Vince McMahon defends controversial decision after Owen Hart’s tragic death

One big thing

Former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has defended his decision to continue the Over the Edge pay-per-view event after Owen Hart’s fatal accident in 1999, citing business reasons and audience expectations.

The details

• Owen Hart died after falling from the rafters during a live WWE event due to equipment malfunction.
• McMahon decided to continue the show after Hart was pronounced dead.
• In a Netflix docuseries, McMahon explained his rationale:
– The audience didn’t witness the fall directly due to dimmed lights.
– People came to see a show, not a tragedy.
– As a businessman, his instinct was to carry on.

Key quote

“Had they seen, there’s no question about it, you have to shut the show down. Those people came to see a show. They didn’t come to see somebody die. And me as a businessman, it’s like, ‘Okay, let’s continue on. Let’s continue the show’.” – Vince McMahon

Why it matters

This incident remains one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history, sparking debates about ethics in entertainment and the prioritization of business over human tragedy.

The aftermath

• WWE settled a lawsuit with Owen’s widow, Martha Hart.
• It was later revealed that the equipment used was defective, leading WWE to sue the manufacturer.
• The decision continues to draw criticism, particularly from Owen’s brother, Bret Hart.

The bottom line

McMahon stands by his decision, stating he would want the show to continue even if he or his son were in Owen’s position.

What’s your take on McMahon’s handling of this tragic situation? Was continuing the show the right call? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.