The Undertaker, wrestling icon and WWE legend, has opened up about the haunting memories of the 1999 WWE Over The Edge pay-per-view, marked by the tragic passing of Owen Hart. The event, which took place on May 23, 1999, is etched in the minds of wrestling fans and performers alike as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with the industry.
For The Undertaker, who was an integral part of the WWE roster at the time, the memory of that fateful night continues to resonate deeply. The loss of Owen Hart cast a pall over the entire wrestling community, prompting reflection and introspection within the industry.
In sharing his thoughts on the tragic events of Over The Edge 1999, The Undertaker provides a glimpse into the emotional toll that such incidents can have on those involved in professional wrestling. His candid reflections serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment, both inside and outside the ring.
In a candid moment on his Six Feet Under podcast, The Undertaker delved into the emotional turmoil surrounding the fateful event, recalling the profound challenge of performing amidst the shock and grief of Owen Hart’s untimely death. He described the surreal experience of grappling with the sudden loss of a colleague and friend, highlighting the immense difficulty of maintaining composure and professionalism in the face of such tragedy.
“Trying to process the information that somebody had just passed away due to the rigging accident, a guy that you spent tons of time with and seen every day for years, and you just lose him. One minute he’s there, the next he’s not, and you have to go out, put the pieces together and try to perform,” The Undertaker shared, reflecting on the emotional turmoil of that harrowing night.
Undertaker expressed empathy for his fellow wrestlers, acknowledging the visible distress and disbelief that permeated the event. Despite the obligation to entertain, he questioned the decision to proceed with the show, recognizing the conflict between professional duty and personal grief.
“If you go back and watch the footage, you can see it on everybody’s face. There is just a huge element to the match and everything that is going on. You can tell that no one really wanted to be out there,” he remarked, highlighting the somber atmosphere that overshadowed the event.
Undertaker also soberly recalled the absence of celebration following his championship win, underscoring the pervasive sense of shock and mourning that gripped the wrestling community. He empathized with Vince McMahon, acknowledging the weight of the decision to continue the event amidst overwhelming tragedy.
“There was no celebrating that night. Although we had already been told, you still didn’t believe it. We were hoping that something miraculous had happened and it wasn’t true. Hindsight being 20/20…you also have an arena full of people. I didn’t envy Vince [McMahon] and having to make that decision. It was a tough call,” Undertaker shared, offering a poignant glimpse into the somber aftermath of the tragic event.
Undertaker’s Painful Farewell: The Move That Haunted Him
In a revealing revelation, The Undertaker disclosed the physical toll of his legendary career’s twilight moments. Reflecting on the painful strains endured towards the end, he pinpointed the Guillotine Leg Drop as a move that caused him considerable agony, sending shivers down his spine. Additionally, the iconic Tombstone Piledriver also inflicted knee pain as he approached the culmination of his illustrious journey in the squared circle.
