During a wide-ranging interview on “The Velvet Ropes with SoCal Val” to promote her new book, “The Last Hart Beating,” Nattie Neidhart confirmed the surreal story behind a popular social media photo of “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Host SoCal Val asked about a picture Neidhart had once tweeted, which showed the legendary Rude dressed in a full Big Bird costume while standing next to her father, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart.
Rick Rude, known to fans for his “Ravishing” persona, chiseled physique, and intense demeanor, was a main event star in WWE and WCW during the 1980s and 1990s. He was a member of the Heenan Family, a multi-time Intercontinental Champion, and a founding member of D-Generation X.
Neidhart laughed and confirmed the photo was completely real, explaining that Rude was a close family friend and a fixture in her childhood. “Rick was one of my dad’s best friends,” Neidhart stated.
She then explained the context of the bizarre photo. “Yeah, growing up, Rick was at my birthday party, and he was dressed up as Big Bird,” she confirmed. “When we were kids. Rick was always, you know, he lived very close to us. And yeah, Rick was dressed as Big Bird”.
This was not the only unusual memory she had of Rude, whose off-screen personality was a far cry from his on-screen character. Neidhart also shared another anecdote highlighting his unique approach to holiday gift-giving. “I remember one Easter, Rick had bought bunny rabbits for us,” she said.
“And he bought… imagine somebody for Easter, giving you real bunnies,” she continued. “Rick bought us bunnies, and we had bunnies as a gift”.
These stories provide a glimpse into the unique and often surreal upbringing Neidhart experienced as a member of the Hart family, surrounded by some of the most famous figures in professional wrestling history.
At the conclusion of the interview, host SoCal Val shared her own personal anecdote about Neidhart, which she felt perfectly illustrated Neidhart’s character and “stellar reputation” in the business. “I want you guys to know watching right here that I met Nattie, I think I was about 17 or 18 at an independent show in Florida. FIP Evolve back in the day,” Val recalled.
Val, who was early in her own career, remembered being surprised to see an established WWE star at a small local event. “And I said, ‘Oh my God, what are you doing here?’ Nattie, you said, ‘I’m just here to watch and support,'” Val stated.
Speaking directly to Neidhart, Val concluded, “That, my friends, is just why you have such a stellar reputation. So thank you for supporting other wrestlers and wrestling and just being such an inspiration for so many females in the business, myself included”. Neidhart replied, “I love wrestling, and I owe everything to wrestling”.
“The Last Hart Beating” is available in stores and online today, October 28, 2025.
Fans can meet Nattie Neidhart at her upcoming “The Last Hart Beating” book tour dates:
- Tuesday, October 28: Los Angeles, CA
- Wednesday, October 29: Minneapolis, MN
- Thursday, October 30: Ridgewood, NJ
- Saturday, November 1: Toronto, ON
- Sunday, November 2: Albuquerque, NM
- Friday, November 7: Calgary, AB
- Sunday, November 9: Providence, RI
- Monday, November 10: Boston, MA
- Saturday, November 15: Greensboro, NC
- Monday, November 17: New York, NY
- Tuesday, November 18: Stockholm, NJ
- Sunday, November 23: Orlando, FL
- Sunday, November 30: Glendale, AZ
Full details are available at Lasthartbeatingbook.com.
