Bret Hart Apologizes In Court & Reveals Everything About Owen Hart’s Murder

Owen Hart’s death on May 23, 1999, left a void in the world of professional wrestling. While the official cause of his tragic fall was ruled as an accident, the aftermath has sparked one of the most intense, emotional, and complicated family battles in wrestling history. Bret Hart, Owen’s brother, finally opened up, publicly apologizing and revealing heart-wrenching details about what truly happened behind the scenes that fateful night.

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On that night, during the WWE pay-per-view event Over the Edge, Owen Hart, performing as his blue blazer character, fell 78 feet from the rafters while attempting a stunt entrance. The malfunctioning quick-release harness led to the accident, with the official cause being blunt force trauma. However, this tragedy was not simply an isolated event. The real story starts earlier, in a Calgary home, where Owen had promised his wife, Martha, he wouldn’t do the stunt, leaving her with peace of mind. Yet, something changed between that conversation and the fateful night in Kansas City.

Bret Hart revealed that Owen had reluctantly agreed to proceed with the stunt, and in hindsight, the pressure inside WWE played a significant role. Owen was reportedly going to be awarded the Intercontinental Championship that night, a major career boost. Whether it was the lure of the championship or the culture of compliance in WWE that led to Owen changing his mind remains unclear. However, the equipment, unqualified personnel, and rushed decision-making would prove fatal. WWE continued the show even after Owen’s fall, with wrestlers being instructed to perform despite the tragedy backstage.

What followed was a whirlwind of shock, grief, and unanswered questions. Bret, who was flying to an appearance on The Tonight Show, learned of Owen’s death while mid-flight, receiving the devastating news in front of strangers. On landing, he was thrust into a crisis that would change his relationship with Vince McMahon forever. The emotional weight Bret carried is best understood by the connection he had with his brother Owen. He had fought for Owen’s place in the industry, and losing him under such mysterious and tragic circumstances only intensified the grief.

Bret publicly questioned the possibility of foul play, convinced that Vince McMahon had orchestrated the death as a form of revenge. Though Bret’s fears were not substantiated in a legal or factual sense, his emotional journey was deeply intertwined with his complicated relationship with McMahon, stemming from the infamous Montreal Screwjob in 1997. Vince had humiliated Bret in one of the most notorious betrayals in wrestling history, and Bret’s mind couldn’t help but wonder if McMahon had gone even further in this instance.

Martha Hart, Owen’s widow, sought justice through legal means, filing a wrongful death lawsuit against WWE. She argued that WWE was responsible for Owen’s death due to negligence, citing the faulty equipment and unqualified personnel. WWE eventually settled the case, paying the Hart family $18 million while admitting no liability. However, a deep rift remained between Bret and Martha Hart regarding Owen’s legacy and the way WWE used Owen’s name and likeness in merchandising and documentaries.

Bret’s frustrations grew when WWE’s tribute to Owen, which he was involved in, failed to honor Owen in the way he believed was deserved. The tribute, which aired live as a three-hour special on Monday Night Raw, quickly became a painful reminder for Bret, especially after the full extent of Owen’s tragic death came to light.

Despite the legal battles and family disputes, the Hart family’s fight for Owen’s legacy continues to this day. While Bret Hart reconciled with WWE in 2005 and returned to the company, his past history with Vince McMahon and the emotional scars from losing his brother remain a lasting influence. Martha Hart, on the other hand, remains steadfast in her fight, ensuring that Owen’s memory is kept intact, regardless of the challenges she faces from the wrestling industry.

As the 25th anniversary of Owen Hart’s death approaches, the question remains: Can a tragedy like his ever truly have closure? The answer, perhaps, lies in the ongoing battle between family loyalty, justice, and the business that defined both Owen and his family’s legacy.