Referee Mike Chioda has been a part of the WWE family for 20 years — refereeing for the past 15. He started out working for late WWE Hall of Famer Gorilla Monsoon, learning the trade alongside Monsoon's late son, Joey Morella. With Morella and now-SmackDown ring announcer Tony Chimel, the New Jersey trio would set up the ring, tear it down and sell event programs at shows across the Northeast.
A teenage Chioda could hope to make $50 on the ring crew — plus the money from programs and driving trucks. Around age 19, Chioda was approached by WWE Hall of Famer Chief Jay Strongbow, who wanted Chioda to train as a referee. From that point on, Chioda credits Monsoon and Morella, as well as many legendary Superstars such as Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, Hercules, Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty for helping him pick up the intricacies of officiating.
Choida's first-ever match as a WWE referee saw the Brooklyn Brawler battle Barry Horowitz. But it wasn't until Choida officiated his first match at Madison Square Garden that he really felt like he had hit the big time.
Unforgettable moments in his career include when Brock Lesnar superplexed Big Show - collapsing the ring. Chioda was forced to rule the match a no-contest, and it's something he doesn't think he'll likely see again in his career.
Chioda also recalls Triple H vs. Batista at WrestleMania 21, Stone Cold vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XIV, and The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania X8 as some of the most memorable matches he's called.
Chioda also distinctly remembers Nov. 29, 2004, when he and a fellow official declared contrary decisions in a Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship; Chioda saw Chris Benoit pinned for the three-count while Edge tapped out simultaneously. It's a moment in his career that's nearly impossible to replicate.
Chioda also fondly recalls his first overseas WWE tours to Ireland and England. The enthusiasm of the crowds is something he won't soon forget.
But as a WWE referee for 15 years, it's unavoidable that Choida would become a part of the action from time to time. Only once was he a part of a serious injury scare, when an enraged Ahmed Johnson tossed him onto the ropes and out of the ring. He ended up with a stinger and bad bruises and had to be hospitalized.
These days, Choida does his best to keep the Superstars in line, while never forgetting those individuals who helped him get to where he is today.
Mike Chioda
Mike Chioda
Mike Chioda
Mike Chioda
Mike Chioda
Mike Chioda
Mike Chioda
Mike Chioda
Mike Chioda
WWE RAW House Show - Primo wins, Mike Chioda/
Mike Yellak talk, and Chris Masters gets angry at Refs
Mike Chioda vs Nick Patrick vs Tony Chimel - Triple Threat Referee Match
(Smackdown vs Raw 2007)
