Stolen WWE Hall of Fame Ring Belonging to Hart Family Recovered in Lloydminster
A WWE Hall of Fame ring that was stolen from a member of the legendary Hart wrestling family earlier this week has been successfully recovered after it unexpectedly turned up at a second-hand store in Lloydminster, according to family statements. The ring, which honors the late WWF professional wrestler David 'Davey' Boy Smith, famously known as The British Bulldog, features a unique design specific to the year it was crafted along with personal engravings on the inside. It belongs to his son, Harry Smith, who wrestles under the name Davey Boy Smith Jr.
Theft Details and Initial Recovery Efforts
Smith was on the road for a 16-day tour with Canadian Wrestling's Elite (CWE) when the theft occurred. Early Wednesday morning, Lloydminster RCMP responded to reports of a break-and-enter with theft at a trailer located in a hotel parking lot on 50th Avenue near 49th Street. In addition to the Hall of Fame ring, thieves stole Smith's wrestling gear, a CWE Tag Team Championship belt, his father's vest, and several pieces of jewelry.
Police later located some of Smith's belongings, including luggage, clothing, rain gear, and a wrestling belt, abandoned in a garbage bag in an alley. However, the Hall of Fame ring remained missing until Thursday, when it resurfaced under surprising circumstances.
Recovery at Second-Hand Store
The Hall of Fame ring was recovered after someone attempted to sell it at a second-hand store in Lloydminster. Smith's mother, Diana Hart, revealed that the shop owner recognized the ring from widespread social media posts about the theft. According to Hart, the store owner questioned the individual and contacted police after becoming suspicious, leading to the person being taken into custody.
"We are just so relieved and grateful that it's back," Hart said. "The ring was the main thing, because it's so unique to Harry. It was his dad's ring." She emphasized that the engraving and custom design make the piece irreplaceable, noting that "when something like this is stolen from you, it's not like you can just go to a jewelry store and get another one made." Hart expressed gratitude to everyone who shared information on social media, which played a crucial role in the recovery.
Significance of the Ring and Ongoing Investigation
Earlier this week, Smith described the Hall of Fame ring as one of his most important possessions, especially after his father was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020. "This is something I was taking care of very diligently," he said. "I tend to wear it at wrestling events and shows and appearances so the fans can see it in person and what a great accomplishment it is."
While some additional personal items have been recovered, a gold necklace and other belongings remain missing. Hart described the theft as "a desperate act," and the incident follows another theft connected to the Hart family last year, when four bronze plaques were stolen from the entrance to Hart House in southwest Calgary.
The recovery of the ring highlights the value of community vigilance and social media in solving such cases, bringing relief to the Hart family during a stressful time.
