Jeff Jarrett has looked back on the unlikely series of events that have unfolded in the past few years.
Beginning in 2022, the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament has taken place annually on AEW TV to honour the legacy of the late Owen Hart, who tragically fell to his death in 1999 at the Over The Edge pay-per-view. 25 years on from the tragedy, Jarrett was a participant in the tournament and cut an emotional promo on Collision prior to the match about his close friendship with Hart and what winning the tournament would mean to him.
Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated about the tournament, Jarrett admitted that being able to introduce new fans to Hart’s work was not something that he predicted:
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d be here, I get to introduce my friend to an entirely new generation of wrestling fans.”
“It makes me very emotional. All the way back in May of 1999, I never thought that all these years later I would be continuing my in-ring career, which a blessing beyond my wildest imaginations, or that there would be this Owen Hart Foundation, which Owen’s wife created and does so much good for so many people all over the world. Owen’s children are grown up, and they represent their father so proudly.”
Continuing, Jarrett opened up about Hart both as an in-ring competitor and a loving husband and father, adding that Calgary is the perfect place to have each tournament conclude:
“I love that Owen is being recognized as a father, a family man, a husband, a brother, and a professional wrestler. And we’re doing it in Calgary, a place that meant a lot to him. Owen’s core really defined him. His integrity set him apart from everyone I’ve known. It’s an honor to share this with the world.”
Commenting on the final of the tournament that will take place between Adam Page and Bryan Danielson, Jarrett believes that The American Dragon is in a class of his own:
“It’s the guy who eliminated me against the guy who I think doesn’t have a peer among current full-time, active wrestlers,” said Jarrett. “That is no disrespect toward anybody else, but I don’t think Bryan Danielson has a peer. He’s that good, the epitome of professional wrestling. His storytelling is off the charts, his passion, his physicality–Bryan can do it all. So I feel incredibly grateful and honored to be part of it.”
Jeff Jarrett Looks Back On Emotional Match
Following on from the emotional promo on Collision, many hoped that Jarrett would go all the way and win the tournament that pays tribute to his late fried. Sadly it would not be Jarrett’s night as the Hall of Famer lost to wild card pick Adam Page in the opening round. Reflecting on the events that unfolded, Jeff Jarrett described the night as surreal but special.