WWE is currently searching for fresh referee talent and seems to have its eye on a familiar name: one-time AEW star Leyla Hirsch.

While known for her hard-hitting in-ring approach and high-quality technical wrestling, Hirsch can exchange suplexes for stripes if reports are correct.

WWE Courting Leyla Hirsch for Referee Audition

WWE Taps Former AEW Star Leyla Hirsch for Referee Role WWE Taps Former AEW Star Leyla Hirsch for Referee Role
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WWE has made an offer to Moscow-born wrestler for possible referee tryout, a report by Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp revealed. This surprising turn in her professional life follows months after she left All Elite Wrestling in February. Since then, Hirsch has stayed busy on the indie circuit, last competing for Beyond Wrestling.

But, WWE might present a fresh chapter. This time on the officiating side of the squared circle. Inside sources in WWE reported that the management contacted Hirsch in mid-June, though it isn't known whether she has come on board or passed the tryout.

From AEW Competitor to WWE Official

Some fans might be confused by the change, but insiders believe this may be a strategic maneuver to get Hirsch "in the door." WWE has used referee jobs as gatekeepers for in-ring performers who eventually come back to wrestling. While not a typical career path, it is one that has worked for others.

The TakeDown set Jessika Carr as a case in point. She first made her way into WWE as a referee and subsequently came back into the ring as Kalyx in EVOLVE. The 27-year-old Hirsch might be able to take a similar path, beginning in officiating while leaving the door ajar for impending matches.

Why Would WWE Choose Hirsch Over Other Referees?

On Reddit, many users shared different takes as to why WWE wanted to recruit Leyla. According to Dsod23, Hirsch's height would make Jade, Rhea, and other female wrestlers look bigger on screen.

Another Reddit user, Mutant_Star, wrote that Hirsch is very strong. WWE might be interested in hiring someone who won't get knocked out easily.

"People here act like being a ref is easy lol. I did one of those ref classes at a wrestling school, and that sh*t is exhausting and requires a lot more than you think. I am not shocked that WWE hires wrestlers to be refs. It makes a lot of sense," another Redditor commented.