WWE News: WWE Settles Lawsuit with Widow of Owen Hart Over Use of Late Wrestler's Likeness

Nearly 14 years after the tragic death of beloved WWE wrestler Owen Hart, World Wrestling Entertainment and Hart's widow have settled her lawsuit over royalties and the use of her late husband's likeness by the sports entertainment company.

The Washington Post reported that Martha Hart, Owen's widow, announced that a settlement had been reached between herself and WWE, who confirmed the announcement.

Neither side have disclosed any details of the settlement publicly.

The history between WWE and the Hart family has been tense for 16 years, dating back to the infamous "Montreal Screwjob" incident where five-time WWE champion Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, one of the company's most popular superstars, had his final title match with the company sabotaged in a storyline-breaking move by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.

However, things became even more personal after Owen, Bret's younger brother, died in a horrific May 23, 1999 incident during WWE's Over the Edge Pay-Per-View event where Hart, being lowered to the ring during a segment, died after the harness holding him in the air snapped and he fell to the ground. He was 34 and left behind two children.

A special WWE Monday Night Raw, "Raw is Owen," aired the following night, with tributes from wrestling luminaries such as Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson and Stone Cold Steve Austin, among others.

Martha sued and received $18 million from the WWE in 2000 in a settlement with the company regarding their role in that incident. However, Martha again sued the company in 2010 over accusations that the company had wrongfully used Owen's name and likeness in several DVDs without her permission; the company and Martha had agreed that WWE would be restricted from using Owen's likeness and name.

She also alleged that WWE had not paid royalties to Owen's estate and her children.

The news comes with Wrestlemania 29, the company's biggest show, less than a week away on Sunday, April 7. Fans have been clamoring online for years for Owen to be inducted into the WWE's Hall of Fame, but the lawsuit and contract agreement over the restricted use of Owen's likeness has likely complicated matters.