Legendary WWE Referee Mike Chioda Reacts to Getting Released From His WWE Contract

On top of the 30+ active wrestlers, WWE either fired or furloughed backstage producers, writers, […]

April 22, 2020, 5:32pm

On top of the 30+ active wrestlers, WWE either fired or furloughed backstage producers, writers, office employees, announcers, Performance Center coaches, on-air personalities and referees as part of their cost-cutting measures last week. One of those releases included veteran referee Mike Chioda, who was famously the longest-tenured referee in WWE history working from 1989-2020. Chioda broke his silence regarding his release on Tuesday, thanking fans for their decades of support.

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“I Want To Say Thanks To the WWE & To All My AMAZING WWE FANS & Universe!” Chioda wrote. “35yrs & 31yrs Refereeing Working for the WWE has been a FANTASTIC RUN!! I Am So PROUD to have Worked with So Many ICONS & AMAZING TALENT IN THIS INDUSTRY!! I THANK YOU ALL!! 1Luv!”

A Very Special Thanks To All My WWE Co-Workers & WWE FANS for Reaching out to Me! I Really Appreciate The RESPECT & KIND WORDS FROM EVERYONE!! During these Unprecedented times in our lives. Everyone & There Families B Safe & God Bless!! @WWE
— Mike Chioda (@MjcChioda) April 22, 2020

Chioda officiated countless iconic WWE matches over the years, including Shawn Michaels vs. Steve Austin at WrestleMania XIV, The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania X8, Triple H vs. Batista at WrestleMania 21, Michaels vs. John Cena at WrestleMania 23 and Cena vs. The Rock at WrestleMania XXVIII.

Here’s a full list of every wrestler who has been released: