The former WWE referee Dave Hebner who served as a backstage official as well for over 30 years, has passed away at the age of 73. His death was reported on Friday on his son Brian’s podcast. It has been noted how Hebner has been suffering from multiple medical issues, including Parkinson’s Disease, for years. According to his family, his health had been on the decline for quite some time.
Dave Hebner passes away
Dave Hebner, the twin brother of Earl Hebner began his career on the East Coast in the late 70’s before making his move to the World Wrestling Federation. It was very timely, as his emergence in the company also coincided with the promotion’s rise to international prominence. As time passed, he worked his way up the company’s ladder and became one of its top officials.
Dave Hebner was part of one of the iconic angles in pro wrestling history. In a WrestleMania III rematch between challenger Andre the Giant taking on champion Hulk Hogan for the WWF World title, Hebner brothers played a major role. At the climax of this clash would eventually shape the course of WWE forever. As Andre went for a pinfall, ‘Dave’ made an extremely fast three-count. The Eighth Wonder of the World stole a victory and the title.
Hogan protested, while Andre the Giant handed over the gold to a waiting ‘Million Dollar Man’ Ted DiBiase. Then suddenly out of nowhere, a SECOND Dave Hebner emerged from the back as Hogan and the audience looked on in stunned fashion. The ‘fake referee’ turned out to be Dave’s twin brother Earl. In later years, injuries would catch up with Dave Hebner, and he would work backstage as a road agent. He stayed with WWE until 2005. He would appear for TNA Wrestling later, but he was essentially retired by that point.
