What the hell happened with Earl Hebner?

Motley Crue · 15-09-2011 1:14pm #1

So Earl has been refereeing since almost before I was born in the WWF, and has been affiliated with everything from Hogan and Andre, Montreal Screwjob and right up to the Invasion rubbish.

In 2005, according to Wikipedia

Hebner was released from WWE on July 18, 2005, allegedly for selling WWE merchandise without permission.

What in the hell? A man who has worked for Vince McMahon for decades is let go because of an allegation, none of this was even proven, and yet Vince just keeps making enemies within the company? What the hell is up with this and can someone explain the theories or facts on why Hebner was actually fired. In the meantime, we should remember his one and only WWE match....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy6FDmMXZtE

Cactus Colm · 15-09-2011 1:18pm

Motley Crue wrote: »

So Earl has been refereeing since almost before I was born in the WWF, and has been affiliated with everything from Hogan and Andre, Montreal Screwjob and right up to the Invasion rubbish.

In 2005, according to Wikipedia

What in the hell? A man who has worked for Vince McMahon for decades is let go because of an allegation, none of this was even proven, and yet Vince just keeps making enemies within the company? What the hell is up with this and can someone explain the theories or facts on why Hebner was actually fired. In the meantime, we should remember his one and only WWE match....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy6FDmMXZtE

I thought it was alleged only because WWE never prosecuted the brothers for it. No doubt if they didn't have proof enough to fire them there would have been one hell of a lawsuit.

MitchKoobski · 15-09-2011 1:54pm

I always heard that him and his brother were treated horribly by WWE but he didn't quit because he needed the job.

Can't find where I read it....

Lord TSC · 15-09-2011 1:57pm

He was in TNA after that. Is he still there?

rovert · 15-09-2011 1:58pm

There was plenty of ancedotal evidence that he and his brother was doing it - it was an open secret backstage. At the end of the day they wanted to get rid of him and that was the reason they choose.

Serves him right for ruining so many near falls.

Loughc · 15-09-2011 2:00pm

Teamshadowclan wrote: »

He was in TNA after that. Is he still there?

Yes he's still there, poor guy :P

Motley Crue · 15-09-2011 2:02pm

Teamshadowclan wrote: »

He was in TNA after that. Is he still there?

I did see him a few weeks back, had to adjust the television, just to make sure I wasn't mistaken. Apparently he get's good money but according to an article with Slam Magazine in 2009 he still wants to return to WWE to make up with his old employer, apparently they haven't spoken since just before he was fired - Vince refused to return his calls and he just had to be sacked through the solicitors.

rovert wrote: »

There was plenty of ancedotal evidence that he and his brother was doing it - it was an open secret backstage. At the end of the day they wanted to get rid of him and that was the reason they choose.

Shame really, seems rather small minded on Vince's part but also seems stupid on the part of Earl and Dave who shouldn't have sold that kind of merchandise without a license or the correct paperwork - and surely Hebner could have gotten it

rovert · 15-09-2011 2:28pm

Motley Crue wrote: »

Shame really, seems rather small minded on Vince's part but also seems stupid on the part of Earl and Dave who shouldn't have sold that kind of merchandise without a license or the correct paperwork - and surely Hebner could have gotten it

During that time WWE/Johnny Ace had a purge on Attitude Era talent earning Attitude Era money. Preferring to replace them with cheaper OVW talent. Earl was on really good money for a referee like $350,000 - $650,000 range. Wish I could give you a figure but it has been so long now.

Garseys · 15-09-2011 3:32pm

rovert wrote: »

During that time WWE/Johnny Ace had a purge on Attitude Era talent earning Attitude Era money. Preferring to replace them with cheaper OVW talent. Earl was on really good money for a referee like $350,000 - $650,000 range. Wish I could give you a figure but it has been so long now.

I wonder what Mike Chioda is on now? (Since he's the senior official now).