Referees are an important element not only in a wrestling match but in a wrestling promotion. Every successful company has had its go-to guy; Earl Hebner, Red Shoes Unno, and Nick Patrick have left their mark on the wrestling world.
AEW does not have a go-to guy - better yet, they have their go-to woman in Aubrey Edwards. In her young career, Edwards had developed a nuanced skill set and unwavering popularity amongst AEW fans. She is a terrific match facilitator and a great storyteller. Perhaps that’s because her story in itself is a great one.
The In-Ring Work of Aubrey Edwards
When fans are treated to an Aubrey Edwards match, it’s easy to forget that she’s there… that is until she wants you to notice she’s there, which is the mark of a great ref. But, if you did decide to hone in on Edwards during a contest, there are several things you’d pick up on. Aubrey has masterful footwork, impeccable timing, and sharp attention to detail. She’s smooth, precise, and elegant. Watching her work isn’t too different from watching a flawless ballet performance (by the way, Aubrey also happens to be a classically trained ballet dancer.)
But as great as she is an invisible ring general, she also knows when to turn on her combative mode with complaining or cheating wrestlers. When it comes to smart, babyface referees who don’t take guff from the heels - there are few better pro wrestling today.
In the AEW Unrestricted podcast, Aubrey mentioned that she learned some of her tactics from watching MMA referees work, acknowledging their resting game-face and ready-for-action posture. Her work is the perfect balance of a referee in total control and having the time of her life.
Aubrey Edwards’ Love of the Game
Edwards started referring on the indie promotion circuit in Washington State roughly four years ago. Her rapid success is not by luck or happenstance but due to her incredible work ethic. Shortly after her first match, she decided to commit to being the best she could be. She changed her diet, sleep routine, and physique. Aubrey explains, “I started lifting weights and working out because someone once said that a referee should look like they’re able to break up a fight.” Nobody messes with Aubrey.
In her first year, Edwards put herself in a position to learn from the best. In a podcast, she explains that she would pinpoint the cities where big WWE PPV events were happening and target indie promotions occurring in conjunction. Through this tactic, Aubrey learned fast, often, and networked with some of the greats. Shortly thereafter, when AEW came on the scene, Franky Kazarian recommended Aubrey to the Young Bucks, and the rest, as they say, is history.
But before Aubrey began her referee career, she was just a fan, like the rest of us. She got introduced to pro-wrestling as an adult. Edwards credits the CM Punk Pipebomb promo as the segment that ignited her mega-fandom, and since then, she’s never looked back. There is a famous video of Aubrey Edwards sitting ringside as a fan at the Daniel Bryan retirement show, overcome with emotion as tears streamed down her face. The clip was a popular meme-able video before Edwards became AEW’s leading ref. Years later, once people discovered that it was, in fact, Edwards in the clip, she garnered even more adoration from fans. Not only is that video endearing - it’s relatable. That level of emotion draws us to this crazy sport we all love.
Aubrey Edwards Is More Than A Referee to AEW
In addition to her tremendous work in the ring, Edwards is an important part of AEW outside of the ring. Shortly after becoming a full-time employee with the company, Aubrey was given a project manager position. Additionally, her background in the video game industry is proving to be beneficial and a key element for AEW’s gaming department.
Her knowledge and love of video games will undoubtedly add depth to AEW’s highly-anticipated console game. She appeared alongside Kenny Omega, Britt Baker, and Cody Rhodes as they launched their AEW Games Special Event.
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of Aubrey’s popularity has been the AEW Unrestricted Podcast, which she co-hosts with Tony Schiavone. On this down-to-earth show, Aubrey, Tony, and the fans get to know AEW stars on a personal level. There is an episode where Tony interviews Aubrey, which is a great insight into her rapid growth and how accomplished this impressive young woman is.
Beyond her popularity - Aubrey is unquestionably AEW’s main event ref. If the company needs a big-match referee, she’s their woman. And thus far, she’s taken that position and ran with it, cementing herself in the canon of classic matches and unforgettable moments.
AEW has made a habit of building young stars. Charismatic, brilliant in-ring workers have made a name for themselves in this company; Jungle Boy, MJF, Britt Baker, and Darby Allin - but perhaps the most impressive is Aubrey’s popularity. The referee not only has a lasting place in the company but clearly in the hearts of the fans as well.