Powerful, poignant, and pure passion—Nattie Neidhart’s memoir is a must-read for wrestling fans and warriors of the heart.
Why The Last Hart Beating Hits Home for Momma Braga
As the founder of Momma Braga, I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling; especially when it’s rooted in legacy, love, and resilience. That’s why The Last Hart Beating by Nattie Neidhart didn’t just speak to me—it body-slammed its way into my heart. I first discovered wrestling in my teenage years, drawn in by the drama, the athleticism, and the larger-than-life personalities.
Now, I get to experience that same excitement through the eyes of my daughter as we watch together; bonding over the stories, the strength, and the spectacle. And when it comes to Nattie Neidhart, admiration turns into deep respect. As the first female graduate of the Hart Dungeon, she didn’t just break barriers; she redefined what it means to be a woman in wrestling. Her strength, grace, and authenticity mirror the values I try to instill in my daughter and celebrate through my blog.
Nattie’s journey—marked by grief, grit, and glowing pride in her roots—resonates deeply with me. Like her, I’ve carried the weight of family legacy while forging my own path. Her words reminded me that vulnerability is not weakness; it’s warrior spirit. And in a world that often sidelines women’s stories, Nattie’s voice is a suplex of truth and empowerment. As a mother, advocate, and storyteller, I cheer for her not just in the ring, but on every page of this powerful memoir.
From Dungeon Dust to WWE Gold: A Hart’s Journey
In The Last Hart Beating, Nattie Neidhart doesn’t just tell her story; she lives it on the page. With the same grit she’s shown in the ring, Neidhart opens the ropes to her soul, inviting readers into the sacred, sometimes brutal world of the Hart family legacy. From the infamous Dungeon in Calgary to the global stage of WWE, this memoir is a love letter to wrestling, family, and the fight to be seen.
What sets this book apart from other wrestling memoirs is its emotional intelligence. Neidhart doesn’t just recount matches or backstage politics; she explores what it means to carry a name, to lose a father, and to rise in a business that often sidelines women. Her voice is raw, respectful, and refreshingly real.
A Woman’s Worth in a Man’s World
Neidhart’s reflections on being the first female graduate of the Hart Dungeon are nothing short of revolutionary. She doesn’t shy away from the pain—physical, emotional, generational—but she also doesn’t let it define her. Instead, she reclaims her narrative, showing how resilience is its own championship belt. Her stories of locker room dynamics, personal loss, and triumphs in the ring are laced with humility and humour. Whether she’s describing her father Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart’s larger-than-life presence or her own battles with self-doubt, Nattie writes with the precision of a sharpshooter and the heart of a champion.
Wrestling with Grief, Grappling with Grace
Perhaps the most moving parts of the memoir are those that deal with grief. Neidhart’s tribute to her father is tender and unflinching. She doesn’t sanitize the struggles—addiction, mental health, the weight of legacy—but she honours them. In doing so, she offers readers a powerful message: you can mourn and still move forward.
Final Bell: Why This Memoir Matters
The Last Hart Beating isn’t just for wrestling fans; it’s for anyone who’s ever fought to be heard, to heal, or to hold onto hope. Nattie Neidhart proves that strength isn’t just about muscle; it’s about heart. And hers? Still beating, still bold, still beautiful.
Whether you’re a lifelong WWE fan or new to the squared circle, this memoir deserves a spot on your shelf—and in your heart. If you would like to purchase your own copy, click here.
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
*Please note that this is not a sponsored or paid review. As a devoted wrestling fan, I purchased this book myself and all opinions expressed are our own.
