Former WWF Referee Jack Lotz Passes Away at Age of 86

Former longtime WWWF and WWF referee John “Jack” Lotz passed away this past Saturday at the age of 86.

Lotz’s daughter Elizabeth announced his passing on social media stating that her father had died due to complications from the coronavirus.

Lotz had a thirty-six year career as a boxing and wrestling referee for the New York State Athletic Commission and was appointed as one of the top referees for WWE’s events held in the state during the 1970s and 1980s.

Among Lotz’s notable wrestling career highlights were him being the match referee for Bob Backlund’s victory over “Superstar” Billy Graham for the WWWF Championship on February 20, 1978 and Hulk Hogan’s victory over the Iron Sheik for the WWF Championship on January 23, 1984. Lotz also worked in the first three WrestleManias held by WWE.