Earl Hebner Calls Out WWE for Snubbing Referees in Hall of Fame

Wrestling legend Earl Hebner is fed up with WWE’s lack of recognition for referees—and he’s not holding back.

During his appearance on Muscle Memory, Hebner was asked what it meant to be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame. Instead of just celebrating that moment, he used it as a direct shot at WWE for not honoring the men who’ve worked behind the stripes.

“It was great. You know, it’s good that one company realizes who referees are. And not only the TNA Hall of Fame—we belong in the WWE Hall of Fame.”

Hebner went on to name several respected referees from wrestling’s golden years, making it clear the industry’s unsung heroes deserve their place in the spotlight.

“I could give names like Mike Chioda, Nick Patrick, Teddy Long, Joey Marella… and, you know, the guys that—old school, not young school, old school, sir. Guys that worked their ass off and know what’s going on in there. We deserve it. Yes.”

This wasn’t nostalgia—it was a direct message to WWE to do better. Hebner praised TNA for acknowledging referees’ value while calling out WWE’s ongoing silence.

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