In a recent interview with Steve Fall of “The Ten Count” podcast, Earl Hebner recalled Vince McMahon’s immediate reaction to Owen Hart’s tragic fall at Over the Edge 1999. He said,
“He’s sitting right where he was. When it all happened, he saw it and he never moved. He stayed right there. When they brought Owen through the gorilla, he was in that same chair. He might have stood up, I can’t remember, but he never made a way to get closer like everybody else was.”
Hebner added that before his tragic accident, Hart had been making plans for a life after professional wrestling. He said,
“The year Owen passed away, he was building a brand new house. He had told me and probably a lot of other people that at the end of that year, he was going to retire and go home with his family because of the new house he built.”
Hart died after the harness he was set to use for his entrance malfunctioned. WWE would have a ‘RAW is Owen’ tribute show the following night.
The Tragic Fall of Owen Hart: A Look Back at Over the Edge 1999
It was a fateful night on May 23, 1999, when tragedy struck the world of professional wrestling. Owen Hart, a beloved wrestler known for his incredible athleticism and charismatic personality, met an untimely demise during the Over the Edge pay-per-view event. The incident left fans, fellow wrestlers, and industry insiders in shock and mourning. In a recent interview with Earl Hebner on “The Ten Count” podcast, he shared Vince McMahon’s immediate reaction to the tragic fall and shed light on Hart’s plans for a life beyond wrestling.
Hebner, a veteran referee who was present at the event, recalled McMahon’s response to the accident. He revealed that McMahon remained seated in his chair, seemingly frozen in shock and disbelief. While others rushed to the scene and tried to help, McMahon stayed put, unable to process the gravity of the situation. It was a moment that would forever haunt those who witnessed it.
The incident occurred during Hart’s entrance for his match against The Godfather. As part of his gimmick, Hart was set to descend from the rafters of the Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri. However, a malfunction with the harness caused him to fall approximately 78 feet into the ring. The impact was fatal, and despite immediate medical attention, Hart could not be saved.
Hebner also shared some insight into Hart’s life outside of wrestling. He revealed that in the year leading up to his tragic accident, Hart had been making plans for retirement. He had built a brand new house and had expressed his intention to leave professional wrestling behind and spend more time with his family. It was a bittersweet revelation that highlighted the personal aspirations Hart had beyond his successful career in the ring.
The aftermath of Hart’s death was felt deeply throughout the wrestling community. WWE, then known as WWF, paid tribute to the fallen superstar with a special episode of Monday Night RAW titled “RAW is Owen.” The show featured heartfelt speeches, video packages showcasing Hart’s career highlights, and emotional performances by his fellow wrestlers. It was a somber and cathartic moment for everyone involved, as they came together to honor a man who had left an indelible mark on the industry.
The tragic fall of Owen Hart serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in professional wrestling. While the industry has taken significant steps to prioritize safety in recent years, accidents can still happen. Hart’s death prompted a reevaluation of safety protocols and equipment in wrestling promotions worldwide, leading to stricter regulations and improved training for performers.
Over two decades have passed since that fateful night, but the memory of Owen Hart lives on. His legacy as a talented wrestler, a devoted family man, and a beloved figure in the wrestling community endures. The tragedy serves as a constant reminder of the importance of safety in professional wrestling and the need to cherish every moment we have with our loved ones.