WWE behind the scenes: How Stone Cold's Neck was broken and what happened behind the scenes

Stone Cold Steve Austin suffered partial paralysis in the same match he won the WWE Intercontinental Championship. But did he really break his neck?

Part 5: Owen forgets to apologize

Rulebreaker Owen bites Austin's fingers where the ref cannot see.

In the world of pro wrestling, it's considered to be very poor form to actually injure your opponent. While it is an occupational hazard, it is also customary for the wrestler who injured their fellow talent to seek them out backstage and apologize, or if that's not possible to visit them in the hospital or at the least call them on the phone.

According to Owen Hart's brother Bret "Hitman" Hart, Owen was told by several people, including himself, that he should seek out Austin and apologize. Owen agreed that he should do this, and apparently either forgot or backed out. Austin acknowledged that Owen did eventually contact him in the hospital and offered an apology. However, Stone Cold believes that a single apology was insufficient.

"Owen almost paralyzed me. He called me only once to apologize while I was in the hospital. If I almost break someone’s neck, I’m calling them 25 times to apologize…”

Fortunately, Austin's personal feelings didn't interfere with his ability to work the angle with Owen Hart, and they remained professionally civil to each other, at least in the ring.