Ep 2. Refereeing 101 with Jimmy Korderas

In the second episode of season five of the Joe Dombrowski Wrestling Library, we learn about the art of refereeing with Jimmy Korderas. Korderas is a retired professional wrestling referee who has worked in the industry for 30 years and officiated over 1,000 matches.

Korderas joins host Joe Dombrowski to discuss the crucial role referees play in professional wrestling. They discuss the basics of refereeing, such as counting pinfalls and checking for illegal holds, as well as more complex topics such as maintaining crowd control and making split-second decisions.

Throughout the episode, Korderas shares anecdotes from his time in the ring, including some of the more memorable matches he has officiated. He also discusses some of the challenges and obstacles referees face, including dealing with difficult wrestlers and navigating confusing match stipulations.

Korderas and Dombrowski also delve into the history of refereeing in professional wrestling. They discuss the evolution of the role, from the early days of wrestling when referees were little more than timekeepers to the modern era where referees play a vital role in storytelling and match outcomes.

Additionally, Korderas breaks down some of the unique aspects of refereeing in different types of matches. For instance, he discusses the challenges of refereeing a tag team match, where there are multiple competitors in the ring at the same time. He also talks about the unique challenges of refereeing in hardcore matches, where rules are often thrown out the window.

As the conversation continues, Korderas dives deeper into some of the more nuanced aspects of refereeing, such as the importance of body positioning and maintaining control of the match. He also discusses the importance of referees being able to communicate effectively with wrestlers and other officials.

Overall, Refereeing 101 with Jimmy Korderas is a fascinating look at a crucial but often overlooked aspect of professional wrestling. Korderas brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion, and Dombrowski does an excellent job of guiding the conversation and keeping things engaging. Whether you're a lifelong wrestling fan or simply curious about the inner workings of the industry, this episode is well worth a watch.