Push for WWE to Recognize Referees in the Hall of Fame

Earl Hebner is calling for a long-overdue change in WWE—getting referees the recognition they deserve in the Hall of Fame.

For decades, Hebner was the man in the middle of some of WWE’s most legendary matches. His presence alone signaled that a match was important, with stars like Shawn Michaels even refusing to wrestle unless he was officiating. Yet, despite all the managers, celebrities, and even outsiders who have been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, referees have been completely overlooked.

Speaking on the Refin’ It Up podcast, Hebner made it clear he thinks it’s time that changed. “I hope someday that they do have [referees inducted]. There are a lot of guys, not just myself, but you guys [Brian Hebner, Jimmy Korderas, and Daniel Spencer] contribute so much of your life and your body and your knowledge in helping the matches to be what they are,” he said. “We have been, I guess you can say, traffic directors. We took that job to heart to do the best we could do.”

Hebner isn’t just advocating for himself—he believes multiple referees should be honored for their contributions. “It’s not just me. You guys and a few more need to be in there, if they ever have it. If I ever got the honor and opportunity, I would do it. Some day, I hope that they do. I know TNA did it. I got into that Hall of Fame, which was a surprise to me, but it was great.”

The legendary ref also pointed out that even people within the business underestimate the role referees play. “Sometimes, I think that we’re overlooked, and even people in the business don’t know how important we are,” he admitted. “I’ve done a lot of things in this business, good and bad, but I did what I was told to do.”

Hebner’s legacy in wrestling is undeniable, but will WWE finally recognize referees as more than just background players?