AEW Enters Partnership With The Owen Hart Foundation
AEW issued a press release today detailing a working relationship with the Owen Hart Foundation. This foundation honors the late great Owen Hart, who tragically died in 1999 while wrestling in WWE as the Blue Blazer. Owen's widow, Martha Hart, distanced herself from pro wrestling entirely following the tragedy, although the door opened slightly last year. Following the airing of the Dark Side of the Ring episode on Owen, new Owen merchandise was released on Pro Wrestling Tees. This marks a major step forward in Martha's involvement in the pro wrestling community.
The press release reads as follows:
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and The Owen Hart Foundation (OHF), a nonprofit charity which provides a vast range of assistance and opportunities to individuals in-need across the world, are collaborating to honor the legacy of late wrestler Owen Hart, a beloved figure in the professional wrestling community and beyond. 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.
This alliance incorporates opportunities to develop Owen Hart action figures via AEW’s partnership with Jazwares, apparel, posters, and additional collectable merchandise. Owen Hart is survived by his wife, Dr. Martha Hart, who spearheads The Owen Hart Foundation with a mission of providing global aid to at-risk communities (e.g., scholarships, housing, various forms international assistance, food drives, backpack giveaways and Christmas projects).
“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,” said Tony Khan, AEW CEO, GM and Head of Creative. “To extend his memory and his legacy even further through this agreement is a powerful and meaningful moment for the entire wrestling community.”
“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,” said Dr. Martha Hart.
Thoughts: This is lovely news. Fans of Owen, myself included, still fondly remember him and have wanted a way to honour hiim for years. Martha has not wanted anything to do with WWE and has turned down Hall of Fame inductions, so to see her open up to AEW is great to see. Most excited for the Owen tournament, as well as the opportunity to play as Owen in the upcoming AEW console video game!
