About this episode
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. AEW Unrestricted is sponsored by Upper Deck! Claim your free 2025 AEW ALL IN Digital Promo Card set from Upper Deck today! The set is only available until July 28 at 12pm Pacific. CLAIM HERE: https://bit.ly/4kUKqT2 AEW Unrestricted video episodes available Mondays at 1pm Pacific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ4e4Lb87XTzETPZyj7nZoJ4xPBjKdzgy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices