AEW announced that both of the Owen Hart Cup tournaments would begin early next year.
Tonight’s Dynamite showed a video with footage of Hart wrestling in New Japan Pro Wrestling, and also showed home videos of Hart with his family. AEW stars such as Mark Henry, Matt Hardy, and Adam Cole, among others, talked about their experiences with Hart. AEW then confirmed that the Owen Hart Cup, which consists of both a men’s and women’s tournament, would take place early next year.
The finals of both tournaments will take place at Double or Nothing in May, with the widow of Hart, Dr. Martha Hart, presenting the winners with the Owen Hart Cup.
Both AEW and Martha Hart’s Owen Hart Foundation announced a partnership in September that established the tournaments, as well as other merchandise including action figures, apparel, and other collectables. In addition, Owen Hart will be included in the upcoming AEW console video game.
More details on the Owen Hart Cup tournament have been revealed.
On tonight’s Rampage, it was announced that the men’s and women’s Owen Hart Cup tournaments will take place in May. The finals will take place at Double or Nothing. Hart’s widow, Dr. Martha Hart, will be at Double or Nothing to award the cups to the two tournament winners. Further details will be announced on next Wednesday’s Dynamite.
Tony Khan announced on Busted Open Radio on Friday that more information would be announced on tonight’s show. Both will be singles tournaments. It was announced in September that AEW was partnering with the Owen Hart Foundation for the tournaments.
“This collaboration includes launching the annual Owen Hart Cup Tournament within AEW, which will see the winner receive a Cup known as ‘The Owen,’ as well as the production and distribution of unique and original Owen Hart merchandise, including specified retail goods as well as the upcoming AEW console video game,” the company announced at the time.
AEW will be holding both men’s and women’s versions of its Owen Hart Cup tournament.
During his appearance on Busted Open Radio on Friday, Tony Khan revealed that, in addition to the men’s tournament, there will be a women’s Owen Hart Cup. Khan said the when and where regarding the tournaments and where they will be culminating will be announced on tonight’s Rampage.
Khan said Dr. Martha Hart has been great to work with, and she’ll be presenting the trophies to both winners at the conclusion of the tournaments.
AEW has yet to reveal the participants for either tournament. Khan said both Owen Hart Cups will be singles tournaments.
More information will also be announced on next Wednesday’s Holiday Bash edition of Dynamite. A video about the Owen Hart Cup will be airing on that show, with Khan saying that Rocky Romero helped AEW get footage of Owen Hart from NJPW that will be used in the video. The video will tell fans more about the tournaments, the Owen Hart Foundation, and what AEW hopes to accomplish with the tournaments.
This September, it was announced that AEW and the Owen Hart Foundation had entered into a partnership to honor the legacy of the late Owen Hart.
“This collaboration includes launching the annual Owen Hart Cup Tournament within AEW, which will see the winner receive a Cup known as ‘The Owen,’ as well as the production and distribution of unique and original Owen Hart merchandise, including specified retail goods as well as the upcoming AEW console video game,” AEW announced
“This alliance incorporates opportunities to develop Owen Hart action figures via AEW’s partnership with Jazwares, apparel, posters, and additional collectable merchandise.”
During an interview with Barstool Sports Wednesday, AEW’s Tony Khan said he is talking to WarnerMedia about a way for fans to watch their entire AEW library.
He hopes he will be able to make a solution for fans to view the entire library which will include past episodes of Dynamite, Rampage, Dark, past pay-per-views and the House Always Wins live event that has never been streamed. Khan didn’t say when it would launch or how, but that it will be soon and that he has been talking to people within WarnerMedia about it.
In a separate interview with Barstool on Tuesday, Khan said an update is coming soon on the Owen Hart memorial tournament.
With the recently announced relationship with the Owen Hart Foundation and the tournament for the cup that will be called “The Owen,” he plans on making more announcements about that when Dynamite returns to Wednesdays later this month. They are running back-to-back Saturdays due to the NHL on TNT.
Asked about wanting to run Madison Square Garden, Khan said that appealed to him at one point but was very happy running Arthur Ashe Stadium at Queens, NY. He also put over their success in selling tickets at the new UBS Arena in Long Island where they will debut this December.
“A lot of of wrestling has been (at MSG) and we are the only ones to be at Arthur Ashe,” he said, while saying he hopes to run more shows at the stadium in the future.
AEW and The Owen Hart Foundation announced a new partnership on Monday which will include the creation of the Owen Hart Cup tournament.
The collaboration will also include production and distribution of unique and original Owen Hart merchandise like action figures apparel posters and other collectibles and inclusion in the upcoming AEW console video game. The tournament will see the creation of a cup they are calling the “The Owen.”
Created in 2000 and run by Owen’s wife, Martha, the non-profit Foundation provides global aid to at-risk communities with scholarships, housing, food drives, backpack giveaways and more.
Owen, then 34, was killed during an accident while being dropped into the ring while in a harness at the then-WWF Over The Edge pay-per-view in May 1999. Martha later sued the WWF and settled out of court for $18 million.
“AEW’s relationship with the Hart family dates back to our inaugural pay-per-view event, Double or Nothing in 2019, and Owen’s influence is still felt today/ To extend his memory and his legacy even further through this agreement is a powerful and meaningful moment for the entire wrestling community,” AEW’s Tony Khan said in the press release.
In the release, Martha said, “The Owen Hart Foundation is extremely pleased to partner with AEW in this wonderful joint venture to honor Owen’s substantial international wrestling career and the lasting influence he and his craft has had in the sport. AEW’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament serves as a tremendous tribute to Owen and provides an incredible way for professional wrestling enthusiasts to celebrate his work in a most fitting way. We trust that Tony Khan and his amazing AEW team will do a brilliant job with this highly anticipated project. This OHF/AEW partnership is my special gift to all of Owen’s magnificent loyal fans who forever remember him and his inspiring repertoire of talents.”
Our lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer analyzes the WarnerMedia and AEW new deal, from the change of stations in 2022, quarterly specials both the good and bad and what they can’t be or they won’t work, how to tape so much content, the benefits and non-benefits of TBS vs. TNT, of a second show, how the second show idea came about, and for every action there is an equal or opposite reaction.
Also in this issue:
Turmoil in New Japan, COVID issues, and first hints of what is going on behind the scenes as well as Ospreay drops title
Full coverage of WrestleMania Backlash, PPV numbers, next direction, poll results
A look at all the WWE cuts and background behind them, who was and wasn’t a surprise
Coverage of UFC 262, back story, where everyone goes next, all the business notes on the show
How AEW ticket sales are doing for all the events on sale now and what that tells us about where they stand and things stand
All the different questions that have come out of the talks to put together Georges St-Pierre vs. Oscar de la Hoya, plus freezing contracts, Jake Paul’s new deal and more
Lots more behind the scenes of Mayweather vs. Logan Paul including who was originally to finance the show
News on TripleMania, Omega vs. Andrade and other plans for Mexico’s big event of the year
A look back at what some would say was the biggest match ever in the Carolinas and step-by-step of building it, plus the unique story of the career of Don Kernodle, from a shoot match debut, the match that led to Starrcade and more
The story of Sergio el Hermoso & El Bello Greco, a landmark tag team and the glory days of UWA
The most complete look at TV ratings available, including who watches live, how long they watch and more
Match of the week and performer of the week
Pro wrestling legend to be inducted into sports Hall of Fame
What wrestling promoter sang backup for John Lennon
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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
We have two weekend shows. Garrett Gonzales and I went through the news of the week and Bryan and I did a show last night on the AEW new TV deal plus Smackdown and UFC from the weekend.
As far as what made Google trending lists this week from Combat Sports, Paul Felder, who announced his retirement on last night’s UFC show was No. 9 for today as of this morning. For Saturday, the UFC show was No. 9 at 200,000 and Fast & Furious 9 (with John Cena) was No. 19 at 50,000. On Friday, Dave Bautista was no.l 7 a 200,000 and Manny Pacquiao was no. 19 at 50,000.
Lots of very high praise for today’s Hana Kimura Memorial show which broadcasted in English on FITE.
Recording artist Lalo The Don debuts his new single/video “Til The Break of Don” which he filmed in Tokyo just before the COVID19 pandemic. Prior to his tour, he was alerted that the Netflix Terrace House Tokyo star was a fan of his music noting that her favorite tracks included songs like Caterpillar and Get Low 4 Me remix which featured Nicki Minaj. Also at the end of the video is a reminder for fan’s to donate to RememberHana.com the organization created by Hana’s mother Kyoko Kimura. Here are the key social media links.
Also, the Don Kernodle story in the current issue has a lot of interesting notes about wrestling in the 70s and early 80s including the story of the Steamboat & Youngblood vs. Slaughter & Kernodle feud which is one of the most important tag tam programs in history.
Today is the 22nd anniversary of the tragic accident that took the life of Owen Hart at Kemper Arena in Kansas City. John Pollock has a great piece on the final hours of the life of Owen Hart.
New Japan at Korakuen Hall at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow morning on New Japan World
Yota Tsuji vs. Yujiro Takahashi
Zack Sabre Jr. & Douki vs. Chase Owens & Gedo
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Tomoaki Honma vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa
Jeff Cobb & Great O’Khan vs. Kota Ibushi & Master Wato
Hirooki Goto & Ryuske Taguchi & Tomohiro Ihii & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Sanada & Shingo Takagi & Bushi
OTHER NOTES
Bodyzoi Wrestling from Belgium aired their 3rd big event yesterday on their YouTube channel for free.
Tyson Fury is a -280 favorite against Deontay Wilder according to www.sportsbetging.ag
Pro Wrestling Phoenix on Thursday night in Omaha: Pat Powers b Omar Pachecco in a flag match, Purple b JD Parker, Moonshine Russell b Nino Hatchet, Lars Metzger & Johnny Ruckus b Tim Boston & Seto Kobara in a last team standing match, Paul & Joey Daniels b Kit Sackett & Xander McIntosh, Duke Cornell b Brenden Juarez, Jack Darling b Mack Riggs Brett Bishop b Con Artiest. Next show is 6/11 at the Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha.
Invicta Atomweight champion Alesha Zappitella wrote a tweet saying she wanted to be on Impact Wrestling. Invica and Impact are both owned by Anthem Entertainment. (thanks to Himanshu D)
Atomic Wrestling Federation from last night in Lake Butler, FL: Boricua Bad Boyz b Atomic Formula, Maxwell Chicago b Tone Harrow, Bobby Leger b Kenny Vendetta, Neon Ninja won three-way over Jimmy Taylor and Jason Orion, Deon James b Dashing Kam, Tanally b Joey J, Tanally b Bii Bii
Dynamo Pro Wrestling from last night in Glen Carbon, IL: Benjamin Trust won Rumble, Makaze II b Sadie Blaze, Camaro Jackson b Bandolero, Tony Estreem & Jackal won three-way over Outtkast & Xavier Shadowz & Chris Hendrix & ATM, Adrian Surge b Benjamin Trust, Ricky Cruz b Super Crazy (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
Satoshi Kojima debuts on Impact this coming Thursday on a show with Deonna Purrazzo & Tasha Steelz & Kiera Hogan & Kimber Lee & Susan vs. Rosemary & Havok & Tenille Dashwood & Taylor Wilde & Rachael Ellering, TJP & Fallah Bahh vs. Petey Williams & Josh Alexander and more.
Innovate Wrestling on 5/29 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium.
MCPW from last night in Kalkaska, MI: Aaron Orion won six-way over Jackson Stone, Eli Shelton & TJ Meyer & Max Morrison and Jack Vervlle, Mitch Hewitt b Graham Bell, Nolan Edward b Everett Connors, Johnny Swinger b Nick King, Jack Price & Isaish Broner b Kevin Kalloway & Sean Tyler, Warhorse b Gary Jay, Mikey Zeroe & Pap Zeroe b Christopher Saint in a handicap match, Tommy Vendetta b Jumal King (thanks to Leonard Brand)
Pro Wrestling Australia announced the Aussie Open vs Robbie Eagles & Mat Diamond on 6/13 on FITE TV. The main event will be Jessica Troy vs. Sam Osborne for the PWWA title. They also have a show on 5/29 live and free on FITE V with Eagles, Shazza McKenzie, Mick Moretti and Green Dingoes.
Stardom from today at Yamanashi: Maiki b Hina, Starlight Kid & Hanan b Unagi Sayaka & Lady C, Momo Watanabe & AZM b Natsuko Tora & Ruaka, Mayu Iwatanid d Giulia 15:00, Utami Hayashishita & Saya Kamitani b Tam Nakano & Mina Shirakawa. Having the two biggest stars in the company do a singles match on a spot show did have to do with the one-year anniversary of the death of Hana Kimura. The singles match was said to be fantastic, with both doing Kimura spots. Giulia praised Kimura after the match. There was also a moment of silence before the show with the entire roster surrounding the ring to honor Kimura. Syuri, Natsupoi, Konami and Jungle Kyona were all given permission by Bushiroad to attend the Kimura Memorial show at Korakuen Hall.
My look at the 100 darkest moments in pop culture history continues with one of the darkest days in pro wrestling history.
In May 1999, WWE was holding one of its monthly pay-per-views in Kansas City, MO when 34-year-old Owen Hart fell to his death while performing an ill-advised and unnecessary stunt that almost happened on live TV.
A new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is out with a wider variety of news stories than any issue we’ve done in a long time.
From a perspective among leading sports doctors about opening up, to Becky Lynch’s pregnancy and what the plans for her that won’t happen were scheduled to be, to Money in the Bank coverage, Roman Reigns risk factors, New Japan talks its future, AEW profitability, Oliver Luck’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon and Georges St-Pierre in the Hall of Fame, it’s all covered here.
The issue covers in detail:
Becky Lynch’s pregnancy, her comments on it, timing, what were the booking plans for her and how Money in the Bank changed, a look back at how Lynch got over when she wasn’t supposed to and the time frame where Lynch became the chosen one, while at the same time the crowd was mad, not realizing any of this.
Ronaldo Jacare Souza’s positive test for COVID, UFC handling the situation, and the key components of the story that have not been covered well elsewhere.
How UFC didn’t abide by its own policies, what UFC did learn, and what fighters and reporters signed to get in the door to the show.
Facts of the Coronavirus and on combat sports from three doctors who have extensive experience with combat sports.
Harold Meij talking about New Japan Pro Wrestling, why it made the choices it did not to turn, as well as its plans when it can run and the stages it will go through, why the company has been able to remain solvent while not running live events.
Complete coverage of UFC 249 and WWE Money in the Bank, including match-by-match coverage and poll results on both shows.
Behind the scenes notes on both shows, including UFC business, and interest level in WWE.
The arrest of Alberto Rodriguez, the former Alberto Del Rio, for sexual assault, the harrowing description of what happened and more.
Roman Reigns sitting it out including what he said and his risk factors.
Updated plans for SummerSlam and where Vince is coming from, plans for the next Takeover, WWE book on best sellers list, The softening of the brand split, update on Rey Mysterio, Rachael Ellering release info, NBA star says he’s going to WWE, Undertaker documentary notes, the story of how two different planned WrestleMania main events in 2011 fell through, Sting update, Canadian TV ratings, One of the best college wrestlers mentions going into pro wrestling, Raw DVR numbers, WWE market value and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
Smackdown’s renewal and what it means.
Feature on the career of Georges St-Pierre and his records and his legacy, as he gets inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Oliver Luck lawsuit against Vince McMahon, including details of his contract, Vince’s attempts and arguments to get out of paying him on that contract and arguments both sides are making.
AEW’s Double or Nothing plans as well as the return of some of the company’s biggest stars.
AEW’s profitability in April, the cost of production and cost savings, Mike Tyson, the casino ladder match and more.
May 13 UFC show.
Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
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For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
We are currently hiring for the following technical position:
Web/UI Developer(s)
We are looking for someone that has:
Experience with OnLamp(Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP)
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While this is a diverse request, this doesn’t have to all one person. If you fit part of this please feel free to inquire. This isn’t just for projects related to F4WOnline.
Triple H posted a statement about Shad Gaspard’s passing: “I join fans around the world as we remember Shad Gaspard as a beloved performer and a caring father. In absolutely tragic circumstances, please keep his loved ones in your thoughts.”
Shane McMahon also wrote: “Saddened to hear the news of the passing of the ‘The Beast’ Shad Gaspard. A hero even to the end, my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. A great man in this world, you will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace, my friend.”
The Athletic has an article (subscription required) questioning if Vince McMahon is trying to buy the XFL out of Delaware bankruptcy court, saying that XFL creditors “seem to believe” that is the case.
It was announced on The Bump that a new WWE 24 episode on Ric Flair will premiere on the WWE Network on demand at 10 a.m. Eastern time on June 7. It’s titled Ric Flair: The Final Farewell and will also air after NXT TakeOver: In Your House later that night.
The episode of WWE’s Ruthless Aggression docuseries that aired on FS1 at 10 p.m. Eastern time last night averaged 214,000 viewers. The rating in the 18-49 demo was a 0.06, ranking #105 for the night on cable. Another episode of Ruthless Aggression at 11 p.m. scored 177,000 viewers and did a 0.05 rating in 18-49, placing it at #114.
Stardom announced today that Arisa Hoshiki, who was their Wonder of Stardom champion, would be retiring due to head and neck injuries. Hoshiki, 24, has returned the championship to Stardom and will not be returning when Stardom resumes shows. She started wrestling for the promotion in 2011, but left the following year to pursue boxing and music. She returned in 2018. Stardom’s English Twitter account later shared a message from Hoshiki which explained why she chose to retire.
Martha Hart responded to the statement that WWE outside counsel Jerry McDevitt issued to CBS Sports: “In response to Jerry McDevitt’s recent comments I want to make it very clear, if there was one person on this planet who wanted to get to the bottom of what happened to my husband Owen it was me! The defense on the other hand was doing everything in their power to muddy the waters (as they try to continue to do) in an effort to detract from the case because they didn’t have one. I read every single affidavit taken, sat through endless face-to-face depositions, and spent over a year of my life dissecting every solitary fact of this case. To insinuate for one second that I of all people did not care about the truth behind Owen’s death, but instead was more interested in a ridiculous vendetta against the wrestling business, is beyond the pale. Jerry McDevitt’s comments are absolutely absurd, reckless, and pathetic. I am not surprised that the WWE would trot out Mr. McDevitt to do damage control. After all, the events surrounding Owen’s death and the aftermath that followed are extremely disturbing and do not reflect well on their company. Not to mention that Linda McMahon was the acting CEO of the WWF (now WWE) at the time of Owen’s death, which does not bode well for them either, especially given her ties to President Donald Trump and his administration. At the end of the day truth has always been my defense and for anyone who seeks it regarding this case and the events surrounding Owen’s death I suggest they read my book. It is all in there.”
AEW, ROH, and the NWA paid tribute to Shad Gaspard.
MLW CEO Court Bauer tweeted today: “The deal I’ve been hinting at is done! Cannot wait to share this one with our fans, locker room and crew. It fortifies our future. Truly transformative for @MLW.”
Dana White has announced that the May 30 UFC event, which will be headlined by Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns, will take place at the UFC Apex training center in Las Vegas.
Jim Ross spoke to Ariel Helwani about attending last week’s UFC event with Tony Khan and Jon Moxley.
Free fights that have been added to UFC’s YouTube channel include Matt Brown vs. Erick Silva from 2014 and Nate Diaz vs. Michael Johnson from 2016.
Roxanne Modafferi vs. Lauren Murphy is in the works for the June 20 UFC event.
Raquel Pennington vs. Marion Reneau is also slated for June 20.
Dark Side of the Ring closed out its second season by drawing the best ratings in series history.
Last night’s Dark Side of the Ring documentary on the final days of Owen Hart averaged 349,000 viewers on Vice TV. In the 18-49 demo, the show drew a 0.18 rating. The rating in the 18-49 demo placed Dark Side of the Ring 31st overall for the night in the cable TV rankings in that category.
The viewership number and 18-49 rating both topped this season’s two-hour premiere on Chris Benoit for the best numbers Dark Side of the Ring has done.
The Benoit documentary was previously the highest rated show in Vice TV history.
The After Dark post-show for last week’s Road Warriors episode, which premiered right before Dark Side of the Ring last night, averaged 95,000 viewers. It drew a 0.03 rating in 18-49.
Here’s a look at the ratings for Dark Side of the Ring seasons one and two:
Season one —
Macho Man & Ms. Elizabeth — 154,000 viewers, 0.06 rating in 18-49
The Montreal Screwjob — 181,000 viewers, 0.07 rating in 18-49
Bruiser Brody — 214,000 viewers, 0.07 rating in 18-49
The Von Erich family — 234,000 viewers, 0.08 rating in 18-49
Gino Hernandez — 225,000 viewers, 0.08 rating in 18-49
The Fabulous Moolah — 200,000 viewers, 0.07 rating in 18-49
Season two —
Chris Benoit — 320,000 viewers, 0.14 rating in 18-49
New Jack — 229,000 viewers, 0.11 rating in 18-49
Brawl for All — 226,000 viewers, 0.09 rating in 18-49
Jimmy Snuka and the death of Nancy Argentino: 209,000 viewers, 0.09 rating in 18-49
Dino Bravo — 221,000 viewers, 0.10 rating in 18-49
David Schultz — 255,000 viewers, 0.11 rating in 18-49
Herb Abrams — 246,000 viewers, 0.10 rating in 18-49
The Road Warriors — 264,000 viewers, 0.12 rating in 18-49
With the debut of the Owen Hart episode of Dark Side of The Ring series hours away and discussion about his controversial and tragic death expected to be revived on social media afterward, his widow, Martha, has been doing interviews of late to tell her side of the story and to bring attention to the episode.
While her stance on what happened and her opinion of the company hasn’t changed throughout the years, Jerry McDevitt, outside legal council of WWE, wanted to have their side represented, and did just that with statements given to CBS Sports following the release of a Hart interview they did Monday.
McDevitt, who led the WWE legal team in the case, said that how Hart talks about the lawsuit is inaccurate and that her lawyer was trying to go about things the wrong way:
“What she did whenever this happened is, she hired a lawyer in Kansas City who we caught essentially trying to fix the judicial selection process to get a judge that was more to their liking. We caught them and went all the way to the Missouri Supreme Court. The Missouri Supreme Court said, ‘No, no, no. We’re not going to let that happen.’ They essentially appointed an independent judge to come in from outside of Kansas City to oversee the proceedings. We were basically trying to find out what happened that night. Martha was not even remotely interested in finding out what happened that night; she just wanted to used it as a vehicle to beat up a business that she didn’t like that her husband was in, the wrestling business.”
In her book “Broken Harts”, Hart didn’t speak favorably of McDevitt and said that WWE’s lawyers were claiming Kansas City police weren’t being impartial in an effort to get the case heard before a different judge.
McDevitt also addressed the rift in the Hart family which Martha said was caused by Vince McMahon. McDevitt said that Martha and her lawyer attempted to get family members to sign a document to support her side in exchange for money.
“In exchange for that, they were all promised a share of any verdict or settlement, which is highly illegal, completely improper and you can get in big trouble for that. What happened was some of the members of the Hart family were offended by this because they realized this was wrong…They knew this was wrong and they faxed me those documents, which I fell out of the chair when I read them. I was like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me. This is completely illegal, you can’t do this stuff.’ All of that was then brought to the attention of the judge in Kansas City.”
Martha eventually settled for $18 million in the wrongful death settlement. McDevitt dismissed her claims that she only wanted justice and that she originally wanted $35 million and admission of punitive damages.
“Vince told her right there, ‘Look, Martha, I feel so bad for what happened. I feel responsible because this happened on my watch. I want to take care of you and your family, I loved Owen.’ He was almost crying. We offered $17 million to take care of her. How many times does a CEO walk in a room and say he feels responsible? ‘I’m not going to argue, I just feel responsible for what happened.’ They turned it down; they wanted to go to court for their $35 million. Fine, we’ll go and litigate. The next day, I get a call from her Canadian lawyer, saying they didn’t want to do it because they knew what they were facing with the other things I talked about. They said, ‘If you could put a little more money in. If you can go to $18 million we’ll settle right now.’ That’s how the settlement went down.”
Owen Hart died on May 23, 1999, at the Kemper Arena in Kansas City, MO, following an equipment failure while he being lowered to the ring before his match at the Over The Edge pay-per-view. He was just 34 years old.
“Excited to announce that we signed a deal w/ both Martha Hart & @VICE to bring you BRAND NEW Owen Hart shirts along with the first @DarkSideOfRing shirts,” Pro Wrestling Tees owner Ryan Barkan wrote. “All profits from Owen’s tees will be donated to the Owen Hart Foundation.”
The death of Owen Hart is the subject of this Tuesday’s Dark Side of the Ring season two finale. The episode will premiere on Vice TV at 10 p.m. Eastern time.
A new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is out with a wider variety of news stories than any issue we’ve done in a long time.
From a perspective among leading sports doctors about opening up, to Becky Lynch’s pregnancy and what the plans for her that won’t happen were scheduled to be, to Money in the Bank coverage, Roman Reigns risk factors, New Japan talks its future, AEW profitability, Oliver Luck’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon and Georges St-Pierre in the Hall of Fame, it’s all covered here.
The issue covers in detail:
Becky Lynch’s pregnancy, her comments on it, timing, what were the booking plans for her and how Money in the Bank changed, a look back at how Lynch got over when she wasn’t supposed to and the time frame where Lynch became the chosen one, while at the same time the crowd was mad, not realizing any of this.
Ronaldo Jacare Souza’s positive test for COVID, UFC handling the situation, and the key components of the story that have not been covered well elsewhere.
How UFC didn’t abide by its own policies, what UFC did learn, and what fighters and reporters signed to get in the door to the show.
Facts of the Coronavirus and on combat sports from three doctors who have extensive experience with combat sports.
Harold Meij talking about New Japan Pro Wrestling, why it made the choices it did not to turn, as well as its plans when it can run and the stages it will go through, why the company has been able to remain solvent while not running live events.
Complete coverage of UFC 249 and WWE Money in the Bank, including match-by-match coverage and poll results on both shows.
Behind the scenes notes on both shows, including UFC business, and interest level in WWE.
The arrest of Alberto Rodriguez, the former Alberto Del Rio, for sexual assault, the harrowing description of what happened and more.
Roman Reigns sitting it out including what he said and his risk factors.
Updated plans for SummerSlam and where Vince is coming from, plans for the next Takeover, WWE book on best sellers list, The softening of the brand split, update on Rey Mysterio, Rachael Ellering release info, NBA star says he’s going to WWE, Undertaker documentary notes, the story of how two different planned WrestleMania main events in 2011 fell through, Sting update, Canadian TV ratings, One of the best college wrestlers mentions going into pro wrestling, Raw DVR numbers, WWE market value and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
Smackdown’s renewal and what it means.
Feature on the career of Georges St-Pierre and his records and his legacy, as he gets inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Oliver Luck lawsuit against Vince McMahon, including details of his contract, Vince’s attempts and arguments to get out of paying him on that contract and arguments both sides are making.
AEW’s Double or Nothing plans as well as the return of some of the company’s biggest stars.
AEW’s profitability in April, the cost of production and cost savings, Mike Tyson, the casino ladder match and more.
May 13 UFC show.
Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
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If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight on Wrestling Observer Radio talking about Shad Gaspard, Raw, Larry Csonka and the rest of the current news. You can send questions for the show to [email protected]
We are sad to report the death of Larry Csonka, a wrestling writer from the 411 Mania website who was known for his tireless work in doing wrestling reviews and to send sympathies to both his family and friends as well as the family and friends of Shad Gaspard. Gaspard’s body has not been found and it would seem to be a miracle that he could possibly be alive at this point as they searched for hours for his body last night and earlier today after he was not pulled to safety yesterday afternoon after rip tide currents made him unable to swim ashore. He directed the lifeguards to save his ten-year-old son and at that point a huge wave came and he was submerged and never found. There were a number of rescues at Marina del Rey beach yesterday but he was the only one not found. Joel Eisenberg, a friend of Gaspard, sent us this piece he wrote about him.
California today talked about opening things up for sports without an audience around the first week of June as long as cases drop.
The Owen Hart documentary will air tomorrow night on Vice. Owen Hart Foundation members Dr. Martha Hart, Virginia Xavier, Tammi Christopher and Athena Hart (Owen’s daughter) were interviewed. Oje Hart, Owen’s son, was interviewed in Toronto. We will have a lot more this week on Owen Hart. At 9:30 p.m. will be After Dark on the Road Warriors and the Owen Hart show will be at 10 p.m.
Both AEW and NXT will be going opposite NASCAR races on Wednesday, as well as on 5/27 and 6/10. The first NASCAR race back over the weekend had 6.3 million viewers, so this could be major competition even though the NASCAR audience is traditionally older than the wrestling audience, unlike UFC which skews younger than wrestling. The race Wednesday is from Darlington at 7 p.m. Eastern.
NXT has cruiserweight tournament matches with El Hijo del Fantasma vs. Akira Tozawa and Kushida vs. Drake Maverick on Wednesday. AEW has Jon Moxley vs. 10 (Preston Vance), MJF vs. Marko Stunt, Orange Cassidy vs. Rey Fenix, Matt Hardy vs. Sammy Guevara and a face-to-face with Jake Roberts and Arn Anderson.
The release of the Young Bucks autobiography has been pushed back from 9/27 to 11/17.
WWE
For Raw tonight, we’ve got Drew McIntyre vs. King Corbin in a non-title match, Nikki Cross & Alexa Bliss vs. The Iiconics for the women’s tag titles, Street Profits vs Viking Raiders in an axe throwing contest, Shayna Baszler vs. Natalya in a submission match, plus Edge will appear to talk about a match with Randy Orton at the next PPV show.
An interview with Nikki and Brie Bella on Sunday Night’s Main Event talking about John Cena’s editorial rights on their new memoir, Daniel Bryan still working TV tapings and still coming home to Brie, and they comment on WWE’s handling of the Becky Lynch pregnancy.
WAPA in Puerto Rico aired WrestleMania 34 from 6-10 p.m. yesterday. It was being advertised for a few weeks (thanks to Leonardo Mendez Toledo)
DK Publishing will be releasing a book called “WWE Kicking Down Doors” about WWE women’s wrestling dating back to Wendi Richter, Chyna and Lita to the modern group of stars like Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Bayley, Ronda Rousey and the others. The book is scheduled for release tomorrow.
MISCELLANEOUS
Wrestler Charli Evans has returned to Australia from the U.K. where she had been living and wrestling to be with her family. She has to do a 14 day quarantine in a hotel when she arrives.
Will Cooling has a story on the finances of Progress Wrestling.
Australia is moving to stage 2 today, allowing restaurants and bars to open with up to 20 people. The hope is to allow interstate travel by July, and travel between Australia and New Zealand perhaps. It looks like July or August for the earliest period where wrestling would be able to return. It’s notable that Australia and New Zealand have also had shockingly few cases but still had restrictions similar to the U.S. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
IWTW wall be releasing digital archives of a number of independent promotions starting today including AAW out of Chicago, which is one of the best indies out there and almost like the Midwest version of PWG, as well as the library of AWS in Southern California and Wildside starting on 6/8.
Championship Wrestling from Arkansas has folded according to the promotion. They will be offering free access to their CWA Wrestling Network library of 165 hours of footage of Jerry Lawler, A.J. Styles, Matt Hardy, Tim Storm, DDP, Jake Roberts, Scott Steiner, Jim Cornette, Fit Finlay, Rock & Roll Express, Dan Severn, Lance Archer, Tammy Sytch, Jim Duggan and many others. “We at Championship Wrestling of Arkansas would like to thank our fans for supporting us, and helping us to become one of the premiere independent wrestling promotions in the country.”
The Telegraph has a story on Andre the Giant at (thanks to Lee Wall)
Editor’s Note: This is a free edition of the podcast. Please share!
On a packed edition of the Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling podcast, Fumi Saito and I talk about the late Owen Hart’s time in New Japan Pro Wrestling in the late 80s and early 90s, his friendship with Hiroshi Hase, winning the Junior Heavyweight title and some of his money-saving practices while on tour.
Hart tragically died twenty years ago this past Thursday.
Additionally, Fumi gives his analysis of a Japanese newspaper story about the size of the Japanese wrestling market, Nick Jackson makes some very pointed comments about NJPW, the politics that prevent a pro wrestling Hall of Fame in Japan, and which is Japan’s most prestigious wrestling venue: Nippon Budokan, Korakuen or Tokyo Dome.
For those new to the show, Fumi is Japan’s leading author, historian, and journalist. For years, we have looked at the top stories in Japan and across the world. Subscribers can listen to all of our recent shows in the archives. I also co-host the Portland Wrestlecast for the site, a podcast dedicated to the era of Portland, Oregon, wrestling.
We’re looking for your thoughts on Money in the Bank, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].
We’re also looking for live reports from Raw in Albany, NY with anything not on the live show to [email protected].
Smackdown and 205 Live will be Tuesday night in Providence, RI. The only match announced is Lucha House Party vs. Singhs.
NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS WEDNESDAY AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN AT TOKYO KORAKUEN HALL ON NEW JAPAN WORLD
With less than a month until the show, WWE has revealed the name and announced the first three matches for their return to Saudi Arabia.
The third show in WWE’s controversy-filled 10-year deal with the Saudi General Sports Authority will take place at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Friday, June 7. It will air live on the WWE Network and is titled “WWE Super ShowDown,” which is the same name the company used for their event in Melbourne, Australia last October.
A look at the new AEW television deal with TNT and other aspects of starting up is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Look at the detail of the two nights being considered and the arguments for each night, international television, streaming, why the price is what it is, and how long talks have been going on for the TNT deal.
Read a lengthy bio on Silver King, a breakdown of what happened in the ring when he passed away and what lessons can be learned by it. Look at the start of his career, and his going to All Japan as a teenager.
Read the updates on the next two WWE PPV shows.
Read a detailed article on Lars Sullivan, from his background, to his fine, to the questions asked, to what got him in trouble, why he was fined now, why he wasn’t before and a lot of the questions regarding all this.
Also look at changes to WWE Network, Vince McMahon talks the move to FOX, WWE gets award nominations, tons of new news on the XFL, what happens to Vince McMahon when the XFL starts, why Percy Watson left the company, and an update on the Mauro Ranallo’s situation.
Have a look at the legend of Tom Magee, the match with Bret Hart and the WWE documentary.
Read complete coverage of UFC 237 with match-by-match coverage and poll results.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw, Super Juniors, Being the Elite and the rest of the news with Wrestling Observer Radio tonight. You can send questions to the show to [email protected].
On last night’s show, they kept Brock Lesnar away from everyone and told everyone that Ali was winning the Money in the Bank match. The participants all were told that wasn’t the case, but were told the eighth guy who would arrive at the end would win. Most figured that to be Braun Strowman. Ali was told it would be Lesnar and others may have known but they knew Ali wasn’t winning.
John Pollock has a feature on Owen Hart’s last day, speaking to those that knew Hart, that was at Kemper Arena that night, media members that covered the story and were around Hart in the hours before his passing. This includes original interviews with former WWE referee Jimmy Korderas, Jeff Marek of Rogers Sportsnet, stuntman and former wrestler Paul Lazenby, “Pain and Passion” author Heath McCoy & more.
Rey Mysterio was injured last night legit and is not expected to be able to wrestle tonight.
Bryan and I are doing a live Q&A show at the Tuscany Suites Suites & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. and doing other activities this weekend. Tickets are available.
WWE
Money in the Bank had 200,000 Google searches which is way low for a major WWE PPV show. Even the last UFC show with Jessica Andrade vs. Rose Namajunas on top did 500,000.
The Lesnar cash in curiosity, given Lesnar was at last word scheduled on the show, plus being the day after the PPV and the Foley tease of the new title should keep Raw from setting a record low tonight. If it was just a normal show going against the Warriors vs. Trail Blazers game, it would likely do either a record low, or very close to it.
Tommaso Ciampa will be doing a meet and greet as he recovers from major neck surgery on Evolve shows on 6/29 and 6/30 in Queens and Brooklyn, and 7/13 and 7/14 in Philadelphia and Melrose, MA.
UFC
Alexander Volkanovksy has been able to return to Australia after suffering a blood infection after his win over Jose Aldo in Brazil.
MISCELLANEOUS
The best of the Super Juniors tournament resumes on Wednesday with shows Wednesday night through Friday night at Korakuen Hall.
I’d highly recommend going out of your way to see the two-part Muhammad Ali series on HBO. It’s tremendous. WWE also did a great piece on Becky Lynch that aired after Money in the Bank last night on WWE Network.
Former UFC star Yoshihiro Akiyama debuts for ONE on 6/20 in a show in Shanghai, China at the Baoshan Arena, facing Agilan Thani (8-3).
Philipe Lins, who won the $1 million prize last year in the PFL heavyweight tournament, has pulled out of the 2019 season due to an injury. He was scheduled to face former judo gold medalist Satoshi Ishii on 6/6 at NYCB Live (the Nassau Coliseum) on ESPN+. Zeke Tuinei-Wily will replace Lins, who played football at Utah.
AWS from Friday night in South Gate, CA: Simone Sherie b Leslie Iris, Miranda Alize & Vipress b Heather Monroe & Aerial Monroe, Rosemary b Ashley Vox, Zoe Lucas b Delim Exo, Shotzi Blackheart won the AWS women’s title in a three-way over Cheerleader Melissa and Raze, Taya Valkyrie b Jake Atlas, Watts & Jesse James & Hoss Hogg & Suede Thompson & Fidel Bravo b Buggy Nova & Sandra Moone & Ayoka Muhara & Desi Derata & Hector Canales, Mercedes Martinez b Nicole Savoy to keep the AWS title. Next shows are 6/29 and 6/30 in Bridgeview IL as part of the Chi-Town Hot Sauce Expo, and back in South Gate on 7/27. (thanks to Shannon Walsh, John L and wrestlingwithdemon.net)
IPW from Saturday night in Auckland, New Zealand: Jamie T b Liam Fury, Charlie Roberts & Alfred Valentine & Lil Ted & Matty Short & TKD b Liger & Curtis Castlewood & Mr. Burns & Hours & Mitch Gray, Manalanche b Dapper Dynasty, Jake Shehaan b Mick Moretti, Will Stone b Paul Sayres, Kellyanne b Candy Lee to win the women’s title, Jakob Cross won four-way over JK Moody, Markus Kool and Knight. (thanks to Steve Ogilvie)
CWE on Saturday night in Winnipeg at St. George St. for a free admission block party with Adam Knight, Bobby Collins, Kevin O’Doyle and more.
Carlito is working 7/13 for PWP in Cairna, Queensland, Australia.
Tome & Stevie Filip face Fenix & Pentagon Jr. in June for World Series Wrestling.
Ken Shamrock comes back to Australia on 6/29 for BCW in Sydney. Shamrock & Carlo Cannon face Michael Morleone & Hayden Zenith. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
All Star Wrestling on 5/25 in Cloverdale, BC at the Alice McKay Building with Azeem the Dream vs. Matt Xstatic plus Randy Myers, Funnybone and Artemis Spencer.
Combate Americas runs 5/31 in Lima, Peru with a ten fight show. The card will air live on Univision at midnight Eastern and Pacific, Univision Deportes (midnight Eastern, 9 p.m. Pacific) as well as on DAZN in English at 10 p.m. Eastern and 7 p.m. Pacific. The main event has Daniel Zellhuber (6-0) vs. Gian Franco Cortez (4-0).
Myron Reed vs. Rey Hours has been added to the 6/1 MLW show from Milwaukee.
World Series of Fighting, not to be confused with the former promotion of the same name, announced a 6/15 show at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas. It’s a submission fighting event with four five-man teams, with Team Drysdale, Team 10th Planet of Las Vegas, Team Arizona BJJ and Team Zangief. Gilbert Burns of UFC will be on Team Drysdale.
Pro Wrestling Phoenix has its 14th anniversary show on 5/22 in Omaha at The Waiting Room Lounge headlined by Michael Elgin.
Paulie Malignaggi vs. Artem Lobov will headline a bare knuckle boxing PPV show on 6/22 in Tampa from the Florida State Fairgrounds. It will go for $39.99 and also stream on Fite TV. Malignaggi hates Conor McGregor. Lobov is McGregor’s teammate and the two have been trading words for some time. Former UFC star Chris Leben vs. former Bellator star Brennan Ward and Johnny Bedford vs. Reggie Barnett are also on the show.
Defy on 6/15 in Portland, OR at the Hawthorne Theater has Artemis Spencer, Brian Cage and TJP appearing. They also run 6/16 in Tacoma with Randy Myers, and Schaff and the Super8XGP on 7/26 and 7/27 in Seattle at Washington Hall with Tama Tonga, L.A. Park, Artemis Spencer and Joey Janela.
The Cauliflower Alley Club awards banquet from this year is at the Gold Coast Hotel in Las Vegas featuring awards to such wrestlers as Kamala, Haku, The Barbarian, Dory Funk Jr., Mark Henry, Bambi, David Schults and others.
A story on 80s pro wrestling in Richmond, VA with Jim Cornette talking about the glory days of the territory. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
Ed in San Antonio presents PODER~! at the FSW arena on Friday 5/24 – Showtime is at noon – Main event: Bryan Alvarez vs. Logan Stunt
Empire dinner on Friday 5/24 at 8:30 p.m. at Texas de Brazil – Price is $82 – All you can eat meat and salad, sodas, tea, and coffee, plus dessert included
Empire suite party on Friday 5/24 for those who were not able to get the Q&A package – Price is $25
[Advertisement] You can watch a discussion with Cody & the Bucks about All Elite Wrestling and twenty other shows for just $59 at STARRCASTonFITE.com. The package includes the live feed plus on demand with unlimited replays on any smart device, PC, etc. For the best service pre-ordering is encouraged at STARRCASTonFITE.com.
Cody & the Young Bucks will be doing a Q&A as part of their panel about All Elite Wrestling just 48 hours prior to Double or Nothing in Las Vegas. Starrcast will be streaming it on FITE and allowing viewers the chance to ask questions.
Arn Anderson and Sting both have panels at Starrcast on May 24th. Tony Schiavone will taking questions from fans watching at home on FITE for the Q&A portion of the show.
The Young Bucks and Joey Janela will be guests for Colt Cabana’s live Art of Wrestling show on May 24th.
Bret Hart and Tom Magee will discuss their now infamous match from 1986 with Sean Mooney on Saturday, May 25th in Las Vegas.
All of the above can be watched live or demand by pre-ordering today at STARRCASTonFITE.com.
Martha Hart has responded to Bret Hart’s allegations that she is erasing the memory of her late husband.
The press release stems from a recent Bret Hart interview on CBS Sports’ In This Corner podcast where he said that he felt Martha had done more to erase Owen Hart’s memory than to preserve it.
“I think Martha, Owens’s widow, she is a very obtuse, square-headed person,” he said on the podcast. “I think she’s done more to erase my brother Owen’s memory than she ever did to remember him. I think it really bothers me that the fans that loved Owen so much don’t get a chance to remember him.”
Martha issued a press release yesterday defending her decisions, saying that she does not want WWE profiting off of Owen, as she blames the company for his death.
“Bret’s comments are rooted in the fact that I have steadfastly refused to work with the WWE to exploit Owen’s image for commercial gain,” she says in the release. “Owen was an incredible entertainer and I know that his many fans around the world enjoyed his wrestling career immensely. I encourage them to continue to do so. But I am firm in my belief that the WWE was responsible for Owen’s death. As a result, I cannot and will not support any efforts by the WWE to profit from Owen’s memory.”
“Bret Hart’s comments are disrespectful and cruel,” she continued. “It is disappointing that so many in the media have chosen to report them without seeking my perspective.”
The full statement can be read below:
CALGARY, Alberta, July 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dr. J. Martha Hart, PhD, released the following statement today in response to published comments attributed to the former WWE wrestler, Bret Hart:
The suggestion by Bret Hart that I am “erasing” the memory of my late husband, Owen Hart, is reckless, irresponsible, and clearly untrue.
Bret’s comments are rooted in the fact that I have steadfastly refused to work with the WWE to exploit Owen’s image for commercial gain. Owen was an incredible entertainer and I know that his many fans around the world enjoyed his wrestling career immensely. I encourage them to continue to do so. But I am firm in my belief that the WWE was responsible for Owen’s death. As a result, I cannot and will not support any efforts by the WWE to profit from Owen’s memory.
Instead, I, my son Oje and daughter Athena have worked tirelessly to honor Owen through the good works of The Owen Hart Foundation, which has exceeded $4 million in gift giving and contributions toward scholarships, homeowner bursaries, and other special projects that have greatly improved the lives of so many in Canada and around the world. We have always believed that this is the most fitting public tribute to a man of profound integrity; a wonderful human being who just happened to wrestle. I know that Owen would be very proud of the tremendous accomplishments the Foundation has achieved in his name.
Bret Hart’s comments are disrespectful and cruel. It is disappointing that so many in the media have chosen to report them without seeking my perspective. Whatever Bret may believe, the fact is that, far from “erasing” Owen’s memory, I have devoted the last 20 years to celebrating his life in a very public way. I can think of very few people who have been remembered so glowingly by their spouse.
