Stu Hart

Stewart Edward (Stu) Hart, CM (born May 3, 1915 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; died October 16, 2003 in Calgary, Alberta) was a Canadian amateur wrestler, professional wrestler, promoter and trainer. Stu also founded Stampede Wrestling, a promotion based in Calgary, Alberta.

History

Hart played football for the Edmonton Eskimos in the 30's. He was a prolific amateur wrester, and was elegible for the Olympics, but never got the chance due to World War II. Stu enlisted in the Canadian Navy and served as the Director of Athletics.

It was during his service that Stu was introduced to Professional Wrestling. After recovering from a car accident, Stu performed in some exhibition matches to entertain the troops. In 1946, he became a professional wrestler, debuting in New York, and embarked on a long, eventful career, at one point wrestling a tiger and a grizzly bear.

Wrestling

However, Hart was better known for his work behind the scenes in wrestling. In 1948 Hart founded Stampede Wrestling, a Calgary-based regional promotion. It was during this time the infamous “Hart Dungeon” was established. In this room Hart would train those looking to make a start in professional wrestling, varying from strongmen to football players. Stu would take down giant men and have them beg for mercy, grappling sometimes for hours. Surviving in the Dungeon brought credibility and respect from those within the industry.

Stampede operated until 1984, when it was purchased by the World Wrestling Federation. Some of Stampede Wrestling talent, including his sons Bret and Owen Hart, were given contracts to the WWF. Both went on to have great careers.

Family

Stu considered family to be his biggest achievement in life. Married for 53 years to Helen Hart (who passed away in 2001), together they raised 12 children. All four of Stu and Helen's daughters would marry wrestlers. Seven of the eight Hart boys went on to become professional wrestlers.

Smith (1949-), a wrestler
Bruce (1950-), a wrestler and promoter
Keith (1951-), a wrestler and firefighter
Wayne (1953-), a wrestling referee
Dean (1954-1990) who died of kidney failure, also a wrestler
Ellie (1955-), who married the wrestler Jim Neidhart, with whom she has a daughter: Jennifer, Kristen (Muffy)&Nattie Neidhart
Georgia (1956-), who married the wrestler, firefighter and gym owner B.J. Annis, with whom she has 4 kids: Teddy HartMatt (who passed of flesh eating bacteria in 1996 at age 13, annie and angela)
Bret (1957-), WWF and WCW wrestling legend
Alison (1959-), who was married to the wrestler Ben Bassarabwith whom she has two daughters Lindsay and Brooke Bassarab
Ross (1961-), a wrestling producer and sometime wrestler
Diana (1963-), who was married to the wrestler Davey Boy Smith (The British Bulldog). She wrote a book entitled Under the Mat about life in the Hart family; it was removed from bookstores only weeks after its release in November 2001, following a lawsuit by Owen Hart's widow Martha over the contents. Her son is Harry Smith, pro wrestler.
Owen (1965-1999), a WWE wrestler who died when a wrestling stunt involving a rope descent from the top of an arena to ring level went wrong

Family life with Stu Hart was colourful, including having André the Giant as a babysitter and a wrestling grizzly bear named Terrible Ted sleeping under the front porch. Despite his career, Stu was a gentle man with a big heart. He loved to cook Sunday dinner for the all 12 of his children and their families (including pets).

Death

Hart was admitted to Rockyview General Hospital on October 3, 2003 for an elbow infection and then developed pneumonia. He also suffered from ailments associated with diabetes and arthritis.

Stu never forgot that he was born into poverty, and was always ready to give back to the community.

His integrity was unquestioned. In a business where shady people are the norm, Stu’s word and a handshake was worth more than any contract any lawyer could ever draw up. Whatever Stu said, he meant it and followed through. Stu was truly a humble man, even when awarded the Order of Canada on May 31, 2001 he was quoted saying: "It's a hell of a thing. I don't know if I deserve it. You shouldn't get carried away with this." and "I think guys like Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky deserve the fame."

In 2005 the City of Saskatoon announced that a street in the city's new "West Sector" development will be named Hart Road in Stu Hart's honor.

In Wrestling

Finishing/signature moves

Sugar Hold

Wrestlers trained by Stu Hart

Championships/Accomplishments

1-Time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion
1-Time Northwest Tag Team Champion (with Pat Meehan)

External links

Stu Hart at IMDb

Canadian wrestling patriarch Stu Hart dies - By Judy Monchuk - Canadian Press
Stu Hart Biography