WWE is reportedly looking to add to its referee lineup and has shown interest in a surprising name for the role: former AEW wrestler Leyla Hirsch. According to a new report, the company has contacted the free agent about a potential tryout.
Hirsch has been active on the independent circuit since her departure from All Elite Wrestling in February of this year. This new opportunity would present an unexpected path back to a major promotion.
A Surprising Opportunity
A new report from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select states that WWE has reached out to Leyla Hirsch about a potential tryout with the company, specifically for a referee position. The communication reportedly took place in mid-June, though it is not yet known if Hirsch accepted the offer or if a tryout has already happened.
“Sources within WWE tell Fightful that they reached out to Leyla Hirch about a potential tryout with the company as a referee,” the report stated.
“Legit” Leyla Hirsch: A True Competitor
The news is surprising given Hirsch’s background as a legitimate and accomplished in-ring competitor. Born in Moscow, she has a background in amateur wrestling. This credential, combined with her powerful, suplex-based offense, earned her the nickname “Legit” Leyla Hirsch.
She was a promising, rising star in the AEW women’s division before suffering a major ACL tear in 2022. While she eventually returned to the ring, she was never able to regain her previous momentum, which led to her departure from the company earlier this year.
Hirsch’s legitimate background and tough in-ring style make her an unusual candidate for a referee role.
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A “Foot In The Door” To WWE
The Fightful report notes that taking a referee position could simply be a “foot in the door” for Hirsch to get into the WWE system. It is a path that other performers have taken in the past.
Historically, “Dangerous” Danny Davis was a referee before becoming a notorious heel wrestler in the 1980s. More recently, WWE referee Jessika Carr, the first full-time female referee on the main roster, has begun competing as an in-ring talent on the WWE Evolve brand.
For an independent talent, any role within the WWE system provides access to the Performance Center and its world-class coaches. This can often lead to other opportunities down the line.
While fans may be surprised to see the “Legit” one in stripes, it could be a savvy career move for the talented free agent.
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