Referee MJ Bell
Posted: February 24, 2022
Author: Jeff Docherty
Law & Order In The Squared Circle
With the glitz and glamour of the world of professional wrestling and the massive spectacle that it has become, there is one piece of the show that is incredibly important, though often overlooked, when we think of the stars of the squared circle.
Show after show, our favorite warriors of the squared circle flip, fly, kick and bodyslam all over the ring and perform physical feats that we often never dreamed could be possible. However, one of the most integral parts of each match is the man (or woman) in the striped jersey. It's easy to forget that the referee is of the utmost importance and without a referee, the match would be virtually impossible. There would be nobody to enforce the rules, count the pinfalls or disqualify the bad guys when they get caught breaking the rules, if not for the referee.
Wrestling, as we know it, would be a far different thing without the men and women who step into the ring each match with our favorite Warriors. Today, we turn the spotlight on Midget Wrestling Warriors referee MJ Bell.
"I actually began my career as a wrestler in 2017 for Imperial Wrestling Revolution in Ardmore, Oklahoma. I started training that year as a wrestler but later in the year, I went to Tulsa, Oklahoma and trained at Compound Pro Wrestling (CPW)." said Bell, when asked about his beginnings in the pro wrestling business.
So, why the change from wrestler to referee?
"My trainer, Mitch Baxter, from CPW approached me during my wrestling training and said that he believed that I'd be really good for a refereeing position and he had a spot open. He wanted me to referee an upcoming match which would feature one of the other trainers at ACH at that time."
He decided to give the refereeing position a try as he wanted to get up close and see how the wrestlers communicated and worked in the ring.
"In 2018, I made my debut as a referee when I worked a match with ACH (from Ring of Honor) and Latrel Upton, a local talent." said Referee Bell of his beginnings in the wrestling business.
He worked for CPW from December 2018 until July 2019 when the company shut down.
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic causing a total shutdown of live wrestling events, Bell's refereeing career was put on a temporary hold until April of 2021 when he refereed for Texoma Pro Wrestling in Texas. "Really, since then, the ball has been rolling." said Bell.
A slight change of plans...
Bell had always hoped that he would resume his training as a wrestler, eventually, but those plans seemed to change with the continuing praise and respect that he was receiving from his peers based upon his refereeing performance.
"I began to look more seriously at my refereeing and focus on that aspect of my career as it seemed that refereeing was my ticket to really making something of myself in the wrestling business."
Bell continued to referee matches and constantly worked to better his in-ring skills with each show.
"The transition wasn't a quick one but it is definitely something that has grown on me over time and I love being a referee. It's one of the greatest things I have taken part of in my life."
Bell is still a relative newcomer to the pro wrestling business but he has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most well-respected referees in the business. He has worked one tour with the Midget Wrestling Warriors and he's excited to get back out on the road with the Warriors.
"I've worked on the Midget Wrestling Warriors Oklahoma/Texas tour back in mid-October. I'm really looking forward to getting back on tour with the Warriors and bringing the fans more exciting action as only the Midget Wrestling Warriors can do!" said an excited Bell who looks like he's ready to don the pinstripes at a moment's notice.
Bell has already had some great interactions with some big stars while refereeing.
"I've worked with Matt Hardy, Fuego Del Sol and a hardcore match between Psycho Clown and Gringo Loco at a GCW event that was televised on FITE-TV. That was a real highlight for me. I've worked with most of the Midget Wrestling Warriors roster and they've all been really cool to work with. Super talented group of wrestlers and I can't wait to get back on tour with MWW."
At only 28 years old, Michael Bell has a long, bright career ahead of him in the wrestling business and we're excited to have him as part of the Midget Wrestling Warriors team as we head out on our 2022 Evolution Tour!
To see Referee MJ Bell in person, alongside all of our Midget Wrestling Warriors, be sure to check out our Tour Schedule by clicking HERE and we look forward to seeing you soon!