Jason Ayers (January 13, 1982) is an American professional wrestling referee currently working for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) where he is the senior referee for the promotion's NXT brand.
Career[]
Jason started refereeing independent wrestling matches in 1998, with Hoosier Pro Wrestling in Columbus, IN under the name Jason Harding.
Ring of Honor (2005-2007)[]
Jason began as a referee for Ring of Honor in May 2005 at Nowhere to Run, officiating the match between James Gibson and BJ Whitmer.
He refereed events throughout the Midwest, including matches featuring talent from Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling in Japan.
Jason left Ring of Honor in September 2007
Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling (2006)[]
In July 2006, Jason made his Japanese debut with Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling during their WrestleJAM tour. The tour featured several Ring of Honor stars, including Austin Aries, Matt Sydal, and more.
Micro Wrestling Federation (2007-2010)[]
After leaving ROH in 2007, Jason toured nationally with Micro Wrestling Federation.
Dragon Gate USA/EVOLVE Wrestling (2010-2011)[]
In January 2010, Jason began with both Dragon Gate USA and EVOLVE Wrestling, refereeing the Davey Richards vs Kota Ibushi main event at the debut EVOLVE event.
He traveled with both companies, serving as head referee on all events until November 2011.
World Wrestling Entertainment (2012-Present)[]
In February 2012, Jason signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment, and started in Florida Championship Wrestling in early March.
Jason refereed the finals of the NXT Tag Team Championship tournament, crowning the first champions, Adrian Neville and Oliver Grey on January 31, 2013.
On May 2, 2013, Jason refereed the match between Luke Harper and Erick Rowan vs Neville and Bo Dallas where Harper and Rowan became NXT Tag Team Champions.
Jason debuted on WWE RAW on August 6, 2013 refereeing the match between Kaitlyn and Layla.
Personal life[]
Jason is married with one son. The three currently live near Orlando, FL.
