Acrylic on 24″ x 24″ wood
Mention the name of Owen Hart to a wrestling fan, and you’ll get a mix of smiles and tears. Mention the name of Owen Hart to a wrestler, and you’ll most likely get them to say something that starts with, “If only…” Mention the name of Owen Hart to a wrestling fan in Kansas City, and there’s a good chance they’ll say, “I was there, you know.”
The younger brother of the legendary Bret Hart and maybe the most beloved member of the Hart family, Owen was a wrestler that could always be counted on to deliver in the ring and in the fans’ hearts. He had many notable feuds and a variety of personas he portrayed in the squared circle, and at one point held the USWA World Championship. Unfortunately, his memory will always be associated with how he passed away. Other wrestlers have died in the ring, like Iron Mike DiBiase or Mitsuharu Misawa. But Owen’s may be the most tragic because it was totally preventable. He was being lowered to the ring during a Pay-Per-View here in Kansas City, when his rig malfunctioned and he plunged to his death, right in front of the audience. I know a lot of people who were there, and they’ll likely always be haunted by the sight of it. I can only imagine how it was for everyone in the WWF when it happened, and even more so his family.
I made this painting to celebrate his life, and how he impacted so many of ours.
This piece is amazing. I will always remember Owen as one of the best wrestlers I have ever seen. The 1st match I remember thinking, Man… that was awesome, was Owen and Bret at WMX. RIP brother, we miss you.