Jeff Jarrett opens up about the emotional Owen Hart Tournament video.
On Saturday's AEW Collision, a video aired of Jeff Jarrett speaking about the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament and what it means to him to be in it. A longer uncut version was released on social media.
Speaking on his My World podcast, Jarrett offered details on the filming of video and more.
"There had been talk, off and on, I don't know how deep the conversation got, but I believe there were conversations last year about it. I don't know how far they went, it wasn't none of my business. Last year, I was not part of the tournament. This year, there was a little bit of chatter off and on about it. As the layers went down, when I heard the winner moves on to Wembley, I immediately said, 'that eliminates me.' I get it. Then, I had that thought, 'that tournament is my Wembley.' The decision was made to put me in," said Jarrett. "They wanted me to sit down and really just answer one question, 'What's it mean to me?' Me and Karen were at catering with Jay (Lethal) and they said they were going to schedule it later in the night. Had that dark match, had a blast doing that. Afterward, they came through, and they said, 'When you get cleaned up, let's go do it.' Karen said something like, 'Guys, it's the only thing that he cries about every time.' I asked myself, 'Why is that?' I text Sonjay, it would have been late Friday night, he said, 'Are you okay if we release the uncut version?' 'Not at all.'"
Jarrett said that AEW production was appreciative of how many videos and photos they shared for use in the video.
"I told them, 'It helps me more than it helps you. Just to get it out.' When I sat down in the chair. It was if, the first time when they said, 'We're thinking about putting you in the Owen tournament.' It struck me like, you can't write this story. It doesn't make sense on any level. Here we are in 2024 with the circumstances and realities, and them sitting me down and saying, 'What are your thoughts?' and me having the opportunity to process it all. I'm grateful for it. It's not easy. It's painful at times. It is my opportunity to talk about Owen. When I think about everything. Out of all the people who were part of that show in May 1999, the one individual....one of the things I've wrestled with is why him? Why Owen? All that emotion came up. The business that I give my life to. I get to participate in a wrestling event 25 years later that honors my friend Owen. That's special," said Jarrett.
Co-host Conrad Thompson said he can't call it a promo because it was the real Jeff Jarrett, and not a character.
"I don't want to name names, but there were a lot of folks who articulated, 'I don't want to call it a promo. I don't want to call it an interview. I don't know what to call it.' That's super respectful. Every word I said was super emotional. As real as it gets. The beauty of our business is like none other. The blurring of the lines. When you head down that path. The beauty of our industry is when tragic situations, it doesn't erase anything or make it better, it's living life on life's terms, and the whole world gets to see what a great human being life Owen is and the business he gave his life to. The vehicle to create awareness on who Owen is all about is through this tournament. I hate to call it art, but that's part of the magic of this business. It all comes down to create an emotional connection. That's what it is all about," said Jarrett.
Jarrett said he's very grateful for all life has given him and said that he had buried many of his feelings over the years and that he is now processing all of those emotions and feelings.
Jarrett was choked up and emotional throughout the conversation.
The subject of Jarrett winning the tournament was brought up by Thompson, but Jarrett did not comment.
Jarrett's first round opponent in the tournament is unknown as he faces a Wild Card competitor.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit and link to the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.
