Nope, not referring to any of the in-ring talent from over the years. Not really, that is. There is a group of people who aren't "superstars" but have logged just as much, if not more time in the squared circle. They are an important part of each and every show, from the opening card, to the main event. They also take quite a few bumps along the way at times. Who? Referees.
Some may snicker at this, even I did when TNA inducted legendary referee Earl Hebner into their Hall Of Fame. However, the chuckle didn't come from his induction, it was aimed at TNA and their sad HOF. Earl, as well as some others rightfully deserve their spot among the immortals. Referees do so much more than count to 3 or 10, and signal for the bell. They are the "middle man" at times with backstage and the performers in the ring. Giving new directions, time limits, to being a part of the story. When you really think about it, they are even performing similar to the talent in the ring. Taking bumps on all levels, from the traditional hit in the corner to getting legitimately injured a la Timmy White in one of the Hell In A Cell matches. Referees also "sell" the bumps, laying motionless and "coming to" at the right moment. They act out the stories at times, with things like arguing with a heel or sending the entourage to the back. This all adds to the show. Remember when Andre won the WWF (WWE) title? Earl and Dave Hebner is what really made the story work that night, which ultimately led to the events of Wrestlemania IV.
Refs also do things behind the scenes, if you want to hear any Andre stories? The man to see would be Tim White (yes, him again) who traveled with the late legend ensuring the Boss was a comfortable as he could be. Another Tim White reference comes from how many times his bar, The Friendly Tap, has been used in WWE programming during the Attitude Era.
They do more than what was mentioned, but you get the idea. If not, then simply think about who has technically appeared in the most Wrestlemania main events, possibly Earl Hebner or another referee. And also remember that the "Montreal Screw Job" doesn't happen without a referee playing his part. If Hebner dropped the ball that night, we could have seen (despite what Bret says) the WWF (WWE) Championship on WCW programming. And lets be honest, the better company won that war. Don't agree? Russo. I win.
Basically, it would be nice to see the referees get their recognition and be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Starting with saving Earl from TNA and inducting him, as well as guys like Tim White, Jimmy Korderas, and when he hangs them up, Little Naitch Charles Robinson. Teddy Long isn't on here as I am not sure which category he would fall under as he was everything really. Ref, manager, General Manager. There are others as well, but lets start here.
For more Wrestling, Comic Book, Movie, TV Show, and Video Game stuff! Head on over to Non-Geeky Nerd and check things out! Stay Nerdy!
Some may snicker at this, even I did when TNA inducted legendary referee Earl Hebner into their Hall Of Fame. However, the chuckle didn't come from his induction, it was aimed at TNA and their sad HOF. Earl, as well as some others rightfully deserve their spot among the immortals. Referees do so much more than count to 3 or 10, and signal for the bell. They are the "middle man" at times with backstage and the performers in the ring. Giving new directions, time limits, to being a part of the story. When you really think about it, they are even performing similar to the talent in the ring. Taking bumps on all levels, from the traditional hit in the corner to getting legitimately injured a la Timmy White in one of the Hell In A Cell matches. Referees also "sell" the bumps, laying motionless and "coming to" at the right moment. They act out the stories at times, with things like arguing with a heel or sending the entourage to the back. This all adds to the show. Remember when Andre won the WWF (WWE) title? Earl and Dave Hebner is what really made the story work that night, which ultimately led to the events of Wrestlemania IV.
Refs also do things behind the scenes, if you want to hear any Andre stories? The man to see would be Tim White (yes, him again) who traveled with the late legend ensuring the Boss was a comfortable as he could be. Another Tim White reference comes from how many times his bar, The Friendly Tap, has been used in WWE programming during the Attitude Era. They do more than what was mentioned, but you get the idea. If not, then simply think about who has technically appeared in the most Wrestlemania main events, possibly Earl Hebner or another referee. And also remember that the "Montreal Screw Job" doesn't happen without a referee playing his part. If Hebner dropped the ball that night, we could have seen (despite what Bret says) the WWF (WWE) Championship on WCW programming. And lets be honest, the better company won that war. Don't agree? Russo. I win.
Basically, it would be nice to see the referees get their recognition and be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Starting with saving Earl from TNA and inducting him, as well as guys like Tim White, Jimmy Korderas, and when he hangs them up, Little Naitch Charles Robinson. Teddy Long isn't on here as I am not sure which category he would fall under as he was everything really. Ref, manager, General Manager. There are others as well, but lets start here.
For more Wrestling, Comic Book, Movie, TV Show, and Video Game stuff! Head on over to Non-Geeky Nerd and check things out! Stay Nerdy!
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