10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (March 24)

9. Earl Hebner Plans To Retire In Two Years

Earl Hebner
WWE.com

Perhaps the most famous wrestling referee of all time, the 67-year old Earl Hebner has been a controversial figure ever since he memorably called for the bell and helped screw Bret Hart out of the WWF Title at the 1997 Survivor Series.

Hebner has been working for TNA ever since leaving WWE in 2005; leaving his long time employer under acrimonious circumstances (selling WWE merchandise without company permission), Hebner has experienced a quieter life since joining TNA.

Now, the legendary official is planning to hang up his ref shirt within the next two years; telling Sports Illustrated all about his plans, the respected referee said he has two years left on his contract, and plans to see that through before going home just in time for his 70th birthday celebrations.

It doesn't look like there's any chance of a WWE return before retirement for Earl, even though many will call for induction into the promotion's Hall Of Fame once he does call it a day.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.