Natalya Neidhart, one of WWE’s most enduring and respected female superstars, has officially stepped into a new chapter—literally. The release of her memoir, The Last Hart Beating: From the Dungeon to WWE, marks a major milestone in her career, but it’s the story behind the book’s foreword that’s capturing headlines. Instead of turning to her legendary uncle Bret Hart, Natalya chose none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to pen the introduction. In a series of candid interviews, she’s opened up about why she made that pivotal decision—and how The Rock ended up shaping the very ending of her book.
A Deliberate Choice to Stand on Her Own
When Natalya first began planning her memoir, the idea of having Bret Hart contribute seemed like a natural fit. After all, Bret is not only a family icon but also one of the greatest storytellers in wrestling history. However, as she reflected on her journey, Natalya realized she wanted to make a statement about her own identity.
“Bret is a master storyteller, and I deeply respect him,” Natalya shared during her appearance on SiriusXM’s The Nikki & Brie Show. “But I also wanted to show that this was me standing on my own two feet. I didn’t want to just lean on family. I wanted to prove that I could reach out to someone outside the Hart legacy and still make a meaningful connection.”
According to a WWE insider familiar with Natalya’s process, “She was very intentional about this. She didn’t want the book to be seen as just another Hart family project. She wanted it to be her story, her voice, and her legacy.”
The Rock: A Shared Legacy
Natalya’s decision to approach The Rock wasn’t just about making a bold statement—it was about finding someone who truly understood her journey. Both Natalya and The Rock come from wrestling royalty. The Rock’s father, Rocky Johnson, was a trailblazing wrestler, and his grandfather, Peter Maivia, was a legendary figure in the sport. Similarly, Natalya’s grandfather, Stu Hart, was a wrestling promoter and trainer, and her father, Jim Neidhart, was a WWE Hall of Famer.
“I wanted to ask Dwayne because he’s the first third-generation male superstar in WWE, and I’m the first female third-generation superstar,” Natalya explained. “We both went through a lot, and we both had to carve out our own paths in the shadow of our families. That shared experience made him the perfect choice.”
The Rock’s Unexpected Involvement
What Natalya didn’t expect was just how involved The Rock would become. Not only did he agree to write the foreword, but he also invested significant time in the project, helping Natalya find the perfect ending for her memoir.
“He reached out to me and asked me a bunch of questions,” Natalya recalled. “He said, ‘I want to write this from my heart. I want to make it great. I really want to be involved in it.’ And then he asked me, ‘What does legacy mean to you?’ He told me to take a couple of days to think about it.”
That question, according to Natalya, was the key to unlocking the ending of her book. “When I was trying to answer Dwayne’s question, I realized that’s what the book needed—the story of what legacy means to me. That’s the finish. That’s the powerful message I wanted to leave with readers.”
A source close to the project confirmed, “The Rock didn’t just write a foreword. He genuinely cared about Natalya’s story and wanted to make sure it was impactful. He’s one of the busiest people on the planet, but he made time for this because he saw something special in her journey.”
A Legacy of Resilience and Gratitude
Natalya’s memoir is more than just a wrestling story—it’s a deeply personal account of resilience, family, and the power of gratitude. She opens up about the challenges she faced growing up in the Hart family, including the trauma of losing her father and the pressure of living up to her family’s legacy.
“There’s a lot of humor in the book, too,” Natalya said in an interview with Sean Ross Sapp. “I think people will laugh out loud reading it. But at the same time, I wanted to be honest about the tough times. Wrestling has given me everything I have—a beautiful family, a beautiful home, a beautiful life. I owe everything to pro wrestling.”
Her gratitude extends to The Rock, whose involvement added a layer of authenticity and inspiration to her story. “Dwayne is amazing,” Natalya said. “He really shows up for his people, and he showed up for me in a big way.”
The Impact of a Shared Legacy
Natalya’s decision to choose The Rock over Bret Hart for her memoir’s foreword is more than just a personal choice—it’s a reflection of her growth as a wrestler and a person. By reaching out to someone outside her family, she’s not only honored her own legacy but also created a bridge between two of wrestling’s most iconic families.
“Natalya’s story is about standing on her own, but it’s also about the connections that make us stronger,” said the WWE insider. “The Rock’s involvement is a testament to the power of those connections, and it’s going to resonate with fans in a big way.”
As Natalya’s memoir hits shelves, fans are eager to read her story and see how The Rock’s foreword sets the tone for what promises to be a powerful and inspiring journey. One thing is clear: Natalya Neidhart is no longer just a Hart—she’s a superstar in her own right, and her legacy is just beginning.