10 Wrestlers Who Had Their Careers Stolen From Them
1. Owen Hart
Whilst it's easy to poke fun at bad creative, this final entry is a sad and serious one; and is quite rightfully regarded as one of the most tragic events in pro wrestling history. The avoidable death of Owen Hart at Over the Edge 1999 is something that has shaken and shaped the industry for the last 20+ years.
After falling from a planned ring entrance, Hart bled out internally in minutes in front of the live crowd as TV cameras were forced to cut to a concerned and confused audience. Controversially, the WWE continued the event: a decision that has created a rift between the company and the Hart family, especially Owen’s widow Martha.
In the following weeks, the WWE paid their tributes. Jeff Jarrett beat the Godfather to capture the Intercontinental Championship - the title Owen was booked to win at Over the Edge if the accident not occurred.
Hart’s influence on pro-wrestling is still felt today, reflected most recently in AEW’s Owen Hart Cup tournament, and many of the stars both of this company and WWE pay homage to his in-ring acumen and his wonderful personality.
Despite having to wrestle his way out of the shadow of his older brother and WWF Champion Bret Hart, Owen’s obnoxious heel work is the stuff of legend and one can only wonder what would have been next if this incident had not occured.