1. The Hebner Twins Cost Hulk Hogan WWF World Title (1988)
The main event of WrestleMania III was arguably the biggest match in wrestling history. Hulk Hogan slammed and pinned Andre the Giant to retain his WWF World title. So what do you do after youve held the biggest match in history? You have a rematch, of course. And so, on 5th February 1988, live on NBC, the two met again, with Hogans title on the line. Nothing seemed amiss until Andre delivered a butterfly suplex (of sorts) to Hogan and referee Dave Hebner counted to three, despite Hogans left shoulder clearly being raised off the canvas at the count of two. Andre celebrated his victory but then told interviewer Gene Okerlund over the microphone that he was surrendering the title to Ted DiBiase. The cackling Million Dollar Man had essentially bought the WWF World title. The heels left the ring as Hogan argued with them from inside the ring. But behind him, a fascinating scene was developing. There appeared to be two Dave Hebners. Two identically dressed, identically looking referees were in the ring and every member of the audience looked utterly confused. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7Zh07XQfpE Dave Hebner had been a referee for the WWF for a number of years by this time. Before this day, the most famous match he had officiated was the classic Ricky Steamboat vs Randy Savage match at WrestleMania III. His twin brother, Earl, also happened to be a referee, but he worked for the rival NWA, refereeing at major events like Starrcade and The Great American Bash each year. However, at this time, the WWF refused to acknowledge that any other wrestling promotion in the world existed. Almost all of the fans in attendance would have been blissfully unaware that Dave Hebner had an identical twin brother, who was also a referee. Earl had been signed up by the WWF mere days before this show. This was a totally unique angle that could probably never be done again in the internet age, where the twin Hebners would be a well-known fact. It was a moment of sheer creative genius and a novel way to continue the lucrative Hogan vs Andre feud.
Dean Ayass is a well known name to British wrestling fans. A commentator, manager, booker and ring announcer who has been involved in the business since 1993, Dean's insight into the business is second to none.
