His inquiry was rebuffed by Zbyszko, who later revealed the referee to be the debuting Earl Hebner. Over the following weeks, Johnson repeatedly requested to referee main event matches, with Zbyszko rejecting his appeals each time. Zbyszko eventually was about to give in to Johnson's incessant requests when Johnson suddenly withdrew his request to become a senior referee.
His request was dismissed by Zbyszko, who later revealed the referee to be Earl Hebner, a newcomer. Over the following weeks, Johnson repeatedly asked to officiate main event matches, with Zbyszko rejecting his appeals each time.  Zbyszko eventually agreed to Johnson's requests but then withdrew his offer when Johnson suddenly changed his mind about becoming a senior referee.