WWE Reportedly Inducting Referee Into 2023 Hall of Fame Class
WWE is going with a few firsts with this year's Hall of Fame Class. This was the first time an active in-ring competitor was being inducted even though the wrestler in question (Rey Mysterio) has shown no signs of slowing down or retiring. This was the first year WWE used the ceremony as a potential storyline between two active competitors (teasing Dominik might ruin the induction), and this may be the first year WWE uses one of its slots to actively advertise a WWE referee as part of the Hall of Fame class.
According to PWInsider.com (h/t WrestlingInc's Matthew Wilkinson), there has been some discussion about a referee being part of the 2023 Hall of Fame class. It has not been announced or revealed who that official might be, but social media and a few insiders are having fun trying to guess who it might be. The leading candidates right now are Charles Robinson, Earl Hebner, and/or Mike Chioda. Robinson seems to be the most likely considering the way Hebner left WWE (it wasn't under the best terms) and that Mike Chioda is still an active official who would probably be working with WWE if they hadn't released him in 2020.
Hebner and Robinson are probably the most recognizable referees in wrestling history. Hebner was well known as the most famous official in the 80s and 90s, and his role in the Montreal Screwjob involving Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series 1997. Robinson has been an official since 1997, spending time in WCW before joining WWE in 2001.
Something Like This Is Long Overdue
WWE typically doesn't give officials much attention when it comes to their legacies in the industry, but they are instrumental in what fans see and hear each week on wrestling programming. A good official can highlight everything that is going on in the ring and make the storylines and matches run smoothly A bad official can take the emphasis off of the stars and leave a sour taste when a match is complete. Wrestlers rely on officials to do their job and it's about time one gets the honor of going into the Hall of Fame.
