AEW Locks in Referees with One-Year Deals Amid Criticism Over In-Ring Decisions

AEW has quietly secured the services of several key referees, renewing their contracts on one-year deals earlier this year, according to Fightful Select. While specific names were not disclosed, sources revealed that multiple referees have had their agreements extended, with at least a couple already mid-way through their new deals.

These renewals come after a number of referees in AEW saw their previous contracts expire before being re-signed. The expectation is that the referees will eventually transition to more long-term agreements, solidifying their roles in the company.

This news emerged as online criticism about a few refereeing moments during recent AEW pay-per-views. Some fans pointed out instances where referees appeared to either push shoulders up or place them down on the mat during matches, leading to confusion and critique. While no official explanation was provided for these incidents, sources assured that such moments will not continue going forward.

AEW’s referees play a crucial role in the presentation of the product, and these contract renewals indicate that the company is keen on keeping its officiating staff in place, ensuring consistency as they address any issues behind the scenes.