WWE Referee Dave Hebner Passed Away on June 17 At the Age of 73

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A longtime pro-wrestling referee, David Hebner died on Saturday, June 17 at the age of 73. The company said he supervised some of the best matches in WWE history. Moreover, the details of his death are still unclear. Dave professionally worked behind doors for WWE after ending his refereeing career in 2005.

Dave served as the referee for the match between Rickey Steamboat and Randy Savage at WrestleMania III. He was also appointed for the match between Hulk Hogan and Savage at WrestleMania V. WWE also pointed out one popular moment between Dave Hebner and his brother Earl Hebner that happened in 1988. The company said WWE augments its sympathy to Hebner’s family, fans, and friends.

Earl Hebner Shared Memorable Moments on Twitter

The company said Dave and his brother Earl (twins) shared the most memorable moments in WWE history. It was the time when Hogan and Andre the Giant met at the WWE Main Event in 1988 for the WWE Title. Earl and Ted DiBiase (Million Dollar Man) laid a trap for The Hulkster with Dave locked in a closet. The company said he had muddled Hogan seeing double in distrust as Dave joined Earl in the ring.

Moreover, Earl Hebner tweeted about the passing of Dave. He said that he had to say his last goodbye to his other half yesterday. Earl said Dave was his partner in crime, road buddy for years, and his brother for 73 years. He added I love you David and will never count you out. Paul Levesque (known in WWE as Triple H) also paid more commendations on social media.

Dave Hebner Married his Wife Rebecca

Dave Hebner was married to his wife Rebecca for 43 years. His equivalent twin brother Earl and Earl’s son Brian are also serving as wrestling referees. It is noteworthy that Dave Hebner suffered from Parkinson’s disease. Dave was named part of a class action litigation submitted against WWE in 2016. The lawsuit alleged that performers received long-term neurological damages.

The legal dispute alleged the company routinely failed to care for them and dishonestly hid the injuries’ nature. The attorney Konstantine Kyros filed the lawsuit as he already submitted a number of other proceedings against WWE. However, US District Judge Vanessa Lynne Bryant dismissed the lawsuit in September 2018.

Dave Reportedly Died from Parkinson’s Disease

Various news outlets reported that Dave Hebner passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2022, at 73. He was reportedly suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Dave began his professional wrestling referee career in the late 1970s in Richmond, Virginia. He started working for the WWF (World Wrestling Federation) in 1986. He supervised various historic matches such as Hulk Hogan against Randy Savage at WrestleMania.

However, his most memorable event took place on February 5, 1988. He was also assigned to supervise a match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship between André the Giant and Hulk Hogan. Dave’s twin brother, Earl had switched places as Ted DiBiase locked Dave in a closet and André defeated Hogan. Earl rapidly counted to 3 when André pinned Hogan, while Hogan’s shoulder was up.

Both Dave and Earl collected a $2,500 bonus for the match and WWF Championship Title was awarded to André the Giant. Dave delivered his words in an interview in 2001 with WWF Raw Magazine. He said the angle dropped when he received broken ribs after Earl kicked him. Dave was also the referee when Randy Savage won the Tournament final at WrestleMania IV.