A Tragic Loss in Professional Wrestling: The Impact of Owen Hart's Death
Owen Hart's Ascent to Wrestling Fame: A Closer Look
Owen Hart, a beloved figure in the world of professional wrestling, tragically passed away on May 23, 1999, during a WWE pay-per-view event. His death had a profound impact on the industry, particularly in terms of safety protocols.
Emotional and Cultural Impact
Owen Hart's death was one of the most shocking moments in professional wrestling history. It deeply affected the wrestling community, fans, and fellow wrestlers. The immediate response included a heartfelt tribute on the next day's episode of "RAW," titled "RAW is Owen," which featured genuine interviews and unplanned matches as a way to honor his memory.
Legacy and Remembrance
The Owen Hart Foundation was established in his honor, and his legacy continues to be celebrated annually. This foundation not only keeps his memory alive but also supports various charitable causes.
Changes in Safety Protocols
Owen Hart's death led to significant improvements in safety protocols. The WWE and other wrestling promotions began to reevaluate their safety standards, ensuring that all stunts and high-risk maneuvers were thoroughly assessed and executed with proper safety measures in place.
There was an increased emphasis on training personnel and conducting regular safety inspections. This included ensuring that all equipment used for stunts was properly checked and maintained to prevent similar accidents.
Promotions began to more rigorously assess the risks associated with certain stunts and high-flying moves, balancing the need for entertainment with safety considerations. There was a greater emphasis on collaboration between wrestlers, promoters, and safety officials to ensure that everyone was aware of the risks and had input on safety decisions.
Overall Impact
Owen Hart's death prompted a broader reflection within the industry about the balance between entertainment and safety. It highlighted the importance of prioritizing performers' safety and well-being.
While Owen Hart's death was a tragic event, it served as a catalyst for significant improvements in safety protocols, potentially preventing similar incidents in the future.
Background
Owen Hart began his career in 1986 as part of his father's Stampede Wrestling promotion. He joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1988, performing under a masked persona, The Blue Blazer.
Hart was the youngest member of the legendary Hart wrestling family and the twelfth child of Stu and Helen Hart. He started competing internationally in 1987, particularly in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
Despite sharing a similar training background and undeniable talent, Owen struggled to step out from under the considerable shadow of Bret's achievements during his early years in the WWF. However, he achieved considerable success, winning multiple championships and engaging in memorable feuds and matches, particularly with his brother, Bret Hart.
The Hart Foundation, initially formed by Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, was more than just a tag team; it was a symbol of the Hart family's wrestling dynasty. Owen Hart's career took a significant turn when he started competing internationally, particularly in NJPW in 1987.
Jeff Jarrett, Owen's close friend and tag-team partner, described him as "real" in the wrestling world. Owen James Hart was born on May 7, 1965, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The tragic incident occurred during Hart's high-flying entrance, when the harness's quick-release mechanism unexpectedly engaged, causing him to fall approximately 78 feet (24 meters). Despite immediate medical intervention, Hart was pronounced dead due to the blunt force trauma sustained from the fall.
Martha Hart, Owen's widow, established the Owen Hart Foundation to honor his legacy, with a mission to support and assist various philanthropic initiatives, focusing on offering scholarships, bursaries, and aid for education and housing. The decision to continue the event after Hart's accident has been a point of contention and criticism.
Owen Hart's funeral was held on May 31, 1999, in Calgary, attended by family, friends, fans, and fellow wrestlers. The apex of the rivalry between Owen and his brother Bret was reached at SummerSlam 1994 in a Steel Cage match for the WWF Championship. Following Owen's death, the wrestling industry engaged in introspection regarding the physical risks associated with the profession and the necessity of enhancing safety protocols to better protect wrestlers.
Sports community was deeply saddened by the unexpected death of Owen Hart, a well-known professional wrestler, during a WWE pay-per-view event in 1999. In the aftermath, safety protocols in the wrestling industry underwent significant improvements to prioritize performers' safety and well-being.
