Owen Hart’s historic return to wrestling games through AEW partnership and what it means for fans
Historic Gaming Return: Owen Hart Joins AEW Roster
Owen Hart’s legendary presence will grace AEW’s inaugural wrestling video game through a groundbreaking collaboration with the Owen Hart Foundation, marking a monumental moment for wrestling enthusiasts worldwide.
For the first time since his tragic passing in 1999, Owen Hart will be featured in an officially licensed wrestling organization video game through AEW’s debut console title.
All Elite Wrestling, the rapidly growing promotion challenging WWE’s market dominance, has secured an emotionally significant addition to its gaming roster. Hart, celebrated for his technical mastery and charismatic persona during his WWF tenure, will be digitally immortalized in a wrestling organization game for the first time in over two decades.
AEW’s official announcement confirmed Hart’s inclusion stems from a carefully negotiated partnership with his family’s nonprofit organization, the Owen Hart Foundation, which has preserved his legacy since 1999.
This collaborative agreement enables “the development of exclusive Owen Hart merchandise collections, including specially designed retail products alongside his integration into the forthcoming AEW console gaming experience.”
Historical Context: Hart’s Gaming Legacy and Absence
Hart’s previous virtual appearances occurred within the Legends of Wrestling series, featuring in both the 2002 installment and its 2004 sequel, though these weren’t tied to active wrestling promotions.
His final videogame representation before the tragic hiatus came in 1999’s WWF Attitude, released the same year he suffered fatal injuries during WWF’s Over The Edge pay-per-view event in May 1999.
During preparation for his Blue Blazer character’s ring entrance at the Kansas City event, Hart fell approximately 78 feet when his harness malfunctioned, landing chest-first on the turnbuckle. Medical personnel pronounced him dead that evening, prompting his family to pursue legal action against the organization. After reaching a settlement agreement, Hart’s estate maintained firm control over his likeness rights, preventing his inclusion in subsequent wrestling games and declining WWE Hall of Fame induction offers.
Family Perspective: Martha Hart’s Emotional Statement
Dr. Martha Hart, Owen’s widow and foundation director, provided this heartfelt commentary on the partnership:
UFC 5 Roster – Full list of fighters, classes & more
NHL goalie reveals stunning Sonic & Knuckles hockey mask
TikTok stars Big Justice & A.J. tease becoming father-son tag team in AEW
“The Owen Hart Foundation expresses tremendous excitement about partnering with AEW in this meaningful venture that honors Owen’s extraordinary international wrestling career and the enduring impact of his artistic contributions to sports entertainment. AEW’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament represents a fitting homage to his memory and creates a perfect platform for professional wrestling devotees to commemorate his body of work appropriately.”
“We have complete confidence that Tony Khan and his exceptional AEW creative team will execute this eagerly awaited project with the care and excellence Owen’s legacy deserves. This OHF/AEW alliance serves as my personal tribute to all of Owen’s incredibly devoted supporters who continue to cherish his memory and draw inspiration from his diverse array of talents.”
Game Development Insights and Release Timeline
Regarding the AEW video game development, Yukes—the studio behind numerous WWE gaming titles—is handling production. The teaser trailer provides initial gameplay glimpses:
Currently, no specific launch date has been announced, though industry projections suggest a potential 2022 release window based on development progress indicators.
Collector’s Guide: Understanding Hart’s Gaming Rarity
For gaming collectors and wrestling memorabilia enthusiasts, understanding Hart’s scarcity in digital formats provides crucial context for this announcement. His licensed appearances have been exceptionally limited since 1999, making this AEW inclusion particularly significant.
Key Collecting Insights:
- WWF Attitude (1999) represents Hart’s final WWE-affiliated game appearance
- Legends of Wrestling titles featured non-affiliated character representations
- Merchandise collaborations will include exclusive figure releases and apparel
- Digital preservation through gaming ensures new generations discover his legacy
The emotional weight of this partnership cannot be overstated—it represents both technological preservation and emotional reconciliation within the wrestling community.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » AEW: Owen Hart to appear in first game since 2004 Owen Hart's historic return to wrestling games through AEW partnership and what it means for fans