Jack Lotz

John Lotz (August 13, 1933 – April 18, 2020) was an American wrestling referee and actor. Lotz worked predominantly for the World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment). Lotz officiated at the first three WrestleMania events during the 1980s.

Lotz, circa 1979

Biography

Born in Yonkers, New York he started his career as an elevator assembly worker and later a truck driver for 'Yonkers Butter and Eggs'. He enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Korean War between 1951 and 1954.^[1]

Lotz had a 33-year career as a referee for the New York State Athletic Commission. He was the referee for Bob Backlund's victory over Superstar Billy Graham in 1978 for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship as well as for Hulk Hogan's victory over The Iron Sheik in 1984 for the same championship, then renamed the WWF Heavyweight Championship.^[2]

Lotz refereed matches in the first three WrestleMania events, including the boxing match between Rowdy Roddy Piper and Mr. T at WrestleMania 2.

Outside of wrestling, Lotz appeared in the films Raging Bull and The Hurricane as well as the television drama, The Sopranos.

Lotz died on April 18, 2020, due to complications from COVID-19 at the age of 86 in Yonkers, New York, during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state).^[3]

Filmography

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1980	Raging Bull	Referee - Fox Fight
1988	Homeboy	Coffee Shop Customer
1990	The Return of Superfly	Customs Marshal	Uncredited
1994	Nadja	Boxing Coach
1998	Hell's Kitchen	Johnny's Corner Man
2001	Love the Hard Way	The John in Bedroom	(final film role)

References

1. "Respected WWWF referee Jack Lotz passes away at 86". Slam Sports. 21 April 2020. Retrieved 27 April 2020.^{[dead link‍]}
2. "MSG Referee Jack Lotz Passes Away at 86". Last Word on Pro Wrestling. 20 April 2020. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
3. "Former WWF referee Jack Lotz passed away due to complications from coronavirus". Wrestling News | Wwe and Aew Results, Spoilers, Rumors & Scoops. 21 April 2020. Retrieved 27 April 2020.