10 Things Deleted From WWE History

7. Owen Hart's Legacy

Chris Benoit
WWE

He's one of the greatest technical wrestlers in WWE history, but you won't hear Owen Hart's name mentioned on WWE television in 2017. His legacy was consigned to the past as a result of an unfortunate legal battle started in 2010, and settled three years later.

Owen's widow (Martha Hart) sued the company for their use of his name and likeness, as well as the use of personal family photographs in their Hart & Soul documentary. She also alleged that the company had failed to make loyalty payments that she thought she was entitled to, and the matter was set to go to court in June 2013. Things didn't get to that stage, however, as the two parties settled for an undisclosed amount two months prior.

WWE have released DVD/Blu-ray set covering his career since then, but they never recognised his contribution to the company on Raw or SmackDown. He's not in the Hall Of Fame, never features in highlight reels or video packages, and his name is never brought up by the announcers. The case was settled, but the company know that Owen's family don't want them profiting on his legacy, so they don't. Simple.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.