10 Fascinating WWE SummerSlam 1997 Facts
3. The Injury Drove A Wedge Between Austin And Owen
It is extremely rare for someone to utter a negative word about Owen Hart, but Austin was understandably an exception. In his 2003 autobiography, Austin spoke frankly on the matter, but stopped short of expressing hatred toward Hart for the incident. Austin chalked up the injury to the nature of the wrestling business, where bad things can sometimes happen. However, in the aftermath, Austin began to view Owen in a different light.
According to Austin, Owen never once called Austin during his convalescence to apologize, even though Bret was apparently insistent that Owen get in touch with him. The two remained cordial and professional with each other, but Austin admits that they barely spoke, and that Austin, "didn't think (Owen) was as funny," as he once did.
Austin and Jim Ross both theorize that the traumatic feelings of guilt and shame may have made it hard for Owen to reach out, and Ross laments that the two never mended fences before Hart's passing.