Folks, buckle up because we’ve got some breaking news straight from the squared circle—and it’s not about wrestlers signing contracts this time. Nope, it’s the unsung heroes of the ring—AEW’s referees—who have found themselves in the spotlight, and not just because they’ve been caught pushing shoulders down for pinfalls. That’s right, AEW has reportedly re-signed a number of their referees to new one-year deals, according to Fightful Select, and let’s just say, these zebras may want to tighten up their stripes after the year they’ve had.
Now, Fightful wasn’t given the exact names of which referees inked these new deals or even how many of them are on board, but several contracts were reportedly renewed earlier this year. By now, these officials are likely halfway through those deals. And here’s the kicker: longer deals are in the works, potentially coming into play in 2025. Because what’s more exciting than waiting for a longer referee contract?
But folks, here’s where it gets juicy. This news emerged amidst some seriously pointed criticism of AEW referees following a string of questionable decisions during recent pay-per-views. You know, the kind of decisions that make you go, “Did I just see that, or was that a fever dream?” The most recent misstep? It happened at AEW WrestleDream’s Zero Hour kickoff show, where Anna Jay picked up a victory over Harley Cameron—thanks to a referee who seemingly decided to give Cameron’s shoulder a little nudge to make sure that three-count landed. Call it the ol’ “assist” finish.
But the pièce de résistance of referee bloopers? That honor belongs to AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam, where Jon Moxley and Rey Fenix threw down for the AEW International Championship. After Fenix hit his first finishing move, Moxley—bless his heart—failed to kick out in time, leaving referee Rick Knox awkwardly pausing the count mid-pin. In true wrestling fashion, they called an audible and Fenix hit a second finisher to seal the deal. Knox got his three-count on take two, and the show went on, but the damage (and the internet memes) were done.
Now, Fightful didn’t get a “direct reason” for these errors, but they were assured that this won’t be a recurring theme. Let’s just hope those newly signed contracts come with a free refresher course in How to Referee Like You Mean It.