ALC. All opinions are my own.
November 6, 2025
3.5
natalya is very strong. i didn’t know her childhood was as difficult as it was. her home life and difficulties with her father really colored the rest of her life. i also didn’t know how hard the execs were on her.
i’m completely stunned by her farting gimmick. i knew about it but like … idk. the extent to which vince was championing it was wild. nattie is a real team player. and she never really gets rewarded for it (she deserved to be inaugural champion for the women’s ic belt)
i did get a little emotional at parts. i enjoyed the chapter about her match with charlotte flair at nxt takeover. reading about her husbands injury and recovery was sad. wwe did him so dirty! by the end of the book i was so emotional about her journey with her fathers health.
i think the book lacks a solid voice/personality and had times i felt like it couldve done with some edits to make it flow better.
natalya is very strong. i didn’t know her childhood was as difficult as it was. her home life and difficulties with her father really colored the rest of her life. i also didn’t know how hard the execs were on her.
i’m completely stunned by her farting gimmick. i knew about it but like … idk. the extent to which vince was championing it was wild. nattie is a real team player. and she never really gets rewarded for it (she deserved to be inaugural champion for the women’s ic belt)
i did get a little emotional at parts. i enjoyed the chapter about her match with charlotte flair at nxt takeover. reading about her husbands injury and recovery was sad. wwe did him so dirty! by the end of the book i was so emotional about her journey with her fathers health.
i think the book lacks a solid voice/personality and had times i felt like it couldve done with some edits to make it flow better.
January 28, 2026
If you love wrestling and especially the Hart family dynasty this is a nice quick read. There was a lot I didn���t know about her rough childhood and how it shaped a lot about who she is. The story of the Harts is full of triumph and tragedy and her life is no exception. I think it’s interesting to see how someone so loyal to the company still, writes about what I believe was a lot of mistreatment both in her career and how they handled TJ’s injury. With that being said the book can be very funny and you can definitely hear Nattie’s voice throughout. I loved hearing about the filming of Total Divas and would loveee for an oral history of the show to be written at some point.
December 1, 2025
The stuff on her dad and on TJ was really good. She wrote a book here that was very open and vulnerable, so definitely worth a read for people interested in her career. It had some interesting portrayals. It was quite glowing or at least always understanding on Vince, when he clearly doesn’t deserve that. It also made the Bella Twins seem super friendly.
October 31, 2025
Wow…I’ve been a fan of Natalya for several years now. I was so excited when she announced she wrote a book, and October 28th seemed to take forever to get here.
Nattie Neidhart is the definition of persistence, grit, determination, kindness, and grace. I literally felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster as I listened to the audiobook. From laughter to tears to feeling angered on her behalf and then repeated several times over, Nattie’s story is one that reminds us that never quitting is what makes us strongest. This book is raw, powerful, and a beautiful tale of what it took to get where she is. I’m so glad that Nattie decided to write this book because it gives you insight into her incredible work ethic. The message of positivity even in the face of familial and professional struggles is so real.
Congrats, Nattie, and may you be the first to “beat the house.” 🩵
Nattie Neidhart is the definition of persistence, grit, determination, kindness, and grace. I literally felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster as I listened to the audiobook. From laughter to tears to feeling angered on her behalf and then repeated several times over, Nattie’s story is one that reminds us that never quitting is what makes us strongest. This book is raw, powerful, and a beautiful tale of what it took to get where she is. I’m so glad that Nattie decided to write this book because it gives you insight into her incredible work ethic. The message of positivity even in the face of familial and professional struggles is so real.
Congrats, Nattie, and may you be the first to “beat the house.” 🩵
January 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5 !! This book was incredible !! Such an inspiring and immaculate read. So nostalgic, so heart tugging, so funny, such an incredible book by Nattie. I recommend this to all wrestling lovers ! Such a great book !!
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November 29, 2025As a second generation Hart/Neidhart fan, this book was a no brainer for me get.
I loved reading about Nattie’s live and her love of professional wrestling. Considering she’s already one of my favorites, earned a new level of respect for her as well.
I loved reading about Nattie’s live and her love of professional wrestling. Considering she’s already one of my favorites, earned a new level of respect for her as well.
January 2, 2026
A love story filled with Hart about legacy, passion, self-belief, and commitment to your craft, even when life pins you down on the mat several times.
October 11, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for access to this audiobook.
This is a well constructed and thoroughly entertaining audiobook. I did not grow up a wrestling fan but am familiar with the Hart family as my dad was a big fan of Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart. Being Canadian the mentions of Saskatchewan, IGA, Smiley’s Buffet etc. was nostalgic.
What impressed me most about Nattie in this book was her capacity for nuance. She showed compassion and appreciation for various people while acknowledging how their behaviours hurt her. Hearing about the uphill battle she climbed for women’s wrestling and female athletes in general was inspiring. It was frustrating hearing about how often the women out worked the men for little to no pay off.
Lastly, the analogy of how in wrestling and in the entertainment industry in general you’re “playing against the house” and nobody wins against the house really hit home.
Recommend for anyone who likes memoirs or wrestling and recovering people pleasers.
This is a well constructed and thoroughly entertaining audiobook. I did not grow up a wrestling fan but am familiar with the Hart family as my dad was a big fan of Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart. Being Canadian the mentions of Saskatchewan, IGA, Smiley’s Buffet etc. was nostalgic.
What impressed me most about Nattie in this book was her capacity for nuance. She showed compassion and appreciation for various people while acknowledging how their behaviours hurt her. Hearing about the uphill battle she climbed for women’s wrestling and female athletes in general was inspiring. It was frustrating hearing about how often the women out worked the men for little to no pay off.
Lastly, the analogy of how in wrestling and in the entertainment industry in general you’re “playing against the house” and nobody wins against the house really hit home.
Recommend for anyone who likes memoirs or wrestling and recovering people pleasers.
January 1, 2026
I loved the insider, behind the scenes look at wrestling and WWE. Nattie's attitude and approach to work and her life is an inspiration.
November 24, 2025
Now THIS was a great wrestling memoir. Candid, vulnerable, funny and great insights. My only negative was that it ended too soon. Congrats to Nattie, you did your big one on this one!
January 8, 2026
thank you Natty!
Wonderful read! Looking forward to seeing her continue to shine! Hopefully she gets one more run with any of the titles
Wonderful read! Looking forward to seeing her continue to shine! Hopefully she gets one more run with any of the titles
November 21, 2025
really enjoyed this autobiography one of the best ones I've read
January 29, 2026
Nattie NEEDS all the Flowers!!! I love her so much and she is even more loveable that I got to read her story. Hope to meet her one day.
She narrates her audiobook and it was so raw and emotional.
She narrates her audiobook and it was so raw and emotional.
December 20, 2025
One of the most consistent, dedicated and generous wrestlers out there, Nattie bears her soul for the world in this memoir.
Family is the focal point of this novel, with much of it centering around her father and her husband TJ, while also highlighting Nattie’s growth as a wrestler and an individual alongside those harrowing backdrops. There was a point I thought “is this not enough about Nattie?”, but then I quickly realized that’s who she is. Her life is her family, in the bond of her lineage and all the good and bad that comes with it. Putting it into that perspective allowed me to enjoy it that much more.
Family is the focal point of this novel, with much of it centering around her father and her husband TJ, while also highlighting Nattie’s growth as a wrestler and an individual alongside those harrowing backdrops. There was a point I thought “is this not enough about Nattie?”, but then I quickly realized that’s who she is. Her life is her family, in the bond of her lineage and all the good and bad that comes with it. Putting it into that perspective allowed me to enjoy it that much more.
October 16, 2025
I could read a 1000 page book just on Total Divas if im honest.
December 28, 2025
A lot of times, you wish a book was a little bit shorter. I felt the opposite here. This could have easily used another 50-100 pages. I wish there was more about the behind the scenes aspects (ie - Ronda Rousey was not mentioned).
December 19, 2025
As a lover of wrestling but didn’t grow up in the area of Natalya’s uncles and father, it was great getting to learn more about the history of how they got into wrestling and the way wrestling evolved overtime. It was also eye opening getting to see her journey into wrestling and certain women she trained and certain moments in her career that I got to witness on screen but not witness behind the scenes. I felt a lot of emotions while reading this book because it was funny, sad, heartwarming, heartbreaking, inspiring…just a lot of feels. I’d recommend this to any wrestling fan especially those who grew up watching Natalya.
December 21, 2025
This is an excellent read for any wrestling fan! Nattie is not only kind hearted when you meet her in person but her story really allows you to see that you can find the light and hope in the darkest of places. Her story is of perseverance, consistency, and empowerment. She is the definition of an underdog and truly is the low-key legend of the Hart family. I loved every bit of this read and even if you aren't a fan of wrestling, her book touches on a lot of reliable topics about relationships and suffering in silence.
September 6, 2025
Among The Best Wrestling Memoirs Ever Written. I've been reading wrestling memoirs roughly as long as Niedhart has been a professional wrestler - beginning roughly in 2001 when we were both in our late teens, maybe slightly earlier - whenever Mick Foley's first book hit mass market paperback. And yes, I've read both of Foley's early books. I've read at least one of Jericho's books, I've read Batista's book and at least one of HBK's books. I even read The Rock's dad ("Soulman" Rocky Johnson)'s book and Hornswoggle's book. More recently, I've read Rousey's 2024 book along with Lynch's book released at nearly the same time. Earlier this year, I had a chance to do an Advance Review Copy of Killer Kross's book that released about a month ago as I write this review.
In other words, I have a lot of experience reading wrestler's memoirs, though there are still several I've yet to get to.
And y'all, I absolutely put this one right up there among the top.
This one is full of everything that makes a good wrestling memoir great - the history, the peeks behind the scenes at various points and from Niedhart's view from whatever age she was at the time growing up, her own story from the first time she ever picked up The Anvil's championship belt through becoming a multi-time Champion within WWE herself. We see more of her struggles with her dad than even Total Divas really had any capacity of showing. We see her fears - shared by fellow third generation Superstar who also wrote a forward to this book, "some kid named Dwayne" (as Soulman said in his book) - of whether she could live up to her family's legacy. We see how that legacy shaped both the woman and the professional Neidhart has become - for good and not so great. We even get a friends to lovers romance for the ages that few even fictional romance authors can replicate, showing the first time TJ first showed up at Hart House through their struggles together when he broke his neck in the ring and beyond.
This book seems very transparent - yes, many of us thought we knew Niedhart particularly from Total Divas (though as with all "reality" shows, that one became quite obviously *barely anything resembling reality* rather quickly, particularly after the first season), but here we see even more of her story, particularly her absolute love and admiration for her dad... and all the heartache this caused as his mental condition deteriorated over the years.
Bookending with the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame Induction of Neidart's uncle Bret 'The Hitman' Hart and her dad Jim 'The Anvil' Niedhart as The Hart Foundation seems a deliberate editorial choice, a way to stop before the pandemic / "Thunderdome" era of WWE... and perhaps lay the groundwork for a later memoir to pick up exactly there, ala Foley, Jericho, and even HBK's follow-up books?
Wrestling fans of any stripe are going to love this book. There's simply too much history here for you not to, including Niedhart's own interactions with one Vincent Kennedy McMahon, Jr over the years. More than that though, this is going to be one for a lot more people. For the Millennial cat moms - yes, Niedhart briefly touches on why she chose not to have human children. For the woman afraid to stand up for herself in her own career - Niedhart shows that even with a legendary legacy in your industry behind you, standing up for yourself is still daunting, but sometimes absolutely must be done. For those interested in women in sports - Niedhart shows the path she made through some family connections but also several shit tons of hard ass work... and a bit of luck even, at times.
Very much recommended.
In other words, I have a lot of experience reading wrestler's memoirs, though there are still several I've yet to get to.
And y'all, I absolutely put this one right up there among the top.
This one is full of everything that makes a good wrestling memoir great - the history, the peeks behind the scenes at various points and from Niedhart's view from whatever age she was at the time growing up, her own story from the first time she ever picked up The Anvil's championship belt through becoming a multi-time Champion within WWE herself. We see more of her struggles with her dad than even Total Divas really had any capacity of showing. We see her fears - shared by fellow third generation Superstar who also wrote a forward to this book, "some kid named Dwayne" (as Soulman said in his book) - of whether she could live up to her family's legacy. We see how that legacy shaped both the woman and the professional Neidhart has become - for good and not so great. We even get a friends to lovers romance for the ages that few even fictional romance authors can replicate, showing the first time TJ first showed up at Hart House through their struggles together when he broke his neck in the ring and beyond.
This book seems very transparent - yes, many of us thought we knew Niedhart particularly from Total Divas (though as with all "reality" shows, that one became quite obviously *barely anything resembling reality* rather quickly, particularly after the first season), but here we see even more of her story, particularly her absolute love and admiration for her dad... and all the heartache this caused as his mental condition deteriorated over the years.
Bookending with the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame Induction of Neidart's uncle Bret 'The Hitman' Hart and her dad Jim 'The Anvil' Niedhart as The Hart Foundation seems a deliberate editorial choice, a way to stop before the pandemic / "Thunderdome" era of WWE... and perhaps lay the groundwork for a later memoir to pick up exactly there, ala Foley, Jericho, and even HBK's follow-up books?
Wrestling fans of any stripe are going to love this book. There's simply too much history here for you not to, including Niedhart's own interactions with one Vincent Kennedy McMahon, Jr over the years. More than that though, this is going to be one for a lot more people. For the Millennial cat moms - yes, Niedhart briefly touches on why she chose not to have human children. For the woman afraid to stand up for herself in her own career - Niedhart shows that even with a legendary legacy in your industry behind you, standing up for yourself is still daunting, but sometimes absolutely must be done. For those interested in women in sports - Niedhart shows the path she made through some family connections but also several shit tons of hard ass work... and a bit of luck even, at times.
Very much recommended.
September 21, 2025
The Last Hart Beating is a raw, gripping memoir from one of the best wrestlers in WWE history, Nattie Neidhart. Growing up in the legendary Hart family, Nattie details all the highs and lows, never shying away from the hardships that came along the way. Wrestling fans will enjoy this memoir so much because you get to see Nattie Neidhart, the person, and not just the WWE professional. It's emotional, heartwrenching, and hopeful.
I have always been a wrestling fan, remembering the days of running to the TV with my cousins, waiting for the latest PPV. My favorite wrestlers are always the ones that didn't necessarily fit the mold, and I think that's why Nattie has always been my favorite. She wasn't just a pretty face; she backed it up with hard work and talent. Reading about how she fell in love with wrestling and the time she decided to dedicate herself to it brought a smile to my face.
When she begins the memoir, Nattie describes her childhood. Growing up with the Hart legacy was a privilege with so many fun, memorable, and chaotic moments. I appreciated seeing how close the entire family is/was. From a very young age, Nattie always felt the weight of being a Hart. And while it did add pressure, her main purpose was to find her own way to keep the legacy alive. Although she was hesitant at first, wrestling was just in her blood. Once she committed to becoming a professional wrestler and making it to the big league, she put her all in.
We also get a look at the relationship she had with her father, Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart. She loved him so much, and while he was great, there were difficult times. She opens up about his health struggles. It could feel so overwhelming at times because she just wanted to help her dad, but she never gave up on him.
One of my favorite parts is getting to read about her and her husband, TJ. A friends-to-lovers romance that is just one of a kind. I love that they have each other. Nattie is so relatable in the sense that she found it hard to speak up for herself, but she never had to worry because TJ was there, ready to give her the confidence boost she needed. You see how important he is to her, especially when she details the time that TJ injured his neck and spine. Sometimes, it takes tough moments for us to find our voice, and no one was treating TJ wrong on her watch.
I just love her story of hard work and dedication. It did anger me a bit at the business side of wrestling and how many times Nattie got overlooked because she didn't fit the 'image'. That feeling of being overlooked or judged based simply on appearance hurt my heart and hit home. Nattie's talent eventually overshadowed the doubt, and I think her dedication is a main reason why she was able to have a long-standing career.
The Last Hart Beating is a fantastic memoir that I couldn't put down. Nattie is a legend, and no one can take that away from her! Thank you, Nattie, for not only taking female wrestlers to the next level, but for showing girls and women to find their voice and speak up for themselves.
I have always been a wrestling fan, remembering the days of running to the TV with my cousins, waiting for the latest PPV. My favorite wrestlers are always the ones that didn't necessarily fit the mold, and I think that's why Nattie has always been my favorite. She wasn't just a pretty face; she backed it up with hard work and talent. Reading about how she fell in love with wrestling and the time she decided to dedicate herself to it brought a smile to my face.
When she begins the memoir, Nattie describes her childhood. Growing up with the Hart legacy was a privilege with so many fun, memorable, and chaotic moments. I appreciated seeing how close the entire family is/was. From a very young age, Nattie always felt the weight of being a Hart. And while it did add pressure, her main purpose was to find her own way to keep the legacy alive. Although she was hesitant at first, wrestling was just in her blood. Once she committed to becoming a professional wrestler and making it to the big league, she put her all in.
We also get a look at the relationship she had with her father, Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart. She loved him so much, and while he was great, there were difficult times. She opens up about his health struggles. It could feel so overwhelming at times because she just wanted to help her dad, but she never gave up on him.
One of my favorite parts is getting to read about her and her husband, TJ. A friends-to-lovers romance that is just one of a kind. I love that they have each other. Nattie is so relatable in the sense that she found it hard to speak up for herself, but she never had to worry because TJ was there, ready to give her the confidence boost she needed. You see how important he is to her, especially when she details the time that TJ injured his neck and spine. Sometimes, it takes tough moments for us to find our voice, and no one was treating TJ wrong on her watch.
I just love her story of hard work and dedication. It did anger me a bit at the business side of wrestling and how many times Nattie got overlooked because she didn't fit the 'image'. That feeling of being overlooked or judged based simply on appearance hurt my heart and hit home. Nattie's talent eventually overshadowed the doubt, and I think her dedication is a main reason why she was able to have a long-standing career.
The Last Hart Beating is a fantastic memoir that I couldn't put down. Nattie is a legend, and no one can take that away from her! Thank you, Nattie, for not only taking female wrestlers to the next level, but for showing girls and women to find their voice and speak up for themselves.
December 9, 2025
The Last Hart Beating is an enjoyable, heartfelt read — and while it doesn’t dive as deeply as it could in certain places, it still offers a meaningful look into one of wrestling’s most historic families through a modern lens.
My only real criticism is that many chapters feel like they end just as they’re getting good. There’s a sense that some of the “meat and potatoes” — particularly around key moments in her career and personal struggles — are intentionally held back or only lightly touched. At times, you’re left wanting just a bit more honesty or detail.
That said, it’s an easy, fast, and genuinely entertaining read. Nattie’s family history alone gives the book a unique balance of old-school and modern wrestling. Growing up in the shadow of the Hart family, she wasn’t just chasing a dream — she was trying to become the Hart woman, and ultimately the last Hart, to fully carry that legacy forward. That internal pressure comes through clearly.
The stories of her childhood are especially interesting — growing up surrounded by wrestling’s chaos, unpredictability, and emotional highs and lows, particularly as it affected her father. Those chapters give the book real heart and grounding. Nattie clearly respects the legacy she comes from, and she honors both her family and her father through her career and this book.
Her portrayal of herself is honest, if sometimes understated — a long-tenured professional known for reliability, consistency, and helping elevate others. She openly acknowledges that she may not have pushed for herself as hard as she could have, but that humility is part of what makes her so respected. Few wrestlers have been as dependable or as selfless, and that matters.
I also enjoyed the insights into her relationship with Tyson Kidd and her experiences working with Vince McMahon, which add some personal and behind-the-scenes flavor without going off the rails.
Reading this directly after Bret Hart’s Hitman definitely enhanced the experience — it gave added depth to the family stories and made this feel like a continuation of the Hart saga rather than a standalone account.
Overall, The Last Hart Beating may not be the most revealing or exhaustive wrestling biography, but it’s sincere, warm, and worth the time — especially for fans of wrestling history and the Hart family legacy.
My only real criticism is that many chapters feel like they end just as they’re getting good. There’s a sense that some of the “meat and potatoes” — particularly around key moments in her career and personal struggles — are intentionally held back or only lightly touched. At times, you’re left wanting just a bit more honesty or detail.
That said, it’s an easy, fast, and genuinely entertaining read. Nattie’s family history alone gives the book a unique balance of old-school and modern wrestling. Growing up in the shadow of the Hart family, she wasn’t just chasing a dream — she was trying to become the Hart woman, and ultimately the last Hart, to fully carry that legacy forward. That internal pressure comes through clearly.
The stories of her childhood are especially interesting — growing up surrounded by wrestling’s chaos, unpredictability, and emotional highs and lows, particularly as it affected her father. Those chapters give the book real heart and grounding. Nattie clearly respects the legacy she comes from, and she honors both her family and her father through her career and this book.
Her portrayal of herself is honest, if sometimes understated — a long-tenured professional known for reliability, consistency, and helping elevate others. She openly acknowledges that she may not have pushed for herself as hard as she could have, but that humility is part of what makes her so respected. Few wrestlers have been as dependable or as selfless, and that matters.
I also enjoyed the insights into her relationship with Tyson Kidd and her experiences working with Vince McMahon, which add some personal and behind-the-scenes flavor without going off the rails.
Reading this directly after Bret Hart’s Hitman definitely enhanced the experience — it gave added depth to the family stories and made this feel like a continuation of the Hart saga rather than a standalone account.
Overall, The Last Hart Beating may not be the most revealing or exhaustive wrestling biography, but it’s sincere, warm, and worth the time — especially for fans of wrestling history and the Hart family legacy.
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