Well, the major reason, he took being a Cocky Heel, and just ran with it, possibly the greatest heel ever, and he didn't have to attatck people with Sledgehammers, or become a horrible racist to do it.
Owen, also one of the greatest technical wrestlers of his era, and the true king of hearts, oh yea, not to mention. 2 time slammy award winner.
So, Here it comes, Top 10 Reasons Owen Hart Ruled
10) 2 Time Slammy Award Winner
9) Best Wrestler Never To Win The World Title
8) Was one of the first to do the Pull himself back over the top rope move
7) WOOOOOOOOOOO *Nuff Said*
6) Canadian
5) Pulled a 5 Star Match on the Opening Bout of a Wrestlemania
4) Took Shawn Michaels Off TV
3) Took Austin Off My TV
2) Even When All his Brothers Left The WWF, he stuck around, and still showed us what he was made of.
1) Best God Damn Intercontinental Champion EVER
*EDIT*
Owen 3:16 Says I Just Broke Your Neck!