Biography

Thomas M. Machlay is a retired American professional wrestler and referee, best known for his work with Jim Crockett Promotions and the NWA. He began his career as a wrestler in 1971 but gained fame as a referee starting in 1975, becoming the NWA’s senior referee during the 1980s. His unique style, with dramatic counts and expressive body language, made him a fan favorite. In 1989, a neck injury during a match ended his career as a full-time referee. After retiring, he made brief appearances in the WWF and continued to referee special matches. He was inducted into the Ohio Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2023, honoring his legacy in professional wrestling.