Referees are an important part of the delicate blend of athletics and drama that is professional wrestling, but none of the men and women who have worn the stripes in WWE have ever been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. That will change this Friday, March 31 in Los Angeles, when the late Tim White becomes the first to receive that honor.
White’s addition to the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2023 was announced today on “The Bump.” He becomes the fifth and likely final member of this year’s group of inductees, joining Rey Mysterio, The Great Muta, Andy Kaufman and Stacy Keibler.
White is also the 2023 recipient of the Warrior Award, given to those who have “exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who live life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior.” Previous Warrior Award winners are not considered official Hall of Fame members, but that looks set to change with White.
After getting his introduction to the pro wrestling business as Andre the Giant’s agent in the mid-1980s, White made the switch to full-time referee in 1993. He’s known best for officiating some legendary WWE matches, including the 1998 Hell in a Cell match between Mankind and The Undertaker. Though he had a reputation for toughness, it was injuries that ended his in-ring career in 2004, and he was released from the company in 2009.
White passed away last summer at 68, making him the second posthumous honoree in this year’s class alongside Kaufman. The WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony is set to take place at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast live on Peacock.