Should WWE have stopped the broadcast of Over the Edge 1999 following the death of Owen Hart during the show?
Hart passed away after a harness that was supposed to be used for his entrance which would’ve seen the Canadian descend from the rafters like WCW’s Sting malfunctioned.
During a recent edition of the “Kliq This” podcast, Nash spoke about the difficult decision to continue with the broadcast following Hart’s death. He said,
“I wasn’t there. I think Jeff Jarrett went out after that, he and Owen were best friends. He was clearly passed when he went by Jeff, and Jeff had to go out there and perform. I know that when my mom passed away and I went to the arena, and Vince made it my call. ‘You want to get on a plane? What do you want to do?’ And I said ‘Well, she’s not going anywhere.’ There’s a … I can’t see any of the boys, if it was us, and they passed, I couldn’t see any of us want to make the whole show start over.
“I don’t think that Vince is a callous human being. I think that he looked at everything from that situation and made what he thought that was the best call. That’s why I have a real hard time saying I would do anything otherwise, because he’s worth $9 billion. So obviously he’s got a little bit of game.”
The following episode of WWF Monday Night RAW was a tribute show to Owen Hart. Over the Edge 1999 remains available to watch on the WWE Network/Peacock.
You can keep up with all your wrestling news right here on eWrestlingNews.com. Or, you can follow us over on our Twitter and Facebook pages.
The Tragic Death of Owen Hart: Should WWE Have Stopped the Broadcast of Over the Edge 1999?
On May 23, 1999, the world of professional wrestling was shaken to its core when Owen Hart tragically lost his life during the Over the Edge pay-per-view event. Hart, a beloved wrestler known for his incredible athleticism and charismatic personality, was set to make a grand entrance from the rafters of the arena. However, a malfunction with the harness led to a fatal accident that took his life.
The question that has lingered in the minds of wrestling fans and industry insiders alike is whether WWE should have stopped the broadcast of the event following Hart’s death. It is a difficult decision to make, and one that continues to spark debate even after more than two decades.
In a recent episode of the “Kliq This” podcast, former WWE superstar Kevin Nash shared his thoughts on the matter. Nash, who was not present at the event, empathized with Hart’s best friend Jeff Jarrett, who had to go out and perform after witnessing the tragic incident. Nash also drew from his own personal experience of losing his mother and having to make the decision whether to continue with his wrestling commitments.
Nash acknowledged that Vince McMahon, the owner of WWE, had to make a tough call in the aftermath of Hart’s death. He believes that McMahon, despite being perceived by some as callous, considered all aspects of the situation and made what he believed was the best decision. Nash also pointed out McMahon’s success in building WWE into a multi-billion dollar empire as evidence of his ability to make strategic choices.
Following Hart’s death, WWE aired a tribute show in his honor on the next episode of WWF Monday Night RAW. This gesture allowed fans and fellow wrestlers to pay their respects to Hart and celebrate his life and contributions to the industry.
Over the Edge 1999, despite its tragic outcome, remains available to watch on the WWE Network/Peacock. This decision by WWE allows fans to remember Hart’s final moments in the ring and serves as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices that wrestlers undertake to entertain their audience.
The question of whether WWE should have halted the broadcast of Over the Edge 1999 is subjective and depends on individual perspectives. Some argue that continuing with the show was a way to honor Hart’s legacy and provide closure for the wrestlers and fans in attendance. Others believe that stopping the broadcast would have been a more respectful choice, considering the gravity of the situation.
Ultimately, the decision made by Vince McMahon and WWE was a difficult one, with no clear right or wrong answer. It is a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by those in positions of power and the weight of responsibility they carry.
As wrestling fans, we can only hope that tragedies like the one that occurred at Over the Edge 1999 serve as catalysts for improved safety measures and protocols within the industry. The loss of Owen Hart will forever be etched in the memories of wrestling fans worldwide, but his legacy as a talented performer and beloved individual will continue to live on.