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Owen James Hart (May 7, 1965 – May 23, 1999) was a Canadian professional wrestler who worked for several promotions including Stampede Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He received most of his success in the WWF, where he wrestled under both his own name and the ring names The Blue Angel and The Blue Blazer.

Key Information

A member of the Hart wrestling family, he was born in Calgary, Alberta, the youngest of twelve children of Stampede Wrestling promoters Stu and Helen Hart. Among other accolades, Owen was a one-time USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion, a two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion, a one-time WWF European Champion, and a four-time WWF World Tag Team Champion, as well as the 1994 WWF King of the Ring. He headlined three pay-per-view events for the WWF, and was widely regarded as one of the company's best in-ring performers.[7]

Hart died on May 23, 1999, during his entrance from the rafters of Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. The equipment that was lowering him to the ring malfunctioned and he fell to his death in front of a live audience and live on Pay Per View during WWF's Over the Edge event.

Early life

[edit]

Owen was born on May 7, 1965, in Calgary, Alberta the youngest of 12 children to Canadian-born father Stu and American-born mother Helen Hart of the Hart wrestling family.[8] His siblings included Smith, Bruce, Keith, Dean, Bret, Ross and Diana.[9]

Hart's family background was Greek descent through his maternal grandmother and Irish through his maternal grandfather.[10][11][12][13] His father was mainly of Scots-Irish descent, but also had Scottish and German ancestry.[14][15]

Hart maintained dual American-Canadian citizenship.[16][17]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Early career (1983–1988)

[edit]

Hart first gained wrestling experience in the amateur wrestling division at high school, through which he met his wife, Martha.[18] Hart continued amateur wrestling for the Dinos at the University of Calgary. He placed 4th at the 1984 Canada West championships in the 76 kg weight class.[19] Wrestling was not Hart's first choice for a career; as Martha explained in her book Broken Harts, Owen tried numerous times to find a profitable living outside of wrestling.[20] Owen is quoted as saying, in the WWE Home Video "Owen Hart of Gold" that "during his time in the University, he wrestled incognito (under a mask) as the original British Bulldog. Then, after he graduated from the University, he wrestled as "Bronco" Owen Hart at Royal Albert Hall in London, England. As those attempts were unsuccessful, Hart was trained in his father's Hart Dungeon and worked for his father's federation, Stampede Wrestling and wrestled in England for Max Crabtree's Joint Promotions in matches that got broadcast on ITV's World of Sport[21] and the later standalone wrestling program including a 1987 loss to former champion Marty Jones for the vacant World Mid-Heavyweight Championship. He remained with Stampede for the next couple of years while honing his skills. During 1986, Hart teamed with Ben Bassarab and won the Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Championship.[22] The success of the team and Hart's in-ring skills earned him Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Rookie of the Year Award in 1987. After he and Bassarab lost the tag team title,[22] he feuded with Johnny Smith.

In 1987, Hart branched out to Japan where he wrestled for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) on several tours. In NJPW, he wrestled Keiichi Yamada,[23] both before and after he debuted the Jushin Liger gimmick. On May 27, 1988, Hart defeated Hiroshi Hase for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, becoming the first non-Japanese wrestler to win the title.[22] His reign would end nearly a month later, as he lost the title to Shiro Koshinaka on June 24, 1988.

World Wrestling Federation (1988–1989)

[edit]
Hart as the Blue Blazer in 1989

Hart's success in Japan and Stampede's working relationship with the World Wrestling Federation led to Hart signing with the company in the summer of 1988. Instead of promoting Owen as Bret Hart's younger brother, the WWF decided to create a masked "superhero" type gimmick for him which played to his high-flying style. He broke into the WWF as The Blue Blazer (initially The Blue Angel), with his early appearances seeing him defeat the likes of Terry Gibbs, Steve Lombardi and Barry Horowitz. The Blue Blazer made his pay-per-view debut at Survivor Series '88, teaming with The Ultimate Warrior, Brutus Beefcake, Jim Brunzell and Sam Houston against The Honky Tonk Man, Greg Valentine, Outlaw Ron Bass, Bad News Brown and Dangerous Danny Davis. The Blazer was eliminated by Valentine, but his team went on to win the match.[24] He continued to wrestle in the midcard, defeating enhancement talent but often falling short against other name talent; he lost to Ted DiBiase on the March 11, 1989 Saturday Night's Main Event XX[25] and was defeated by Mr. Perfect at WrestleMania V.[26]

Various promotions (1989–1991)

[edit]

Shortly after WrestleMania, Hart left the WWF to tour the world both with and without the Blue Blazer gimmick. He also returned to Stampede, until it shut down in December 1989. In 1991, Hart lost the Blue Blazer mask in a mascara contra mascara match against Mexican wrestler El Canek, and would not utilize the gimmick again until 1998.[27]

He also returned to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). In 1990 he went to Germany and worked Catch Wrestling Association. He also wrestled again in the UK, losing to Danny Boy Collins in Bath 1991 in a match for the World Middleweight championship, as well as wrestling in France on TV matches for Eurosport's New Catch program.

Hart debuted in World Championship Wrestling's self-titled TV show on March 16, 1991, the first of five TV matches he competed in, all of which were against preliminary talent such as Mark Kyle. One of the bouts saw him team with Ricky Morton. He also teamed with Brian Pillman, getting several wins over The Freebirds.[28]

Return to WWF (1991–1999)

[edit]

The New Foundation and High Energy (1991–1993)

[edit]
See also: The Hart Foundation § The New Foundation

Hart had been engaged in contract discussions with WCW but the deal was never struck, as Owen was not willing to move himself and his family to the company's headquarters in Atlanta.[20] Instead, he signed with the WWF for a second time. In the WWF the popular Hart Foundation, composed of his brother Bret and real-life brother-in-law Jim Neidhart, had split up; Bret set out on a singles career while Neidhart was used sparingly. When Neidhart returned from a storyline injury, he joined Owen to form a team known as The New Foundation. Owen and Neidhart first feuded with the Beverly Brothers. They then had their only pay-per-view match at the Royal Rumble in January 1992 where they beat The Orient Express.[29] Neidhart left the WWF shortly afterward, and Hart set out on a very short run as a singles wrestler, including a victorious match at WrestleMania VIII when he faced off against Skinner.[30] Shortly after WrestleMania, Hart was teamed up with Koko B. Ware (whom he had previously partnered while wrestling as the Blue Blazer) to form the duo known as High Energy. They had only one pay-per-view match as a team, at the Survivor Series where they lost to The Headshrinkers.[31] The team was quietly dropped at the start of 1993 with Hart starting a singles career. Owen suffered a knee injury on April 17, 1993, in a match taped for Superstars, against Bam Bam Bigelow, which kept him sidelined for nearly two months.

Feud with Bret Hart (1993–1995)

[edit]
Owen's feud with his brother Bret won the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Feud of the Year award and garnered praise from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for their steel cage match at SummerSlam

In the middle of 1993, when Bret Hart's feud with Jerry Lawler ignited, Owen stood by his brother's side and fought against Lawler in the United States Wrestling Association where most of the WWF talent were considered the heels. Owen won the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship from Papa Shango.[22] Owen's participation in the WWF vs. USWA feud was cut short when he suffered a knee injury in the summer of 1993 and was forced to take some time away from the ring.

Hart returned to the WWF ring in the fall of 1993, at a time when Bret's feud with Lawler was temporarily sidetracked. Bret, along with Owen and their brothers Bruce and Keith, were scheduled to face Lawler and his team at Survivor Series. However, Lawler was unable to make it to the show, and as a result could not appear on WWF television. Lawler was replaced with Shawn Michaels. During the match Owen and Bret inadvertently crashed into each other, causing Owen to be eliminated from the team. Owen showed up after the match and had a heated confrontation with Bret, while Keith, Bruce and Stu tried to calm things down. This confrontation resulted in Owen leaving the ring to boos while his brothers and father watched in dismay and mother Helen cried at ringside. The following night Owen adopted the pink and black tights, sunglasses and Sharpshooter finisher to send a message to his brother. Owen, angry with being in Bret's shadow, challenged his brother which Bret declined. Instead the brothers seemed to reunite by the holidays. According to Bret, the original plan was to have brother Bruce turn on Bret and have Owen leave the WWF alongside Keith, but Bret suggested that he'd feud with Owen instead.

Owen adorned his attire with the nickname The King of Harts after winning the 1994 King of the Ring

Bret tried to make amends with Owen, teaming with him on a regular basis. Bret even secured the two a shot at the WWF Tag Team Championship. They faced the Quebecers for the title at the Royal Rumble in January 1994. Initially everything was fine between the brothers, but when Bret hurt his knee (kayfabe) and was unable to tag Owen in for a long period of time, the younger Hart got frustrated. When the referee stopped the match due to Bret's damaged knee, Owen snapped; he kicked his brother in the knee and then walked off, berating Bret on the Titantron shortly after as Bret was being helped backstage. This started his run as a heel.[32] After the act, an infuriated Owen accused his brother of being selfish and holding him down. Owen admitted that it felt good to take out his brother. The two brothers faced off for the first time at WrestleMania X, where Owen cleanly pinned his older brother. Later in the evening, Bret won the WWF Championship against Yokozuna while Owen stood by and watched in anger and jealousy as Bret celebrated in the ring.[33] Owen won the 1994 King of the Ring tournament turning back Razor Ramon in the finals with an elbow drop to the back and with an assist from Jim Neidhart.[34] After the victory, Owen dropped "The Rocket" nickname and took the nickname "The King of Harts."

Owen and Bret feuded throughout the summer of 1994, clashing many times both in singles and later in tag team matches (with Bret joined by the returning British Bulldog). Two prominent matches took place in this feud: first, their steel cage match in the co-main event of SummerSlam for Bret's WWF Championship, which Bret won.[35][36] This match later received a five-star rating from Dave Meltzer. The second was a lumberjack match on August 17 that Owen initially won and was announced as WWF Champion; Bret won the match after it was ordered to continue due to interference.[37] At the Survivor Series, Owen struck the most damaging blow against his brother as he conned his own mother Helen to throw in the towel for Bret. The ploy cost Bret the WWF Championship to Bob Backlund.[38] Owen also prevented Bret from regaining the WWF Championship at the Royal Rumble in 1995 when he interfered in the match between Bret and new champion Diesel.[39] In the weeks after the Royal Rumble, Bret and Owen clashed again with Bret soundly defeating his brother, thus putting an end to their feud for the time being.

Camp Cornette; Tag Team Champion (1995–1997)

[edit]
See also: Camp Cornette, Owen Hart and Yokozuna, and Owen Hart and The British Bulldog
Hart making his entrance to the ring in 1995.

Owen rebounded from the loss to Bret by winning the WWF Tag Team Championship from The Smoking Gunns at WrestleMania XI.[22] Owen, who was joined by a "Mystery Partner", had challenged the Gunns to a title match; the partner turned out to be former world champion Yokozuna.[40][41] After the victory Owen took Jim Cornette and Mr. Fuji as his managers, who already managed Yokozuna. The team defended the title for five months until they lost them to Shawn Michaels and Diesel at In Your House 3. They would briefly hold the title a second time when the belts were handed back to them[42] before the Smoking Gunns regained the title.[22] Owen and Yokozuna would continue to team off and on until the end of the year.

In 1995, Owen's brother-in-law Davey Boy Smith turned heel and joined the Camp Cornette stable. During the summer of 1996 the two brothers in law started to team up more and more, sometimes alongside Vader who was also a member of Camp Cornette.[43] Owen also won a Slammy Award for injuring Shawn Michaels and began using the nickname "Slammy Award Winner" and the "King of Harts," though this nickname was rarely used. Owen was also a color commentator for the 1996 King of the Ring (exhibiting clear partisan support for Vader and Smith) and during this time wore a cast on his right forearm for several months, feigning a nagging injury to subsequently use his cast as a weapon during his matches.

In September 1996, Bulldog and Hart earned a pay-per-view shot at the tag team titles at In Your House 10.[44] Owen and Bulldog left with the gold after defeating the Smoking Gunns.[22][45] They also left with a new manager as Clarence Mason had conned Jim Cornette into signing over the contracts of the new champions. Signs of dissension, however, slowly started to show. One occasion where this was evident was at the Royal Rumble when Hart accidentally eliminated Bulldog.[46] After the Rumble, they had miscommunication in matches against Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon and Bulldog fired Mason after losing a match to Crush who was also managed by Mason, something which did not sit well with Hart. Another bone of contention between the two was the newly created WWF European Championship; both men had fought their way to the finals to crown the first champion with Bulldog coming out as the victor.[22]

After retaining the tag team title against the Headbangers by disqualification on the edition of March 24, 1997, of Monday Night Raw, the tension between the two bubbled over. An incensed Hart demanded a shot at Bulldog's European title the next week.[47] The match was booked for March 31; on the night, the two went at it with such intensity that many thought the tag team champions had finally gone their separate ways. Then in a shocking moment, the recently turned heel Bret Hart appeared at ringside and stopped the match. Bret appealed to both Owen and Bulldog, talking about the importance of family.[48] They agreed to put their differences aside and join with Bret to form the new Hart Foundation, an anti-American stable that also included Hart in-law Jim Neidhart and Hart family friend Brian Pillman.

Hart Foundation (1997)

[edit]
Main article: Hart Foundation
Hart in September 1997

After forming the Hart Foundation, Owen quickly gained singles gold of his own as he pinned Rocky Maivia to win his first WWF Intercontinental Championship.[22][49] This meant that the Hart Foundation held every WWF title except the WWF Championship, cementing their dominance over the federation. It was not all success for Owen, though, as he and the British Bulldog lost the WWF Tag Team Championship to Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels on May 26, 1997.[22] He began feuding with Austin shortly thereafter.

Owen and Bulldog got a second chance at regaining the tag team titles after Michaels vacated his half of the championship due to an injury. On the edition of July 14, 1997, of Raw the two entered a tournament and won to face Austin and a partner of his choice that evening for the vacant titles. That partner turned out to be Dude Love, who declared himself to be Austin's partner and helped him defeat Hart and Bulldog for the tag team championship.

At SummerSlam in August, Hart was to defend his Intercontinental Championship against Austin in a "Kiss My Ass" match, where Hart put the title up against Austin having to kiss his buttocks if he lost. During the match, Hart botched a piledriver and dropped Austin on the top of his head, injuring his neck.[50] Austin won the title from Hart that evening,[22] but due to the injury was forced to vacate the title. Although the entire situation was an accident, the WWF decided to make it part of the storyline as Owen began wearing a T-shirt patterned after Austin's that read "Owen 3:16/I Just Broke Your Neck".

Hart was then entered into a tournament to crown a new Intercontinental Champion and reached the finals, being set to face Faarooq at Badd Blood: In Your House. Owen beat Faarooq with Austin's help.[51] Afterward, Austin explained that he wanted to beat Hart for the title when he returned and would not allow Faarooq or anyone else to beat him. After Hart retained the title twice by disqualification between Bad Blood and Survivor Series in Montreal, Austin got his wish and defeated Hart for the Intercontinental Championship again.[22][52] Later that night, the Montreal Screwjob took place. Bret left the WWF after Survivor Series and both the British Bulldog and Jim Neidhart were granted quick releases from their contracts to jump to WCW. This left Owen as the only Hart family member remaining in the WWF, due to his contractual obligations.

The Black Hart; Nation of Domination (1997–1998)

[edit]
Main article: Nation of Domination

Hart was not seen or mentioned on WWF programming until he made a surprise appearance after Shawn Michaels retained his title following a disqualification loss to Ken Shamrock at In Your House: D-Generation X where he attacked Shawn Michaels. Now a fan favourite, but with a new edgy, antisocial attitude, Hart became known as "The Lone Hart" and also "The Black Hart".[53] Owen had a feud with D-Generation X (DX) and challenged Shawn Michaels for the WWF Championship on the December 29, 1997, episode of Raw Is War: Hart had Michaels locked in the Sharpshooter when Triple H interfered in order to save Michaels' title, giving Hart the victory by disqualification.[54] He later won the European title from Triple H, although not directly.[55] Goldust dressed up as Triple H in an attempt to swerve Hart, but Commissioner Slaughter considered him to be a legitimate replacement.[22][55] Hart later suffered a kayfabe ankle injury during a match against Barry Windham involving Triple H. When Hart joined the commentary at ringside, Triple H managed to draw Owen into an impromptu title match and regained the title. Chyna interfered while the referee wasn't looking and while Triple H was distracting the referee, she struck Hart behind the left knee with a baseball bat, picked him up and threw him back into the ring where Triple H put Hart in a reverse ankle lock to his injured right ankle to win the European Championship under referees discretion in controversial fashion.[22]

Four weeks after WrestleMania, during a tag team match with Ken Shamrock against Mark Henry and Rocky Maivia (later known as The Rock), Hart turned on Shamrock, "snapping" his ankle and "biting his ear" in the process, and becoming a heel once again.[56] After the attack on Shamrock, Hart became the co-leader, with The Rock, of the Nation of Domination, claiming that "Enough is enough and it's time for a change". The Nation's first big feud after Hart joined was against DX. It was during this feud that D-Generation X parodied the Nation of Domination. The imitation was complete with an actor dressing up as Hart and uttering the phrase "I am not a nugget"; this was in response to Shawn Michaels referring to Owen as a nugget of feces in a toilet bowl that, no matter how many times Michaels flushed, he was unable to get rid of. "Nugget" became a derisive term that followed Hart for the rest of his career. Hart's participation in the DX feud was sidetracked when Shamrock returned from injuries dead set on getting revenge on Hart. The two split a pair of specialty matches on pay-per-view,[57][58] but nothing was ever conclusively settled between them.

Teaming with Jeff Jarrett; the Blue Blazer (1998–1999)

[edit]

Hart remained with the Nation throughout the year until the stable slowly dissolved. After SummerSlam, he teamed with Jeff Jarrett. Hart and Jarrett had Jarrett's manager Debra in their corner. During this time a storyline was proposed that Hart was supposed to have an on-screen affair with Debra, something which Owen turned down.[20]

After a match in which Hart "accidentally injured" Dan Severn, Hart seemingly quit the WWF.[59] Playing off the legitimate injury Hart had inflicted on Austin the year before, the angle blurred the lines between reality and "storyline." Yet as soon as Hart "quit," the Blue Blazer appeared in the WWF claiming to in no way be Hart despite it being very obvious who was under the mask. Unlike the first run of the character, the Blazer was now an overbearing, self-righteous heel who treated the edgy Attitude Era WWF with disdain. Hart and Jarrett ended up making the storyline comical. To prove that Hart was not the Blazer, he showed up beside the Blue Blazer, who was a masked Jarrett. In a later attempt to prove that neither Hart or Jarrett was the Blazer, they both appeared next to a man in the Blue Blazer mask; however, it was obvious that a black man was under the mask (Hart's former tag team partner Koko B. Ware).[2] On January 25, 1999, in the midst of the Blue Blazer angle Hart and Jarrett defeated Ken Shamrock and The Big Boss Man for the WWF Tag Team Championship.[22][60] The pair successfully defended the belts against Test and D'Lo Brown at WrestleMania XV. They lost the titles to the team of Kane and X-Pac on the (pre-taped) episode of Raw that aired on April 5, 1999. Afterwards, Hart and Jarrett continued to team together well into May 1999. That same month, Hart began a feud with The Godfather for the Intercontinental Championship, which was scheduled for Over the Edge.

Personal life

[edit]

Hart met Martha Joan Patterson in 1982. They married on July 1, 1989, and had two children together: Oje Edward Hart (born March 5, 1992) and Athena Christie Hart (born September 23, 1995).[61][62]

On May 28, 2011, Hart was inducted into the Legends Pro Wrestling "Hall of Fame" by Jack Blaze in Wheeling, West Virginia at their "LPW Hart & Soul Tour" event. The award was accepted by his brother-in-law Jim Neidhart, who was also inducted that night.[citation needed]

Death

[edit]
See also: Over the Edge (1999) § Owen Hart accident

On May 23, 1999, Hart fell to his death in Kansas City, Missouri, during the Over the Edge pay-per-view event.[63] Hart was in the process of being lowered via harness and grapple line into the ring from the rafters of Kemper Arena for a booked Intercontinental Championship match against The Godfather. In keeping with the Blazer's new "buffoonish superhero" character, he was to begin a dramatic entrance, being lowered to just above ring level, at which time he would act "entangled", then release himself from the safety harness and fall flat on his face for comedic effect—this necessitated the use of a quick release mechanism. It was an elaboration on a Blue Blazer stunt done previously on the Sunday Night Heat before Survivor Series in 1998.[59] Before being lowered into the ring, Hart fell 78 feet (24 m), landing chest-first on the top rope (approximately a foot from the nearest turnbuckle).[64]

Hart had performed the stunt a few times before. Hart's widow Martha has suggested that, by moving around to get comfortable with both the harness and his cape on, Hart unintentionally triggered an early release. Television viewers did not see the incident. During the fall, a pre-taped vignette was being shown on the pay-per-view broadcast as well as on the monitors in the darkened arena. Afterward, while Hart was being worked on by medical personnel inside the ring, the live event's broadcast showed only the audience. Meanwhile, WWF television announcer Jim Ross repeatedly told those watching live on pay-per-view that what had just transpired was not a wrestling angle or storyline and that Hart was hurt badly, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.[65] Hart was transported to Truman Medical Center in Kansas City. While several attempts to revive him were made, he died due to his injuries. The cause of death was later revealed to be internal bleeding from blunt force trauma. The impact severed his aorta, resulting in Hart bleeding to death just minutes later; he was 34 years old.

Aftermath

[edit]
Grave of Owen Hart at Queen's Park Cemetery in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

WWF and Vince McMahon drew controversy when the company chose to continue the pay-per-view event after Jim Ross announced Owen Hart's death on the live broadcast.[66][67] Over the Edge was never commercially released on WWF Home Video, although it was available on the WWE Network in 2014 for the first time since its original air date. Other than a short memorial that was added before the show began, all footage and mention of Hart was edited out.[68]

A special episode of Raw Is War that aired on May 24, 1999, the night after Hart's death, was dubbed Raw Is Owen. It was broadcast live from the Kiel Center in St. Louis.[69] The tribute show scored a 7.2 Nielsen rating, making it the highest-rated special episode in Raw history and the third highest-rated episode of Raw overall.[70] The next day, WWF taped the episode of Raw for May 31, 1999. During that show, Jeff Jarrett defeated The Godfather to win the WWF Intercontinental Championship,[22] the title Hart was booked to win for a third time at Over the Edge. Celebrating his victory, Jarrett screamed Hart's name.[71]

On October 4, 1999, five months after Hart's death, Bret Hart faced Chris Benoit on WCW Monday Nitro in a tribute to his brother. The match took place in the same arena in which Hart had fallen to his death.[72]

After a lawsuit that lasted over a year and a half, a settlement was reached on November 2, 2000, which saw WWF pay the estate of Owen Hart US$18 million. Hart’s estate was represented by attorney Pamela Fischer.[73][74][75] The manufacturer of the harness system was also a defendant against the Hart family, but they were dismissed from the case after the settlement was reached.[76][73] Owen Hart's widow Martha used some of the settlement to establish the Owen Hart Foundation.[77]

In 2001, Hart's sister Diana released her first book named Under the Mat which discussed the Hart family. The book was written partially in response to Hart's death.[78] Martha Hart pursued legal action, stating that the book was "filled with distortions, misstatements and unjustified slurs that attempt to destroy the reputation of my family and me, and undermine the memory of Owen."[79][80][81]

In 2002, Martha wrote a book about Hart's life called Broken Harts: The Life and Death of Owen Hart.[20]

In June 2010, Martha filed a lawsuit against WWE over its use of Hart's name and likeness as well as personal photos of Hart's family in the WWE Hart & Soul DVD, as well as the failure to make royalty payments. The matter was scheduled to go to trial in June 2013 before the settlement was reached in April 2013 for an undisclosed amount.[82]

Legacy

[edit]

Hart is widely regarded as one of the best in-ring performers in the WWE; Fox Sports dubbed him a "genius".[7] He went on to be considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time by many industry colleagues.[83]

Hart was set to be a playable character under his Blue Blazer gimmick in the video game WWF Attitude. The gimmick was subsequently removed from the game, though Hart remained a playable character. The PlayStation and Nintendo 64 versions of the game were also dedicated to him, featuring a tribute screen at the beginning that reads “Dedicated to Owen James Hart 1965 – 1999”.

Hart is a playable character in Legends of Wrestling II (2002) and Showdown: Legends of Wrestling (2004), both published by Acclaim.[84][85]

WWE released Owen: Hart of Gold on DVD and Blu-ray on December 7, 2015 in the United Kingdom, followed by the United States the following day.

WWE wrestler Kevin Owens named his son after Hart and incorporated the name into his own ring name as tribute to both of them.[86]

On September 20, 2021, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) announced the Owen Hart Cup Tournament, in partnership with the Owen Hart Foundation, complete with a trophy called "The Owen".[87] The company also announced production and distribution of original Owen Hart merchandise, action figures and Hart as a character in AEW's console game, AEW Fight Forever.[88]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]
Hart won every major championship in the WWF, except for the WWF Championship he is seen holding here; though he did technically win it in a house show in 1994, the result was quickly overturned and the reign was never officially recognized.

Luchas de Apuestas record

[edit]
See also: Luchas de Apuestas
Winner (wager) Loser (wager) Location Event Date Notes
El Canek (mask) Blue Blazer (mask) Naucalpan, Mexico State UWA show May 29, 1991 [112][113]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Owen Hart

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Owen Hart (May 7, 1965 – May 23, 1999) was a Canadian professional wrestler renowned for his technical prowess, high-flying style, and contributions to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), where he captured multiple championships and became a fan favorite as a versatile performer. Born in , as the youngest of twelve children to wrestling promoter and his wife Helen, Owen grew up immersed in the family business and trained rigorously in the infamous Hart Family "." He married Martha Patterson in 1989, with whom he had two children, Oje (born 1992) and (born 1995), before his untimely death at age 34 from injuries sustained in a accident during a WWF event in . Hart's career began in amateur wrestling, where he excelled in high school and college competitions in , before transitioning to in 1983 under his father's guidance in , a promotion founded by . He gained international experience wrestling for (NJPW), where he became the first non-Japanese wrestler to win the in 1988 by defeating . In 1991, after a stint in the United States Wrestling Association (USWA) where he captured the , Hart joined the WWF full-time, initially debuting as the masked high-flyer "The Blue Blazer" in 1988 before returning unmasked in 1991. Throughout the 1990s, Hart established himself as a top mid-card talent in the WWF, feuding intensely with his brother Bret "Hitman" Hart in iconic matches, including a steel cage bout at SummerSlam 1994 that highlighted his sharpshooter submission hold. He won the 1994 King of the Ring tournament, earning the nickname "King of Hearts," and secured numerous titles, including two WWF Intercontinental Championships (both in 1997), four WWF World Tag Team Championships (with partners like Yokozuna in 1995, The British Bulldog in 1997, and Jeff Jarrett in 1999), and one WWF European Championship in 1999. Later aligning with the Nation of Domination faction and forming tag teams like The New Hart Foundation, Hart was celebrated for his reliability and charisma until his fatal fall on May 23, 1999, during the Over the Edge event, when a quick-release mechanism on his harness failed, causing him to plummet 78 feet (24 m) into the ring. His legacy endures through the Owen Hart Foundation, founded by his widow Martha to support children and families, and the annual Owen Hart Cup tournament in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), established in 2022, as well as his 2018 induction into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Early life

Family background

Owen Hart was born on May 7, 1965, in , , , as the youngest of twelve children to and his wife Helen. The Harts established themselves as a cornerstone of through Stu's multifaceted career as a wrestler, booker, and promoter who founded in the late 1940s, creating a regional powerhouse that showcased family talent and trained generations of performers. Among Owen's siblings were key figures in the industry, including , a record-setting WWE champion known for his technical prowess; Bruce Hart, a Stampede Wrestling booker and competitor; and , an author and wrestling manager who chronicled the family's story. Raised in the family's expansive mansion, Owen experienced wrestling as an integral part of daily life, often attending events where his relatives headlined matches and developed storylines. The home's basement housed the notorious , a makeshift ring where Stu imposed grueling training sessions on his children, instilling discipline and exposing Owen to the sport's unforgiving physicality from childhood. Owen shared a tight-knit bond with older brother Bret, who fondly remembered their youthful antics, including impromptu wrestling bouts where Owen often played the antagonist in family sketches. Yet, amid the constant shadow of the family business, Owen initially resisted entering wrestling, burdened by the high expectations of the Hart name and drawn to alternative career options.

Training and amateur wrestling

Owen Hart first engaged with wrestling through the amateur ranks during his high school years in Calgary, Alberta, where he competed and achieved success as a provincial champion. This accomplishment highlighted his early athletic prowess and technical skill on the mat, setting a foundation for his future endeavors. Through these high school competitions, Hart also met his future wife, Martha, fostering a personal connection amid his athletic pursuits. Following high school, Hart continued his amateur wrestling career at the , where he earned a wrestling and studied with a minor in history for three years. As a member of the university's wrestling team, known as the Dinos, he built upon his high school experience, gaining further recognition as an accomplished college wrestler. Initially, Hart aspired to become a teacher, reflecting his interest in and coaching rather than entering the world dominated by his family's legacy. Despite his academic ambitions, Hart's exposure to professional techniques grew through observing matches in his family's promotion and receiving guidance from relatives, including his father . Around his late teens, he began formal training in the renowned , the basement wrestling facility at the family home, under the rigorous instruction of and his brother . This intensive preparation, emphasizing technical precision and endurance, ultimately drew Hart toward a professional career, overriding his earlier reluctance tied to the Hart family's storied but demanding wrestling heritage.

Professional wrestling career

Early career in Canada (1983–1987)

Owen Hart entered the professional wrestling scene in through his family's longstanding involvement in the industry, with his father Stu Hart owning and operating in , . This connection provided Hart with initial opportunities to perform in the promotion, where he debuted in 1983. Under the mentorship of his father and brothers, including Bret and Bruce Hart, he focused on building a strong technical foundation, emphasizing agility, aerial maneuvers, and submission techniques that would define his style. He gained early experience wrestling in the in 1984. During his time in Stampede, Hart engaged in several notable matches and feuds against seasoned competitors, showcasing his potential as a rising talent. He often teamed with family members or allies like , securing the International Tag Team Championship in 1986, which highlighted his versatility in both singles and tag competition. His performances earned praise for blending high-flying offense with precise , helping him stand out in the territorial landscape of . Brief stints in other independent promotions further allowed him to refine his skills and gain regional recognition. A pivotal moment came on October 25, 1986, when Hart won his first singles title, the British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship, defeating the reigning champion in , . He held the belt for 286 days, defending it successfully against challengers like before losing it in 1987. This reign solidified his status within the promotion. As grappled with financial challenges in the late 1980s—ultimately leading to its closure in 1989—Hart departed the territory in 1987 to seek broader opportunities abroad, including tours with (NJPW) starting in 1987. On May 27, 1988, he became the first non-Japanese wrestler to win the by defeating .

First WWF stint (1988–1989)

Owen Hart signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the summer of 1988, marking his entry into the promotion after gaining experience in independent circuits and international promotions. To avoid capitalizing on his familial connection to brother , who was already established in the company, WWF officials repackaged him under a masked known as the Blue Blazer, emphasizing his athleticism and high-flying style rather than his lineage. Hart's televised debut as the Blue Blazer occurred on the September 11, 1988, episode of , where he defeated jobber in a quick showcase match that highlighted his agility and technical prowess. He quickly transitioned into preliminary and midcard bouts on house shows and syndicated programming, often facing enhancement talent such as , whom he defeated multiple times between September 1988 and February 1989, and Jose Estrada. These encounters allowed Hart to demonstrate signature aerial maneuvers, including a , which became a staple of his performances and drew attention for their precision and innovation in the WWF's style at the time. On November 24, 1988, at , the Blue Blazer participated in a traditional elimination match as part of a babyface team alongside , , , and , surviving longer than most teammates in a losing effort against . His most prominent televised exposure during this period came at on April 2, 1989, where he challenged the undefeated Mr. Perfect () in a high-profile singles match, ultimately losing via the Perfect-Plex after a competitive display of flying offense. Despite these opportunities, Hart's role remained confined to the undercard, with limited character development beyond the Blue Blazer gimmick, which occasionally appeared in preliminary matches without significant storylines. Frustrated by the lack of a substantial push and creative direction, Hart requested his release from WWF in late 1989, seeking further seasoning and opportunities abroad to refine his skills. The promotion granted his departure shortly after , allowing him to embark on international tours in , , and while briefly returning to the family-run before its closure in December 1989. This brief stint provided Hart with valuable exposure but underscored the challenges of breaking through in WWF's competitive environment during the late .

Independent promotions and international tours (1989–1991)

Following his departure from the World Wrestling Federation in late 1989, Owen Hart returned to the Canadian independent scene, competing in until the promotion's closure in December of that year. He continued freelancing across Canadian promotions, facing a variety of opponents that allowed him to hone his technical and high-flying skills in smaller venues. This period marked a shift toward greater independence, with Hart taking bookings in regional shows to maintain momentum after his early WWF experience. Hart's international exposure intensified with multiple tours in for (NJPW), where he faced elite competitors like Keiji Mutoh and unmasked Keiichi Yamada (later Jushin Thunder ). Notable encounters included a 1989 challenge for the against Naoki Sano on September 21 and participation in the 1991 tournament, culminating in a acclaimed match against on April 28. These outings exposed him to stiff, fast-paced strong style wrestling, enhancing his timing and resilience against global stars. European excursions further diversified Hart's resume, particularly a month-long tour with the (CWA) in during July 1990 as part of the World Catch Cup. There, he wrestled in multi-man tags and singles against international draws like Dave Taylor and , adapting to European catch-as-catch-can rules that emphasized submissions and grappling. This run, spanning events in cities like and , built his reputation for technical proficiency abroad. In , Hart ventured into promotions under the Blue Blazer gimmick, culminating in a high-stakes máscara contra máscara (mask vs. mask) match against on May 29, 1991, at El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, where he lost and was unmasked. This introduced him to the high-energy, aerial-heavy style of lucha, including multi-man matches and dramatic stipulations, further sharpening his partnership dynamics and in-ring storytelling. By late 1991, having amassed experience across continents, Hart sought a return to the WWF for greater stability.

WWF return and character development (1991–1994)

Owen Hart returned to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in October 1991, teaming up with his brother-in-law Jim Neidhart to form The New Foundation, a revival of the original Hart Foundation concept with colorful attire and high-energy entrances. The duo quickly established themselves in the tag team division, culminating in a victory over The Nasty Boys to capture the WWF Tag Team Championship at SummerSlam on August 29, 1992. Their reign lasted until October 1992, when they lost the titles to Money Inc., after which Neidhart departed the promotion, effectively ending the partnership. Following the dissolution of The New Foundation, Hart transitioned into a new tag team called High Energy with Koko B. Ware in late 1992, emphasizing a high-flying, acrobatic style that highlighted Hart's aerial abilities and Ware's veteran charisma. Despite their dynamic offense, including missile dropkicks and crossbody attacks, the team struggled to gain momentum, appearing in undercard matches and failing to challenge for championships effectively. High Energy disbanded in 1993 after a lackluster run, with their only pay-per-view outing being a loss to The Headshrinkers at Survivor Series 1992. In 1993, Hart shifted to singles competition, where underlying tensions with his brother began to surface, setting the stage for a personal feud rooted in and perceived favoritism within the Hart family. The conflict escalated at on November 24, 1993, during an elimination match, when an accidental collision led to Bret's near-elimination; afterward, Owen abandoned his brother, refusing to tag in and allowing Bret to be pinned, marking the initial betrayal that ignited their storyline. The feud continued into 1994, with key moments including a tag team title qualifier at Royal Rumble on January 22, where Owen and Bret challenged ; Owen's refusal to tag in during Bret's desperation spot resulted in a loss and a post-match attack on Bret's knee, solidifying Owen's heel turn. This betrayal propelled Owen toward individual prominence, as he won the King of the Ring tournament on June 19, 1994, defeating Razor Ramon in the finals and crowning himself "The King of Harts" during the coronation ceremony to emphasize his independence from the family shadow. Throughout this period, Hart's in-ring style evolved, blending technical precision from his Hart family training and international experience with comedic flair in his expressions and mannerisms, allowing him to portray a more nuanced, antagonistic character while maintaining sharp mat-based wrestling.

Feuds and tag team success (1994–1997)

In 1994, Owen Hart's rivalry with his brother intensified, beginning with their sibling showdown at on March 20, where Bret emerged victorious in an opening match that saw Owen inadvertently contribute to Bret's knee injury during the bout. The tension built through family dynamics and professional jealousy, culminating at on June 19, when Owen upset Razor Ramon in the tournament final to claim the crown and proclaim himself the "King of Harts," marking a pivotal moment in Owen's push for independence from his brother's shadow. The feud reached its peak at on August 29, with Bret defending the WWF Championship against Owen in a steel cage match at the , where Bret retained the title by escaping the cage after a hard-fought battle showcasing the Harts' shared technical prowess. By 1995, Owen shifted focus to tag team competition, aligning with Yokozuna under manager Jim Cornette's , a group that emphasized ruthless teamwork and anti-American sentiment. This partnership debuted dramatically at on April 2, when Owen's mystery partner was revealed as Yokozuna, and they defeated the to capture the WWF Tag Team Championship in a match lasting under six minutes, bolstered by Cornette's interference and Mr. Fuji's guidance. Their reign lasted 175 days, defending the titles against teams like the Allied Powers ( and the British Bulldog) in dark matches and high-profile encounters, solidifying Owen's status as a midcard mainstay while Yokozuna provided the power to complement Owen's agility. This alliance elevated Owen's profile, leading to his first singles world title opportunity against WWF Champion Diesel on February 5, 1995, during WWF Action Zone, where Diesel retained via pinfall after a competitive exchange highlighting Owen's resilience against larger opponents. Owen's tag team success continued into 1996–1997 through his partnership with brother-in-law the British Bulldog, forming a formidable duo rooted in family ties and shared Hart Dungeon training. On September 22, 1996, at In Your House 10: Mind Games, they dethroned the Smoking Gunns in Philadelphia to win the WWF Tag Team Championship, beginning a 190-day reign marked by defenses against challengers like the Legion of Doom at In Your House 12: It's Time on December 15, 1996, where they retained via disqualification after intense brawling. The team held the titles until March 31, 1997, on Raw Is War, losing them to Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H in a match that underscored their heel tactics. This partnership not only delivered Owen's second overall tag title run but also amplified his reliability in multi-man stipulations, including a notable six-man tag at In Your House 3: Triple Header on September 24, 1995, where Owen, Yokozuna, and the British Bulldog faced Diesel, Shawn Michaels, and the 1-2-3 Kid in a title defense that ended in a no-contest due to interference. Owen's individual feuds during this period highlighted his versatility, particularly against top stars like Shawn Michaels and Diesel. In 1996, Owen clashed with Michaels over championship contention, facing him in a #1 contender's match for the WWF Title at In Your House 6: Rage in the Cage on February 18, where Michaels won via pinfall after 15 minutes of high-flying exchanges, including Owen's signature enziguri that briefly stunned the champion. This rivalry extended to television, with Michaels collapsing dramatically during a Raw match against Owen on May 19, 1997—later revealed as a storyline concussion angle—but it emphasized Owen's ability to elevate undercard bouts into main event caliber. Against Diesel, Owen's 1995 encounters often involved multi-man formats, such as a six-man tag on October 9 Raw where Owen teamed with Yokozuna and the British Bulldog against Diesel, Michaels, and the Undertaker, ending in a double countout that showcased Owen's tactical interference and endurance in prolonged wars. Owen's peak popularity from 1994 to 1997 manifested in his consistent presence at pay-per-views, where he became a reliable performer in 10 events, often in tag defenses or personal rivalries that drew strong fan reactions for his tenacity. Appearances spanned from in 1995, defending the tag titles in triple main events, to In Your House 17: Ground Zero in 1997, where he teamed with the British Bulldog against in a fast-paced opener. These outings, averaging high-energy matches under 20 minutes, cemented Owen's midcard prominence and fan appreciation for his athleticism amid the WWF's evolving groundwork.

Faction involvements and heel turn (1997–1998)

In 1997, Owen Hart reunited with his brother , brother-in-law , cousin British Bulldog, and ally to reform the as a pro-Canadian, anti-American stable in the WWF, marking a collective turn that positioned them against U.S. audiences. This faction emphasized national pride and resentment toward American dominance in wrestling, with Owen adopting a more aggressive persona to support the group's provocative promos and attacks on American stars. The reunion culminated at : Canadian Stampede on July 6, 1997, in , , where the defeated , Goldust, the , and in a 10-man match before a wildly pro-Hart crowd of over 12,000, inverting traditional dynamics in their homeland. As part of the Hart Foundation's alignment, Owen debuted his "Black Hart" attire in late 1997, featuring darker colors and a more menacing aesthetic that contrasted his earlier babyface looks and underscored his shift toward a ruthless character. This period saw Owen feuding intensely with , culminating in a WWF Intercontinental Championship match at on August 3, 1997, where he lost the title to Austin via referee stoppage after delivering a piledriver that bruised Austin's , exacerbating a real injury and straining their backstage relationship. Owen's second Intercontinental Championship reign began on October 5, 1997, when he defeated Faarooq in a final at Badd Blood, further fueling the anti-hero narrative against Austin's rebellious persona. Owen's stint in the Nation of Domination on the April 27 episode of Raw Is War, turning on tag partner during a match against The Rock and by biting Shamrock's ear, aligning with the group's militant edge to bolster his anti-establishment heel role. Owen's stint in the Nation emphasized his opportunistic tactics, including key confrontations with , but creative shifts led to his departure in September 1998 following a storyline where he "injured" with a piledriver, allowing him to transition to independent solo status without faction constraints. Throughout his 1997–1998 run, Owen frequently employed the submission hold as a signature move, a family legacy technique originally popularized by , using it to taunt opponents and assert his credentials in matches against American foes.

Final WWF run and Blue Blazer gimmick (1998–1999)

In late 1998, Owen Hart transitioned into a tag team partnership with , managed by , marking a new phase in his WWF career after his previous heel alignments. The duo quickly established themselves as contenders in the tag division, showcasing Hart's technical expertise alongside Jarrett's brawling style. Their teamwork culminated in a victory over and on the January 25, 1999, episode of Raw to capture the WWF Championship. As champions, Hart and Jarrett engaged in high-profile feuds, including defenses against emerging teams like —consisting of Edge and , accompanied by Christian—which highlighted intense rivalries within the division. At on March 28, 1999, they retained the titles against and Test in a quick but effective match, blending athletic sequences with interference from to secure the win. The partnership continued post-title loss to Kane and X-Pac on March 29, 1999, with a #1 contender's bout against the at Backlash on April 25, where they fell short but demonstrated strong in-ring chemistry. Amid this tag team success, Hart revived his Blue Blazer gimmick—originally debuted in 1988 as a masked character—on the January 18, 1999, episode of Raw, where the Blazer intervened to aid Jarrett, sparking a storyline portraying the identity as a poorly kept secret. This 1999 iteration parodied self-righteous wrestling heroes like and Sting, incorporating comedic elements such as exaggerated moral lectures and humorous spots where Hart vehemently denied any connection to the character. The angle allowed Hart to blend humor with his renowned technical wrestling, as seen in Blazer matches like the April 29, 1999, SmackDown bout against , emphasizing aerial maneuvers and character-driven antics. Behind the scenes, Hart grew increasingly frustrated with WWF's booking and the shift toward more explicit, adult-oriented content during the . He reportedly resisted a proposed storyline involving a romantic affair with , opting instead for the lighter Blue Blazer revival, and confided in close associates about contemplating retirement by early 1999 due to dissatisfaction with his creative push. These tensions underscored Hart's preference for family-friendly wrestling amid the company's evolving direction. Hart's final WWF appearances maintained momentum in the Blue Blazer persona, including victories on Raw against opponents like Goldust on May 10, 1999, building toward a high-profile Intercontinental Championship challenge. The character positioned the Blazer as a fan-favorite underdog, with Hart's performances leading into the Over the Edge event on May 23, 1999, where he was slated for a title opportunity against .

Personal life

Marriage and children

Owen Hart met his future wife, Martha Joan Patterson, in 1982 while they were students at high school in , ; she was 15 years old and he was 17. The couple married on July 1, 1989, at the Hart family home. Martha supported Owen's decision to pursue a professional wrestling career despite his initial aspirations for other paths, such as attending the on a or working as a or customs agent. The Harts had two children: son Oje Edward Hart, born on March 5, 1992, in , and daughter Athena Christie Hart, born on September 23, 1995, also in . The family resided in , , where Owen, as part of the prominent Hart wrestling dynasty, sought to balance his extensive touring schedule with home life by prioritizing family time and saving earnings from his career with the intention of retiring in a few years to focus fully on them. Martha provided steadfast support throughout Owen's wrestling career, accompanying him when possible and managing family responsibilities amid his absences. Following his death, she channeled her efforts into , establishing the Owen Hart Foundation in 2000 to aid low-income families through scholarships and housing assistance, drawing from a $18 million settlement related to his passing.

Interests and philanthropy

Owen Hart pursued studies in at the , where he majored in the subject with a minor in , aspiring to become a teacher and coach for wrestling and football. This academic background fueled his lifelong passion for sports and outdoor activities, which provided a balance to his demanding schedule and allowed him to maintain an active lifestyle away from the ring. Beyond his professional commitments, Hart was renowned for his sharp wit and love of humor, often creating elaborate pranks and comedy sketches for personal amusement with family and close associates. These lighthearted antics, drawn from his playful personality, highlighted his creative side and ability to bring joy to those around him, as recounted in numerous accounts from contemporaries. He particularly enjoyed the camaraderie of such activities, which served as a form of creative expression and stress relief. Hart contributed to the Hart family's longstanding involvement in Calgary's community efforts, including support for children's charities through local initiatives that aimed to benefit underprivileged youth. His participation in these family-driven philanthropic endeavors underscored his commitment to giving back to the area where he grew up.

Death

The Over the Edge tragedy

On May 23, 1999, during the World Wrestling Federation's (WWF) event at Kemper Arena in , Owen Hart was scheduled to make his entrance as the Blue Blazer, a involving a descent from the arena rafters. Hart, aged 34, was secured in a harness attached to a cable system designed for a dramatic rappel into the ring before his match against . As Hart was lowered, the quick-release mechanism on the harness malfunctioned and opened prematurely, causing him to plummet approximately 78 feet and strike the top ring rope with his chest and neck. The impact resulted in blunt force trauma, rupturing his and causing severe . He bounced into the ring, where emergency medical technicians immediately provided CPR and other life-saving measures for about 15 minutes before transporting him to Truman Medical Center. Hart was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after arrival. In the arena, commentator Jim Ross haltingly informed the live crowd and television audience that the fall was a real accident, not scripted entertainment, and that Hart had tragically died. The event paused briefly before resuming, with the subsequent match—Nicole Bass and Val Venis vs. Debra and Jeff Jarrett—proceeding as planned amid visible distress among performers and crew. Jeff Jarrett, portraying a heel character, and Debra were visibly emotional and upset during the pre-match interview, with both clearly seen crying. Following Owen Hart's fatal fall during the entrance stunt at the Over the Edge pay-per-view event, local authorities in , launched a criminal investigation into the incident, examining the rigging equipment, its suitability for the stunt, and whether Hart had received adequate . The probe, led by the and Jackson County prosecutors, determined that the quick-release mechanism on Hart's harness—a device originally designed for marine applications like —had deployed prematurely due to improper setup and lack of safety redundancies, such as backup cables or secondary restraints, causing the 78-foot drop. No evidence of tampering or foul play was found, and the investigation concluded the death was accidental, with no criminal charges filed against WWF personnel or equipment handlers. Separately, the (OSHA) initiated a workplace safety probe but terminated it in July 1999 without issuing citations, citing insufficient jurisdiction over the entertainment . The Jackson County Medical Examiner's office conducted an , ruling Hart's death accidental and attributing it to blunt force trauma to the chest, which ruptured his and caused rapid . In response to the tragedy, WWF Chairman held a post-event on May 23, 1999, expressing profound sorrow and describing the incident as a "tragic accident," while defending the decision to continue the show, stating that most attendees were unaware of the fall and that halting it would not honor Hart's memory. McMahon emphasized that Hart had rehearsed similar aerial maneuvers in the past and that the company was cooperating fully with authorities. Internally, WWF conducted a review of its production practices, though details were limited until incorporated into subsequent legal proceedings. In June 1999, Hart's widow, , along with their two children and his parents, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against WWF in , alleging in the stunt's planning, including the use of unsuitable equipment, failure to hire a stunt coordinator, and inadequate protocols or training for Hart. The suit claimed the quick-release was mismatched for human suspension and that WWF prioritized spectacle over by not implementing redundancies. After and an initial WWF offer of $17 million was rejected, the case settled on November 7, 2000, for $18 million, approved by Judge Douglas Long Jr.; the distribution allocated $10 million to , $3 million each to the children, and $1 million each to Hart's parents. As part of the agreement, WWF committed to revising its stunt policies, including mandatory oversight and equipment inspections, which marked an early step toward formalized protocols in . The Hart tragedy prompted broader industry scrutiny, leading to enhanced safety standards across major promotions, such as requiring certified experts for aerial stunts and pre-event equipment testing to prevent similar failures. These reforms, influenced by expert testimony in the Hart case from stunt specialists and safety engineers, emphasized risk assessments and backup systems, reducing high-altitude mishaps in subsequent years.

Legacy

Impact on wrestling

Owen Hart's technical prowess significantly shaped , particularly through his mastery of key maneuvers that became staples in the industry. Renowned for his precise execution of the submission hold—a Hart family signature—and the Enziguri spinning heel kick, Hart blended technical grappling with high-flying agility, creating a versatile style that influenced a generation of performers. His crisp, athletic approach inspired high-flyers and technicians alike. During the , Hart played a pivotal role in revitalizing WWF's division, partnering with wrestlers like , the British Bulldog, and Yokozuna to deliver innovative and psychologically layered matches that highlighted teamwork and storytelling. These bouts, often featuring seamless transitions between high spots and technical exchanges, helped elevate the division's prestige amid WWF's expansion, drawing larger audiences to competition. Colleagues regarded Hart as a reliable performer and locker room leader, known for his professionalism and ability to uplift others under pressure. WWF commentator recounted how Hart once brought him a powdered during a grueling day managing the talent roster, demonstrating appreciation for efforts to support wrestlers' well-being and underscoring Hart's supportive presence in the backstage environment. echoed this, describing Hart as "an unbelievable talent... one of the best guys I’ve ever been in the ring with" for his consistent delivery in high-stakes matches. Hart's contributions extended to the Canadian wrestling scene, where he honed his skills in before its decline, later helping revive interest through family-centric events like the 1997 : Canadian Stampede pay-per-view. This showcase, featuring the , reinforced Calgary's status as a wrestling hub and inspired regional talent by blending local pride with global spectacle. In the years leading to his death, Hart voiced concerns about performer safety, particularly regarding high-risk stunts like his Blue Blazer entrance, which highlighted broader issues of equipment reliability and foreshadowed industry-wide discussions on wrestler welfare and unionization efforts in the early .

Family tributes and media portrayals

Following Owen Hart's death, his widow, , established the Owen Hart Foundation in December 2000 to honor his memory through initiatives supporting children's education, health, and well-being, including scholarships and community programs. The foundation has since provided aid to at-risk youth globally, channeling resources from partnerships and events to advance pediatric care and housing projects. However, Martha Hart has refused to allow WWE to honor Owen Hart in any capacity, such as induction into their Hall of Fame, holding WWE responsible for his death. Bret Hart, Owen's brother, delivered public eulogies reflecting on their bond and Owen's impact, notably in a heartfelt on-air statement during a 1999 WCW broadcast where he expressed gratitude for fan support and vowed to carry forward the family's legacy. Bret has continued advocating for Owen's recognition, emphasizing his contributions in interviews and supporting family honors, such as the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame induction of The Hart Foundation—comprising Bret and the late Jim Neidhart—which celebrated the broader Hart dynasty's achievements, implicitly including Owen's role in its evolution. Media portrayals of Owen Hart have often highlighted his life, family dynamics, and untimely death through documentaries that blend archival footage with personal accounts. The 2010 WWE production Hart & Soul: The Hart Family Anthology chronicles over five decades of the Hart lineage, featuring interviews with family members like Bret and archival clips of Owen's matches to underscore his athletic prowess and sibling rivalries. In 2022, REELZ's Autopsy: The Last Hours of... Owen Hart examined the circumstances of his passing, incorporating insights from , siblings Ross and Bruce Hart, and associates like to explore his final days and professional pressures. Annual tributes have sustained Owen's legacy in wrestling events, particularly through All Elite Wrestling's (AEW) tournament, launched in 2022 in partnership with the Owen Hart Foundation and approved by . The competition, featuring qualifiers and finals at major pay-per-views, awards custom belts modeled after Owen's titles and donates proceeds to the foundation, with participants from factions like the Blackpool Combat Club competing in his honor to celebrate his technical skill and family heritage. Winners were crowned at the 2025 edition during on May 26, 2025. Martha Hart approved this AEW partnership, viewing it positively in contrast to her longstanding refusal to work with WWE due to holding them responsible for Owen's death. On the 26th anniversary of his death in May 2025, wrestling communities marked the occasion with reflective specials on platforms like YouTube, including a tribute video by wrestling historian Nicholas Mullick titled "26 Years Without A Hart," which revisited Owen's career highlights and unrealized potential through family stories and match analysis.

In-ring achievements

Championships won

Owen Hart's championship career spanned multiple promotions, where he secured 10 recognized reigns, showcasing his versatility as a singles and tag team competitor. His early successes in Canadian and Japanese wrestling laid the foundation for his achievements in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), where he captured several midcard and tag team titles during the 1990s. These victories often highlighted his technical prowess and family ties within the Hart wrestling dynasty, contributing to key storylines involving the Hart Foundation stable. In , Hart claimed the North American Heavyweight Championship twice. His first reign began on January 19, 1987, when he defeated Makhan in , , holding the title for 11 days before losing it back to on January 30, 1987, in . His second reign started on April 10, 1987, defeating again in , and lasted 392 days until he dropped it to on May 6, 1988. These reigns established Hart as a rising star in his family's home promotion. Hart's international breakthrough came in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he became the first non-Japanese wrestler to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on May 27, 1988, by defeating Hiroshi Hase in Sendai. He held the title for 28 days, defending it once before dropping it to Shiro Koshinaka on June 24, 1988, in Osaka. This victory solidified his reputation in junior heavyweight divisions globally. In the United States Wrestling Association (USWA), as part of a WWF-USWA crossover angle, Hart won the Unified World Heavyweight Championship on June 21, 1993, defeating Papa Shango in Memphis, Tennessee. His 14-day reign ended when he lost to Jerry Lawler on July 5, 1993. This title run bridged his independent career before his full-time WWF return. Within WWF, Hart's first major singles title was the Intercontinental Championship, which he won twice in 1997. On April 28, 1997, during a live episode of Raw, Hart defeated Rocky Maivia (later The Rock) via submission with the , holding the belt for 97 days and defending it against opponents like Steve Austin and Goldust before losing to Austin at on August 3, 1997. Later that year, after Austin vacated the title due to injury, Hart captured it again on October 5, 1997, at : Badd Blood by defeating Faarooq in the tournament final. This 35-day reign featured defenses on Raw before he lost it to on November 9, 1997. These reigns elevated Hart as a top in the promotion. Hart also held the WWF European Championship once, winning it on January 26, 1998 (taped for Raw Is War), by defeating Goldust (disguised as ) via . His 53-day reign included defenses on house shows and television before losing it to on March 16, 1998, on Raw. The short but notable run tied into Hart's storyline. As a tag team specialist, Hart secured the WWF World Tag Team Championship four times, often partnering with family or stablemates. First and second, with Yokozuna: On April 2, 1995, at , they defeated , holding the titles for 174 days until losing to Diesel and on September 24, 1995; they won them back the next night on September 25, 1995, but lost them the same day to . Third, with cousin British Bulldog on September 22, 1996, at In Your House 10: Mind Games, they defeated via , reigning for 246 days and defending against teams like the and Austin/Mero until dropping them to Austin and Michaels on May 26, 1997. Finally, on January 25, 1999, Hart and won the titles from and The Big Boss Man on Raw via Figure-Four on Shamrock, holding them for 64 days with defenses against the Acolytes before losing to Kane and X-Pac on March 30, 1999. These tag reigns underscored Hart's role in the Hart Foundation's dominance.
TitleReignsPartners (if applicable)Notable WinsDuration(s)
North American Heavyweight2N/ADef. Makhan (1987, twice)11 days; 392 days
IWGP Junior Heavyweight1N/ADef. (1988)28 days
USWA Unified World Heavyweight1N/ADef. Papa Shango (1993)14 days
WWF 2N/ADef. Rocky Maivia (1997); Def. Faarooq (1997)97 days; 35 days
WWF European1N/ADef. Goldust (as ) (1998)53 days
WWF World Tag Team4Yokozuna (1995, twice); British Bulldog (1996–1997); (1999)Def. (multiple)174 days; <1 day; 246 days; 64 days

Luchas de Apuestas record

Owen Hart's involvement in Luchas de Apuestas, the traditional high-stakes wager matches in where wrestlers risk their hair or mask, occurred primarily during his tours with the Universal Wrestling Association (UWA) in in the early 1990s. These matches underscored the cultural depth of Mexican wrestling, emphasizing honor, rivalry, and personal sacrifice, which elevated Hart's international profile by integrating him into a revered tradition distinct from North American promotions. His documented record in these bouts is limited to one match, reflecting the selective nature of Apuestas contests reserved for major feuds. In this encounter, performing as the Blue Blazer, Hart faced in a máscara contra máscara (mask vs. mask) on May 29, 1991, at El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos in , Estado de México. Canek emerged victorious, forcing Hart to unmask in the ring—a post-match central to Apuestas, where the loser publicly removes their disguise amid crowd participation, symbolizing defeat and vulnerability. This outcome not only concluded the Blue Blazer persona in UWA but also influenced subsequent bookings, transitioning Hart to compete under his real name and positioning him for a UWA World Heavyweight Championship challenge against Canek on September 3, 1991. The event highlighted Apuestas' role in storyline progression, blending athleticism with dramatic consequences that resonated in Hart's broader across borders.
DateApuestaWinnerLoserLocationEvent/PromotionNotes
May 29, 1991Mask vs. MaskBlue Blazer (Owen Hart)El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, , Estado de MéxicoUWA Live EventHart unmasked post-match, ending the Blue Blazer gimmick in Mexico.

Other achievements

Hart won the 1994 King of the Ring tournament, defeating Ramon in the final on June 19, 1994, at the King of the Ring pay-per-view event in Baltimore, Maryland. This victory earned him the nickname "King of Hearts" and a prominent mid-card push.

References

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