For wrestling aficionados and casual observers alike, the Hart family name resonates with unparalleled prestige and a legacy etched in the annals of professional wrestling history. For years, the Hart family, helmed by the iconic patriarch Stu Hart, has been synonymous with wrestling excellence, producing legendary figures who have captivated audiences worldwide. But beneath the veneer of wrestling royalty lies a complex tapestry of personal struggles, familial discord, and shocking secrets, as unveiled in Diana Hart’s gripping autobiography, Under The Mat: Inside Wrestling’s Greatest Family.
Having immersed myself in the world of professional wrestling for nearly two decades, including personal encounters and conversations with numerous Hart family members, I believed I possessed a solid understanding of this wrestling dynasty. Diana Hart’s autobiography, however, shattered those preconceived notions, delivering a raw, unfiltered, and at times unsettling portrait of a family grappling with extraordinary highs and devastating lows. For those unfamiliar with the intricate web of Hart family dynamics, Under The Mat is not just an eye-opener; it’s a seismic revelation that redefines the narrative surrounding wrestling’s most famous family.
Diana Hart pulls no punches as she delves into the darker facets of the Hart family saga. The book unflinchingly recounts disturbing allegations and long-rumored controversies, presenting a stark contrast to the glorified image often associated with wrestling families. Readers will confront harrowing accounts, such as the alleged marital rape perpetrated by Davey Boy Smith against Diana, fueled by substance abuse. The book further explores the controversial marriage of Bruce Hart to a significantly younger student, Bret Hart’s battles with paranoia and strained family relationships, Helen Hart’s struggles with alcoholism, and the reported malevolence attributed to Dynamite Kid and Jim ‘The Anvil’ Neidhart. Each page turn brings forth another layer of complexity, challenging readers to reconcile the on-screen heroism of these wrestling icons with their off-screen vulnerabilities and fallibilities.
While the book unflinchingly examines the flaws within the Hart family, it also offers moments of tenderness and affection. Notably, Owen Hart, Diana’s younger brother, emerges as a figure largely spared from criticism, reflecting the close bond they shared. Even the revered family patriarch, Stu Hart, though presented with honesty, retains a level of respect and admiration in Diana’s narrative.
However, Diana’s candor extends beyond her immediate siblings and parents. Martha Hart, Owen’s widow, is not exempt from Diana’s critical perspective. Under The Mat presents Diana’s interpretation of Owen and Martha’s relationship, openly discussing the challenges Martha allegedly brought into the family and the subsequent estrangement that persists to this day. This willingness to address even the most sensitive and potentially contentious family matters underscores the book’s commitment to unflinching honesty.
Diana’s own voice throughout the autobiography is a study in contrasts, shifting between profound emotional depth and moments of sharp, even biting, commentary. Her narrative voice oscillates from expressions of love and vulnerability to instances of what some might perceive as cattiness or bitterness. This fluctuating tone, however, far from detracting from the reading experience, enriches it. It provides a nuanced and multi-dimensional portrayal of Diana, reflecting the tumultuous journey of her life and the emotional rollercoaster inherent in navigating the complexities of the Hart family.
The book’s scope is deliberately focused, with certain aspects of family life receiving less attention. Diana’s children, Harry and Georgia, for instance, are not central figures in the narrative. Similarly, Harry’s wrestling career within the revived Stampede Wrestling and the MatRats promotion is not explored in detail. This selective focus suggests a conscious decision to prioritize specific narratives and relationships within the broader Hart family saga, likely aimed at maintaining a manageable scope and thematic coherence.
Unsurprisingly, Diana’s tumultuous relationship with Davey Boy Smith, “The British Bulldog,” forms a significant portion of Under The Mat. The book chronicles both the passionate romance and the agonizing pain that defined their life together. The narrative delves into the financial intricacies of Davey Boy’s initial move from Japan to the WWF, highlighting unforeseen tax implications that caught the family off guard. Furthermore, the book unflinchingly portrays Davey Boy’s descent into drug addiction and his perilous brushes with mortality, serving as a cautionary tale about the dark side of professional wrestling and the dangers of unchecked ambition and substance abuse.
While Under The Mat is a compelling and revealing read, it is not without minor imperfections. As noted in initial reviews, some factual inaccuracies and editorial oversights do surface, including spelling errors and punctuation lapses. Wrestling-specific details, such as the year of Dave McKigney’s death and the career trajectory of Rick McGraw, contain minor discrepancies. Similarly, the assertion regarding Jeff Jarrett’s marital history with Debra McMichael is factually inaccurate. However, these minor errors do not fundamentally undermine the core narrative or the book’s overarching impact.
A desire for more contemporary photographs of the Hart family members mentioned is understandable. While the book includes a section of photographs, expanding this visual element would have further enriched the reader’s connection to the individuals portrayed.
The Hart family’s internal struggles are not unique within the wrestling world. The Von Erich family, with Kevin Von Erich as its sole surviving member, stands as another stark example of the personal tragedies that can accompany professional wrestling fame. Under The Mat contextualizes the Hart family narrative within this broader landscape of wrestling families grappling with extraordinary pressures and personal demons.
Ultimately, Under The Mat: Inside Wrestling’s Greatest Family is a powerful and deeply personal account of Diana Hart’s life within the orbit of wrestling’s most renowned family. It dismantles the idealized image of the Hart family, revealing their vulnerabilities, their flaws, and their essential humanity. After reading Diana Hart’s unflinching autobiography, your perception of the Hart family and their indelible contribution to professional wrestling will be forever transformed, replaced by a more nuanced and profoundly human understanding of wrestling royalty.
