WWE: 10 Real Controversies We Want The WWE Network To Cover

2. Owen Hart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56DhwCWxQPg The tragedy of Over the Edge 1999 is still planted firmly in the minds of wrestling fans in 2014. On May 23rd, 1999 WWE superstar Owen Hart tragically fell to his death when an entrance stunt went wrong at the Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri. At the time, Hart was playing the Blue Blazer character, a cartoonish spoof of the type of goody two shoes wrestling characters present in the WWE in the 80s. On the night, Hart was to be lowered to the ring on a harness, act like he was tangled up in it, then release himself safely for a comedy fall into the ring. Unfortunately, for whatever reason the quick release mechanism on the harness was released early and Owen fell to the ring from a height of 78 feet, landing chest first on the ropes. The impact caused a blunt forced trauma that resulted in heavy internal bleeding that took Hart's life that night. Controversially, the WWE decided that despite the horrific accident, Over the Edge would continue. Wrestlers clearly struggled with the event continuation, notably in a distraught Jeff Jarrett promo just minutes after the incident. After a match pitting the Union against the Corporate Ministry, Jim Ross had the unfortunate duty of informing the viewers at home that Owen had died. Over the Edge was never released on WWE home video or DVD but has just recently been announced as an available PPV on the WWE Network, albeit with major edits out of respect to Owen and the Hart family. The event set numerous wheels in motion. The Hart family sued the WWE for carrying out the poorly planned stunt, eventually settling out of court for a reported sum of $18 Million. Later, Martha would sue WWE again for using Owen's image and failing to pay royalties. Again it was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum. On the WWE side of things, the following nights episode of Raw was turned into a complete tribute for Owen. Superstars were given the option of working while all storylines were put aside for the night. Over the course of the show, wrestlers did interviews paying tribute to the life of Owen. With WWE already confirming that Over the Edge will appear on the Network, they now have the opportunity to honestly examine that night and everything that has transpired since. While there are probably some legal problems I'm not aware of that would stop it ever happening, WWE could easily put together a new, modern, reflective tribute to Owen focusing on Over the Edge, Raw is Owen and Owen's legacy in the business. A large part of the 1999 roster are still on good terms with WWE and would no doubt gladly take part and be able to honestly reflect on what happened without fear of being in WWE bad books. Though they will probably never be in Martha Hart's good graces no matter what they do, an honest Owen Hart tribute is no doubt something that the Hart family, other superstars and fans alike would all welcome on this new Network adventure.