News

Long-Time WWE Official Dave Hebner Passes Away

By TJR Staff • Published 18th June 2022
Dave Hebner

Former WWE referee and long-time road agent Dave Hebner has passed away at the age of 73.

The sad news of Dave Hebner’s passing was announced on social media on June 17th by his nephew, Brian Hebner. The legendary official and road agent had been in poor health and living with Parkinson’s Disease for several years. He died at his home in Mechanicsville, Virginia.

Hebner’s twin brother and fellow referee, Earl Hebner, also commented on the loss of the man he describes as his “partner in crime”.

“Yesterday I had to say my last goodbye to my other half, my partner in crime, my road buddy for years, my brother for 73 years. I love you David, I’ll never count you out.”

Dave Hebner began his decades-long professional wrestling career as a referee in the 1970s in his home state of Virginia. He joined the then-WWF in the 1980s and was the third man in many huge matches including Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania 3 and Randy Savage vs. Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 5.

One of the most well-remembered storylines of his career came in 1988. On February 5th that year, he was set to referee a WWF Championship bout between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. However, prior to the bout, he was locked in a closet and Earl Hebner, who was on Ted DiBiase’s payroll, took his place in the match and helped Andre on his way to capturing gold.

Dave Hebner continued to act as a referee until knee replacement surgery forced him to end that part of his career. Hebner then became a road agent for WWF and remained in that position until he was released from his contract in 2005.

Following his departure from WWF, Hebner worked for TNA for several years and later joined the independent MMWA wrestling promotion where he acted as manager for the Lumberjacks from 2012 until 2022.

TJR Wrestling would like to offer our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Dave Hebner during this difficult time.