Earl Hebner openly criticized AEW referee Aubrey Edwards, questioning both her demeanor and how modern officials are portrayed in wrestling. Speaking on “Muscle Memory by Muscleman Malcolm,” the legendary WWE referee gave a nuanced evaluation of Edwards’ style as a ring official.
Hebner said, “Well, Aubrey thinks she’s a big star, but I’ll give her credit as a solid referee.” He pointed out that Edwards views herself as a major personality and insisted that no favoritism is shown. Hebner also expressed concern about AEW’s decision to involve Edwards in physical segments, recalling a discussion with AEW management where he asked, “Why did you hit her on the head with a guitar?”
His remarks highlight a generational divide in officiating philosophies. Traditional referees were meant to be mostly invisible, simply counting pinfalls and maintaining order. In contrast, Edwards embodies a newer approach where referees actively contribute to storylines and character development.
Though Hebner respects Edwards’ skills, he remains skeptical about modern referees stepping too far into the spotlight. He prefers officials to resume their classic role of staying in the background and letting the wrestlers take center stage.
Fan Take: This critique underscores a growing debate among AEW fans about the evolving role of referees in wrestling storytelling. How AEW balances character-driven officiating with traditional roles could shape the future direction of the sport and fan engagement.
