May 23, 1999 remains one of the worst days in pro wrestling history.
20 years ago today (May 23), WWE star Owen Hart fell to his death while attempting to rappel from the top of the Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri at WWF’s Over the Edge pay-per-view. The incident occurred while a pre-match hype video played on the pay-per-view broadcast prior to Hart’s scheduled match with The Godfather.
Despite the corner of the ring where Hart fell being visibly broken, the pay-per-view went on as scheduled, with viewers being informed of Hart’s death one hour into the telecast.
Hart would have been 54 today.
Two decades have passed and Owen Hart’s memory still lives on. Today many in the pro wrestling community took to social media to both remember and pay tribute to Hart.
“I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new. I thought of you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you in silence as I often speak your name. ....... pic.twitter.com/X16msMJ2Cw
— Bret Hart (@BretHart) May 23, 2019
... All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part. God has you in His keeping. I have you in my heart.” - Unknown pic.twitter.com/sWNzzdAY5b
— Bret Hart (@BretHart) May 23, 2019
20 years you’ve been missed— we love you, King of Harts pic.twitter.com/NLIVXNXAkM
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) May 23, 2019
20 years ago today the world lost Owen Hart. We miss you, Owen. R.I.P. https://t.co/waAaqAvr0f
— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) May 23, 2019
Thinking of Owen’s family today. #OwenHart pic.twitter.com/vS6KhWNgwB
— Beth Copeland (@TheBethPhoenix) May 23, 2019
We lost Owen Hart 20 years ago today. Long live the two-time slammy winning King of Harts. pic.twitter.com/LjZUsk16k5
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) May 23, 2019
May 23, 1999. We not only lost a great wrestler but a great man. Owen Hart died in a tragic fall at the Kemper arena in Kansas City, MO. Gone but never forgotten. Pictured on the WWF Wrestle Vessel with @TheTerriRunnels, @dustinrhodes @JRsBBQ @steveaustinBSR @TripleH pic.twitter.com/ffcu3G5XEn
— Marc Mero (@MarcMero) May 23, 2019
Not just today, I try to remember Owen Hart every day. Owen was a friend to so many, quick to lend a hand, provide encouragement or even just a simple smile. Owen has left a lasting impact on us all, far beyond the wresting landscape and I'm proud to see that legacy continue.
— KEN SHAMROCK (@ShamrockKen) May 23, 2019
Owen.
— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) May 23, 2019
Today we're remembering the great #OwenHart who we lost 20 years ago.
— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) May 23, 2019
From the @BustedOpenRadio Archive: @TheMarkHenry says Owen was more than just a friend, he was a teacher.https://t.co/YGs3jS1u2J
In case you missed it, the crew over at POST Wrestling did a fantastic video about the tragedy called Owen Hart’s Final Day: A POST Profile Audio Documentary.
Rest in peace Owen.