Synopsis

AEW referee Brandon Martinez shares his incredible journey from law enforcement to the AEW ring! He talks about the leap of faith that took him from the streets of Newark, New Jersey to training at WrestlePro, and how a last-minute opportunity with ROH changed ultimately changed his life. Brandon details his unforgettable main-card debut officiating Mercedes Moné vs. Stephanie Vaquer at Forbidden Door 2024, and the torn labrum he suffered later that year during Mansoor vs. Atlantis Jr at ROH Final Battle. He opens up about the physical and mental toll of the injury, his road back to AEW, and the emotional return at Double or Nothing 2025. Plus, Brandon shouts out the referees and wrestlers who’ve helped him grow, including FTR, Danny Garcia, and his mentor Aubrey Edwards.