This was one of the more chaotic weeks in pro wrestling in a long time. From Jeff Hardy’s arrest to Vince McMahon’s investigation to Sasha Banks’ effort to be released from her contract at WWE, it’s been wild. Unfortunately, amid all this, a couple well known referees passed away.
On Friday, it was revealed that Dave Hebner died at the age of 73. On Sunday, WWE announced that Tim White died at 68.
White was well known for being a referee, most notably being the ref for the legendary Mankind-Undertaker Hell in a Cell match at King of the Ring 1998, but he was also an unsung hero behind the scenes at WWE. Starting out as Andre the Giant’s right hand man, White did anything and everything backstage even after injuries forced his refereeing retirement. In recent years, White helped out with WWE’s meet and greets, giving fans a great surprise while they waited in line for their favorite superstar.
Many paid tribute to White. From old school wrestlers to the current group, everyone seemed to love Tim and the stories he told over the years.
I’m Saddened To Hear About The Passing Of Two Of My Friends- Dave Hebner & Tim White. I’m Grateful To Have Known Both Of These Incredible Men. Rest In Peace! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/xrjWQ9ras7
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) June 19, 2022
Shocked and saddened. Timmy was one of the absolute best people I’ve known and had the pleasure of working with. Myself and the entire @WWE family will miss him dearly. https://t.co/TiH4mKvKWy
— Triple H (@TripleH) June 19, 2022
Saddened to hear about both Dave Hebner and Tim White. Both incredible men I was privileged to spend time with in and out of the ring.
My thoughts are with their families.— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) June 19, 2022
I lit up every time I saw this man! Tim White often was the man tasked with shepherding us at appearances and conventions the last several years. He was always extraordinarily kind and warm. I will miss you, my friend. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/fZm0Fq1sRj
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) June 19, 2022
TIM WHITE I LOVE YOU FOREVER. WHAT A WEEK BUBBA MY HEART BREAK pic.twitter.com/y8yiYPiA3R
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) June 19, 2022
I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend Tim White. My deepest condolences to his family. A great man, referee and person. We’ve laughed so hard together we’ve both had tears in our eyes. There’s not a better way to remember you. Rest well.x
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) June 19, 2022
This breaks my heart. I truly loved seeing Tim White and getting to know him over the years. He was always such a positive happy person. He will be so missed. ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/H28tfSU1H2
— Mella Is Money 🤑 (@CarmellaWWE) June 19, 2022
https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/1538572908477284353?s=20&t=TWDUzvhUVEznKWQxdgfNKw
#RIP Tim White – Timmy was always so great to me & was a huge supporter of The Hardys. He was the kindest, most fair man you could ever meet. My thoughts go out to his family & loved ones – Rest in power, my friend. pic.twitter.com/5Brwqyv2wr
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) June 19, 2022
Man we have lost a great guy. Tim always made me feel like much welcomed family. My condolences to the White family R.I.P Tim White pic.twitter.com/5Ttkdk3eJY
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) June 19, 2022
Tim White brightened every room he walked into & the WWE locker room was especially lucky to have him. Being around Timmy on several PR tours was a joy! We would get our work done & meet after and he would tell old road stories & we’d laugh til the sun came up. Cheers, sir 🍻
— Nic Nemeth (@NicTNemeth) June 19, 2022
I am soo saddened by the news of Tim White passing.
Tim was a great guy, ref, employee and a man’s man.
Tim loved WWE and WWE loved Tim back.
Thoughts and prayers to family, friends and fans.— Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) June 19, 2022
[WWE/Photo: WWE]
