Friends and family remember Tim White as he is inducted to WWE Hall of Fame

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WLNE) — For years, he stood in the squared-circle officiating huge matchups in the WWE, and while Tim White has hung on the wall for years at the Friendly Tap, his name is being immortalized in wrestling history. 

A one-of-a-kind honor, for a Rhode Island native, and former WWE referee, Tim White. 

“His two brothers are at the ceremony today and they’re going to be accepting the award on his behalf and it’s just an amazing ride,” Michelle White, Tim White’s sister-in-law said. 

The former WWE referee passed unexpectedly last year at 68 years old. 

On Friday he went down in history being the first ref to be inducted into the WWE hall of fame, his family calling it an honor. 

“There’s nothing more impactful for us as a family I think, than for the WWE to bring him in to the hall of fame which is, you know, the first referee ever, it’s amazing,” Andrew White, Tim’s nephew said. 

White, also being the recipient of this year’s Warrior Award, an award given to those who show strength and compassion. 

“I know he was well respected not only among his family and friends but in the wrestling business, he was the guy that they all trusted, they came to him, and I think that’s why he’s getting this award tonight,” a family friend of the White’s, Ed Malin, said. 

Friends and family gathered for the induction in the Friendly Tap, the place Tim White used to own, and use, as a WWE set for occasional filming, and smashing, of bar equipment that was fixed and repaired right after- every time. 

Family reminisced on all the memories of him on this special night. 

“When I was like four years old Andre the Giant used to come to the house and stay with us for Christmas because he didn’t have family here and he was best friends with my uncle and I used to go to school and say I know Andre the Giant and nobody believed me, then Andre the Giant came to my 7th birthday party and I became the legend of you know,” Andy White said. 

While the family says Tim White was just a normal guy, this is an honor they wish he was here to see. 

“He was never the one looking for accolades, but he’d enjoy it, I’m sure he would, he’d enjoy it,” Andy White added. 

White is being inducted to the hall of fame alongside Stacy Kiebler, Andy Kaufman, Rey Mysterio and The Great Muta.