Jimmy Korderas, former WWE ref of over 20 years, did a version of #AskTheRef for CSRWrestling.com and answered questions on a variety of topics. Here’s a sample:
It has been a while so I decided to bring Ask The Ref to the Chair Shot Reality website. I would like to do this every once in a while. You can submit your questions to me on Twitter and Facebook using the hash tag #AskTheRef. So without further ado, I present to you the first ever Ask The Ref column on CSR.
Starting off with a 2 for 1.
Derek Paul Sharp: To what degree do you feel a good referee should be trained in the other aspects of pro wrestling…wrestling, managing, outside the ring roles, etc? To what degree does knowledge of all aspects help a good ref?
Pat Savino: Since the role of a referee is to be as invisible as possible, how do independent referees get noticed by the big companies?
Ref: To answer DPS, a good professional wrestling referee should have a good understanding of all aspects of what makes a good wrestling match. That doesn’t necessarily mean getting in the ring and learning how to wrestle etc… You can be a good referee without knowing how to apply wrestling moves and holds. Understanding why and when to apply them is the key. Same goes with managing wrestlers. Ring psychology applies to everyone involved in a match and this includes the referee. Having a working knowledge of match structure, proper positioning, and how to utilize managers properly can only help everyone involved in the match. Most importantly, be a sponge. Absorb as much knowledge from as many people as you can. They may not all give you similar advice but take all that info because you will learn something from all of it.
Pat, yes a good ref is invisible until he needs to be visible. I suggest getting as much experience as possible. Watch videos of some of the better refs in the business like the the Hebners, Charles Robinson, John Cone and others. Once you feel comfortable enough, send in a resume with a sample of your work to the performance center in Orlando. One thing, Do not send them video of you taking the most ridiculous bumps in the world. That is not what they are looking for. Gratuitous plug time: here is a link to the DVD on refereeing 101 I did a little while back. http://www.indywrestling.us/downloads/refereeing-101-jimmy-korderas/ Hope this helps and good luck.
Eric Hay: Do you feel the Internet/diehard fans can be unrealistic at times when it comes to their expectations of how newer to the WWE wrestlers are booked? It seems like a lot of people want their “darling” to be pushed to the moon instantly. Shouldn’t you have to pay your dues with the company? Just curious your thoughts and of course thank you very reading my question.
Ref: Eric, I think my thoughts on the IWC/diehard/hardcore wrestling fans have been well documented on my social media accounts. Many of them don’t like to hear the truth but I give it to them anyway. Most of them have forgotten how to just be fans. The over analyzing and constantly focusing on the negatives has hampered their ability to even try to like anything. I by no means like everything I see every week but the stuff I do like is what I like to spotlight.
I like that they are passionate about the business and that they want to voice their opinions, but they forget a few facts. First, they believe that they are the majority of fans who watch WWE and the numbers do not support that assertion. The show is not booked specifically for that one target group. The WWE tries to cater to a wider demographic and not just to one segment of their audience. They all want “their favorite” to be at the top of the card but there is only so much room there. If they are diehard NFL fans for example, do they stop watching the product if their team doesn’t make the playoffs? Will they not tune in to see the Superbowl? In a nutshell, they don’t understand the business side of what the WWE does. Reality Check!
CLICK HERE for his thoughts on Shane McMahon’s relationship with Triple H, a referee in the WWE Hall of Fame and more.
