The wrestling world has lost a respected official from the Northeast scene.
The International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame announced that longtime referee David Dwinell passed away on March 19 after battling Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome. The illness led to Dwinell entering hospice care last year following declining health.
Dwinell built a lengthy career officiating matches across the Northeast, working events connected to WWF, NWA, and Northeast Wrestling, among other promotions. He later gained recognition for writing his autobiography Ringman, which detailed his experiences inside the business and became well known among wrestling historians and longtime fans.
The International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame shared the following statement confirming his passing and honoring his legacy:
“We are sad to report the family of Dave Dwinell has announced that he passed away on March 19th. Dave was a longtime referee for pro wrestling in the Northeast US.”
The Hall of Fame also reflected on the impact of Dwinell’s writing and his continued involvement with wrestling even after his in-ring career ended.
“Dave’s autobiography ‘Ringman’ is a ‘must read’ for anyone interested in the history of pro wrestling. I’d like to believe that Dave is reunited in heaven with his family and friends like Freddie Blassie and the Iron Sheik. He will be missed by all of us at the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, where Dave often was a volunteer tour guide.”
The statement concluded with condolences to his loved ones.
“Our prayers go out to Dave’s family during this difficult time. May Dave Dwinell rest peacefully.”
Dwinell’s contributions as a referee and historian helped preserve an important part of wrestling’s regional history, particularly across the Northeast territory system that shaped generations of talent and fans.
David Dwinell leaves behind a legacy tied to the ring, the rulebook, and the stories that helped document wrestling’s past.