AEW Announces Partnership with Owen Hart Foundation, Launches New Memorial Tournament
All Elite Wrestling announced today that they have formed a working relationship with The Owen Hart Foundation.
In a statement released on social media, the company revealed that they have reached an agreement with the head of the foundation, Dr. Martha Hart, on the use of Owen Hart’s image and likeness for specific merchandise such as action figures, t-shirts, posters, other forms of apparel, and the ability to be included in the upcoming AEW console game. Dr. Hart was married to Owen for 10 years before his passing in May of 1999 and created the O.H.F to honor her late husband the following year.
AEW also announced that a new annual tournament known as the “Owen Hart Cup” will be launched to honor the pro wrestling legend. The winner will receive a cup known as “The Owen”.
“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 AEW’s CEO, GM, and Head of Creative Tony Khan. “To extend his memory and his legacy even further through this agreement is a powerful and meaningful moment for the entire wrestling community.”
Dr. Hart was also quoted in AEW’s statement, echoing the sentiments of Khan about the intent to honor Owen’s legacy.
“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 had in the sport,” Dr. Hart said. “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.”
You can read AEW’s full press release below:
(Please H/T Bodyslam.net when using these transcriptions.)
