I don't think it matters how the ref is knocked out at all. To be honest, we all know what happens when a ref gets knocked down...
Step one - Pussy ref knocked down by stray punch/clothesline/whatever
Step two - Ref rolls out of harms way and covers face with arms so not to show that he's actually yawning.
Step three - Face hits his signature move on opponent.
Step four - Face can't get 3 count because ref is 'out cold'
What ever happened to clean pins or submissions. Surely there are better ways for a heel to get heat during a match than having him escape a pin because the ref is a pussy.