No Owen Hart Induction For WWE Hall Of Fame This Year?

By Ryan Droste / January 27, 2016

Ever since WWE initially announced plans for an Owen Hart DVD/Blu-ray set, which was released this past December, it seemed as if the company was laying the ground work for a possible WWE Hall of Fame induction. Bret Hart has always been rather vocal about his desire to see his late brother inducted and honored during WrestleMania weekend. However, this is in stark contrast to Owen's widow, Martha, who has always strayed from any connection to the wrestling industry following her husband's tragic death on May 23, 1999. Clearly, if Owen were to be inducted, Bret would be more than willing to accept the honor. Additionally, Owen could be inducted alongside his former stable mates if the Hart Foundation as a unit were inducted, similar to the Four Horsemen a few years back. However, it doesn't appear that any of this will be happening in Dallas during WrestleMania 32 weekend. Owen's older brother, Smith Hart, took to his Facebook page to explain to fans that nobody from the Hart family will be inducted this year. No Hart Foundation induction, no "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith induction, and also no Owen Hart induction. Smith wrote:

I just got off the phone with my brother Bret, who called to wish me well. In talking to Bret, I can confirm that WWE will NOT be inducting Owen, Davey, Blue Blazer or even as Bret and I suggested, of inducting the entire Hart Foundation as a unit this year in Dallas for their fictional Hall of Fame. This once again proves that WWE€™s Hall of Fame is nothing more than profiteering, grandstanding and political BS. It€™s a shame, not only for the fans that still fill my inbox annually holding hope, but also for WWE as the task of filling 100,000 plus into Jerry€™s world seems near impossible with their vastly depleted roster and horrible creative direction. A Hart Foundation induction on its own would not fill the stadium, but I€™m sure would help more than the proposed inductions of The Godfather, Jacqueline or JBL (with all due respect). The reason given for the lack of an Owen induction is still our former Sister in law, Martha who still holds a grudge as if the tragedy happened days ago. Personally, I wouldn€™t blame Bret or anyone in my family if they boycotted this year€™s show.

As you can see, Smith was quite critical of both WWE and Martha Hart. His comments withstanding, it's not impossible that WWE could pivot and change their mind over the next two months. As things stand right now, though, it looks like it will be another year of waiting for Owen's fans around the world.