Ep 9. After Owen Hart

Dark Side of the Ring is a true-crime documentary series that goes in-depth into the lives of professional wrestlers and their sometimes tragic personal stories. One of the most heartbreaking moments in wrestling history is the untimely death of Owen Hart. After Owen Hart, the ninth episode of the first season, traces the tragic chain of events that led to his death and examines its lasting impact on the professional wrestling world.

Owen James Hart was a Canadian professional wrestler who competed in different promotions such as Stampede Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). He was known for his high-flying moves, technical skills, and quirky personality. In May 1999, Owen was performing as the Blue Blazer character at the Over the Edge pay-per-view event in Kansas City, Missouri. The plan was for him to make a dramatic entrance into the ring, lowered from the rafters by a harness. However, as he was being lowered, the harness malfunctioned, causing him to fall around 80 feet into the ring, hitting his head on a turnbuckle and then landing on his back. His neck snapped instantly, and he died from internal bleeding and organ damage.

After Owen Hart features interviews with Owen's widow, Martha, his brother, Bret, and various wrestling personalities who were involved in the event or knew Owen. The episode explores the circumstances that led to the accident, such as the rush to finish Owen's Blue Blazer costume, the unfamiliarity of the production crew with the harness equipment, and the lack of proper safety checks. It also delves into the aftermath of the tragedy, including the lawsuit that Martha filed against the WWE, the public perception of the company's responsibility, and the emotional toll on Owen's loved ones.

The episode raises important questions about the entertainment industry's management of risk and the balance between aesthetic spectacle and basic safety standards. It also sheds light on the human side of wrestling, showing the deep bonds that wrestlers form with each other and their families, and the tremendous loss that accompanies a preventable accident. The wrestling community has never forgotten Owen Hart, and his legacy continues through the Owen Hart Foundation, which provides scholarships and support for children in need.

Dark Side of the Ring is a must-watch for any wrestling fan or true-crime enthusiast who wants to understand the mysteries and controversies behind the larger-than-life characters and events of professional wrestling. The show balances investigative journalism, dramatic storytelling, and compassionate humanity, creating a thought-provoking, emotional experience. After Owen Hart, in particular, stands out as a poignant, respectful tribute to a beloved athlete and a cautionary tale of the inherent risks of show business.