4. Refs Sometimes Get Their Own Storylines
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A WWE referee’s job is simple: Keep the match clean and stay out of the way. Sometimes, however, refs have been put in the spotlight with their own interesting storylines. One of the most notable that many of the most hardcore wrestling fans will remember is the 1999 referee strike. This revolution, led by Earl Hebner, resulted in the referees being allowed to defend themselves if provoked by a wrestler. In the year following, Hebner was featured in an additional storyline with Triple H after quick counting, resulting in Triple H’s loss to Chris Jericho. After returning the title to Triple H weeks later, Hebner was fired, but not before taking a beating. As part of the storyline, his job was reinstated by Linda McMahon. This storyline really showed the versatility of wrestling’s referees.
3. Refs Fight Back
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After the decision was made after the 1999 strike, some referees used this to their advantage. No longer putting up with the taunts and blows from the wrestlers, some officials stood up for themselves against WWE’s toughest stars. Fans may remember Scott Armstrong punching out The Miz, or they may think back to the match where the referee hit Ryback below the belt. These are just two examples of the ref getting involved in the action. In some cases, a ref is simply defending himself, but in others, the official is showing a darker, dirtier side that can change the entire course of a match.
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