Wrestling Legend: The Journey and Impact of Owen Hart
Tragedy Strikes at WWF's Over the Edge: The Owen Hart Story
On May 23, 1999, the world of professional wrestling was shaken by a devastating accident during the WWF's Over the Edge pay-per-view event. Owen Hart, performing as the Blue Blazer, tragically fell 78 feet from the rafters due to a malfunction in his harness's release mechanism.
The incident occurred as part of a stunt, where Hart was being lowered into the ring. The fall resulted in blunt force trauma, leading to internal bleeding that ultimately caused his death. The live broadcast momentarily blacked out, and WWE chairman Vince McMahon later explained that he decided to continue the show despite the tragedy.
Owen Hart was born on May 7, 1965, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He was the youngest member and the twelfth child of Stu and Helen Hart. His career began in 1986 as part of his father's Stampede Wrestling promotion. In 1987, he started competing internationally for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
Hart's career took a significant turn with NJPW, where he further developed his style and gained a reputation for his athleticism and high-flying maneuvers. He eventually returned to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1988, performing under a masked persona, The Blue Blazer.
The Hart Foundation, initially formed by Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, served as a symbol of the Hart family's wrestling dynasty and influenced Owen's career. However, in the early years of his WWF career, he struggled to step out from under the considerable shadow of his brother Bret's achievements.
Hart developed a high-flying style that was somewhat atypical for a member of the Hart family. He eventually shed the masked persona and began wrestling under his real name, embracing his heritage and becoming an integral part of the WWF's roster.
Jeff Jarrett, Owen's close friend and tag-team partner, described him as "real" in the wrestling world. The Owen Hart Foundation, established by his widow, Martha Hart, supports and assists various philanthropic initiatives, focusing on offering scholarships, bursaries, and aid for education and housing.
The Owen Hart Foundation hosts fundraising events, including an annual gala, to generate funds for its charitable efforts and honor Hart's life and his lasting influence. The fatal incident happened because the equipment meant for the stunt failed, causing a catastrophic fall during a live wrestling event, marking one of the most tragic moments in wrestling history.
The decision to continue the event after Hart's accident has been a point of contention and criticism. The WWF's tribute show, "Raw is Owen," held the night after his passing, was an extraordinary event where wrestlers openly expressed their grief and shared personal anecdotes about Hart, often breaking character to do so.
Owen Hart's funeral was held on May 31, 1999, in Calgary, with a significant attendance from family, friends, fans, and the wrestling community. The Owen Hart Foundation ensures the late wrestler's legacy continues to resonate, embodying his generous and kind-hearted spirit.
The tragic incident on May 23, 1999, during WWF's Over the Edge pay-per-view event was a devastating event in the world of sports, particularly professional wrestling. Despite the accident, Owen Hart's high-flying maneuvers and athleticism in sports entertained audiences both nationally and internationally throughout his career.
