Mike Chioda: The WWE Referee Of Our Childhood Has The BEST Stories!

Mike Chioda (@mjcchioda) is a professional wrestling referee who is known for his 35 year career in WWE. He sits down with Chris Van Vliet in Tampa, FL to talk about his legendary career and being the third man in the ring for matches like Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit, The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar, 123 Kid vs. Razor Ramon and so many others. He talks about what goes into being a great referee, the cues he hears in his earpiece, being released from WWE, his time in AEW, working Ric Flair's last match and much more.
00:00 Intro
00:33 People thinking that he sounds like a mafia boss
03:42 Referees having a name and personality
04:49 Who would hit him up most for comped tickets?
05:16 Hulk Hogan vs The Rock at Wrestlemania 18
12:47 Razor Ramon vs 1-2-3 Kid at the Manhattan Center
16:09 Memories of his early days in Wrestling
18:38 What would he have done if he wasn’t in wrestling
21:30 Memories of growing up
23:34 Shane McMahon vs Kurt Angle at King of The Ring
28:24 Kurt Angle vs Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania 19
30:32 Chris Benoit vs Kurt Angle at Royal Rumble
31:49 Being heavily involved in the action as a ref
34:35 What does he hear in his earpiece during a match
37:54 Stone Cold vs The Rock at Wrestlemania 15
39:51 How did he pass the blade off?
45:46 Meeting Mike Tyson at Wrestlemania
47:34 John Cena vs The Rock at Wrestlemania
51:05 Undertaker vs Goldberg going wrong
55:48 The death of Owen Hart
57:37 Is his career over?
1:00:43 3 Things Mike Chioda is Grateful for
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#wwe #aew #wrestling

[@ChrisVanVliet]

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[@robbymarton74]

Excellent as usual Christopher🇨🇦 👍🏽

[@TimLoyalToWifeHaterFreeZoneA]

Love It ChrisVanVliet Bro.

[@PonchoTheDingo]

Interview boggeyman

[@ashheslop-heenan2076]

@@PonchoTheDingoo

[@SamEisenmann]

Charles Robinson would be another referee to have on the podcast. Mike Chioda should be in the WWE HOF.

[@NM-qo6cd]

Earl Hebner & Mike Chioda deserve a HOF spot. The role referees play in the in-ring storytelling, safety, etc. is so underrated.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Agreed!

[@NM-hq1io]

Damn fellow NM you are cooking

[@jonathan__g]

I agree. A wing of the HOF for referees would be pretty cool to see. There are definitely some past members of the company (other than wrestlers) that deserve recognition for their time there.

[@hrodriguez561]

@@NM-hq1io hey I'm in NEW MEXICO too

[@mohdroshidi1636]

Also tod grisham

[@NoirAngel921]

WWE needs to start inducting referees into the Hall of Fame.

[@nelsonsamuelsanchez]

They inducted Tim white. So Now I def feel like the door is wide open for refs in general

[@austingood22]

Tim White just got inducted!

[@JJA1987]

Starting with Joey Marella who was the Senior Ref before Earl and Mike

[@USAinYoFace]

They don’t even acknowledge refs

[@kant5696]

@@99ovrslasherbut the clearly are. They are part if the match as much as the wrestlers. They are keeping time, relaying information, taking bumps now and then, working trying to to keep kayfabe with the heels and faces. No they arent doing 450 splashes but they got alot to do

[@theofficialgreenkane9645]

*Best referee’s of All Time-* 3. Earl Hebner (1988-2005) 17 years 2. Charles Robinson (1997-Present) 26 years 1. Mike Chioda (1989-2020) 31 years These guys have called some of the biggest matches in WCW / WWF / WWE history. From Hulk Hogan, to Roman Reigns, & everything in between. All 3 are legends and deserving of the WWE Hall Of Fame. 💯💯💯

[@SegaGentleman]

No freaking way earl hebner retired in 2005! We can't be that old

[@kant5696]

I think charles Robinson was one of the well known wcw refs to successfully transition to wwe. He was one of my favs

[@floriant4336]

yea those 3 are the goats!

[@cuddyluciano]

nick patrick lol

[@KEVIN-tx6bt]

Robinson is terrible. He thinks the matches are all about him. Too distracting.

[@danielmelo7146]

Mike Chioda will go down in history as one of the greatest Professional Wrestling referees of all time.

[@zaibjameel6609]

He just as important to the attitude era as stone cold and rock.

[@shane-irish]

Ok

[@Caltops78]

Nick Patrick HOF

[@miles1272]

Earl Hebner also. Two of the greatest in ring official history.

[@PeeBeeJays]

Honestly, this is a Golden Age for wrestling content. Chris Van Vliet, Stevie Richards channel, Maven Huffman's channel, Podcasts, Interviews, this is truly something special.

[@DarkLordGreg88]

Seems like not too long ago we had to wait for WWE produced documentaries now we get a few mini documentaries a week.

[@RyanD2558]

Mick Foley has his own channel too! Talks about all the old classic matches he was apart of in depth.

[@RiddleWhisperer]

And current wrestling shows are absolute s**t

[@user-vj9qz3br6l]

Dutch Mantell has a hidden gem of a channel too. The mind on him on wrestling is incredible!

[@aceloco817]

Can't forget about Jim Cornette tho! Funniest man on the mic, hands down! Give his the vid about Flop Dolla they put out today a view! 😅

[@COB1990]

Never caught the previous interview with Mike, just a few seconds in and my mind is blown by that mob boss voice!!!

[@geedee1264]

Yeah but Sammy and Mike are legit sociopathic scumbag gangsters , wasn't Sammy an informant?? So he had no problems murdering and committing horrific acts of violence for the mob but turned then turned the chickens came home to roost, Chioda was a referee actually doing a pretty thankless job, I don't know if he had health issues with his throat or it's just age but his voice wasn't like this 20 years ago

[@35jigganator]

I could listen to Mike Chioda talk about wrestling forever. What a fantastic human being and a hard working man who deserves and has earned everything he has. I truly appreciate him for what he's done and I really do hope to see him back in a ring at some point.

[@LittleOfThat]

I’ve always preferred Chioda because the way he counts the three is satisfying to my ear. Hits the mat hard and with purpose and never feels like he is scared they won’t kick out if that makes sense to anyone.

[@CarlosLopez-oi1xx]

Gives that authentic feeling, get you bro👌🏽

[@DarkLordofTheSith69]

Hebners were the same they helped u believe it was real in that moment ..the 3 best refs are the hebners chioda and Joey Morella

[@MrML4L]

@@DarkLordofTheSith69 Are we including Brian's run in there? I thought he was good and energetic. Rocked the T-mac 2s in the ring.

[@DarkLordofTheSith69]

@MrML4L not quite ..hes a good ref but hes not mount Rushmore of refs ..little naitch is up there too ..but for me the best 4 refs are Earl Hebner Dave Hebner Mike Chioda and Joey Morella ..Joey had his career cut short when he died in a car accident he was Gorilla Monsoons son and was a main ref in the 80s

[@geedee1264]

only big problem is Hebners knee kicking out for the near fall was noticeable to me even as a kid

[@flonkas]

Mike Chioda is a legend in my eyes. He was just as important as the wrestlers.

[@zaibjameel6609]

I agree.

[@Cisco4x]

He’s got so much charisma for a referee..Chioda has been apart of so many memories for me as a kid. It was him, Earl, and Charles Robinson. Glad you had the opportunity to interview him Chris

[@jacobcook7]

His name is Lil' Naitch' sir...

[@CBright7831]

I feel like Mike is a favorite referee for a lot of the wrestlers. Cena, CM Punk, RVD, and Rey Mysterio have all name dropped him in the past.

[@tuskanu]

The Mount Rushmore of refereeing - Mike Chioda, Earl Hebner, Charles Robinson, and Tim White. Respect to them all

[@kvinche8120]

Nick Patrick

[@robho3308]

Tommy Young Mark here.

[@dasdeke]

Brian Hildebrand (RIP).

[@KEVIN-tx6bt]

Tommy Young and Robinson were crap. Too distracting@@robho3308

[@SkarKingg]

Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, Austin?

[@dannyd83]

Met Mike back in 2004 just after I'd started pro-wrestling training, I was working security in a clothing store in Dublin Ireland as they where over here on tour and him, Stacy Keibler and Chris the Trainer came into the store and one of the staff had told them I was training to be a pro wrestler at the time and they had some words of encouragement especially Mike, an absolute stand up bloke I'll never forget his kind words, wishing him nothing but the best 👏👏💯

[@naderelayan3835]

Couldn’t be that encouraging if 20 years later we haven’t seen u lol

[@DiamondDust132]

@@naderelayan3835Next time, come out of the basement and say this to their face lol

[@channeldeleted2946]

Chioda was always my favorite as a kid. His counts and animation added that authenticity to suspend belief.

[@kingash9831]

He has officiated for big name wrestlers Like Undertaker, Triple H, John Cena, Rey Mysterio, Shawn Michaels, Edge and so many others. And what I loved about him Is that he took his job seriously And is always so professional at his job

[@TheMtVernonKid]

This was great. Mike deserves another run with WWE. Please, Hunter, give this man a call

[@RaidensBoobies17]

Mike is the most recognizable ref to me followed by Charles Robinson

[@TyMarshall007]

One of the Greatest Referees in WWF/E History top 5 hands down

[@DGS_1992]

Agreed

[@philsswweightlossdiary2944]

I have to admit, that is not the voice I was expecting him to come out with. Loved Mike Chioda every time he was in the ring. His absolute bewilderment when Carmella wanted to cash in Money in the Bank being a personal fave! Edit: turns out I’m not the only one 😂

[@CoffeeMatt10]

Now imagine a conversation between Mike Chioda and Michael Ironside.

[@vram1328]

Chris’s interview style for pro wrestling is like no one else out there. You get so much information and it feels like they’re just having a conversation. so many times it seems like other interviewers it’s just question answer question answer. So cool hearing a refs perspective on such a long career during two of the best times in pro wrestling.

[@YoYeeted]

One of the best referees ever, what a chill guy and career this man had.

[@dhendy27]

I was there at WMX8, 10 rows from the front facing the hard cam, my first and only WWE event and total bucketlist experience, will live with me forever

[@dumpylol]

I respect your grind CVV, so much replay value to all of your interviews

[@scubasteve5857]

"I was actually talking to Hulk Hogan about that earlier today" --- Chris, you truly are living pro wrestling fans (and surely your own) literal dreams! I'm sure you were confident in your success and ability to get to where you have, but what amazing interviews and connections you've established! KUDOS

[@890luxor]

Chris is killing it with these interviews!!! This is such an awesome and insightful interview. It gives such depth and perspective of the business. Great job Keep it coming Chris 💯👏💯

[@rss9944]

Chioda is a REAL one love him and he looks like he is from the sopranos

[@trustnoone3007]

He needs to put a BOOK out. That's all I'm going to say..... I wanna hear all the tea as in gossip & etc 😄.

[@off-roadracingnews8248]

Keep in mind I’ve only been watching wrestling since the early 2000s but I do put Mike up there with the greatest to ever do it along side Charles Robinson Earl Hebner Scott Armstrong Great interview as always Chris!

[@Ykwhat75]

MIKE CHIODA BEST REFEREE OF ALL TIME IN WWE 🗣️💯🗣️💯🗣️💯 PLEASE BRING HIM BACK 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@photographybyliamanderson1659]

id love to have a mic on a ref for a match just for interest and teaching for other refs

[@NM-hq1io]

Mike & that other ref with supermodel blonde hair were my childhood !

[@jasoncrespo8316]

Man referees back then were awesome my favorite was Earl Hebner mike chioda tim white charles Robinson even teddy long at times they played a huge part in the storylines

[@RobPalmer80]

AEW should hire Mike as a coach for the referees because they don't really enforce or are lax with the rules, such as 5 counts when a wrestler doesn't break a hold or 10 counts when wrestlers are on the outside.

[@1KQ_]

The talent dont listen to the legends and the same will happen with the refs

[@RobPalmer80]

@@1KQ_ Unfortunately, I think you’re right.

[@rheapoop2304]

They started having their own rules, like 20 counts but they dont enforce it as much 😢

[@ousmansano21]

The best ref ever

[@themobseat]

Great interview! Chris asks smart questions and keeps things moving, well done!

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Much appreciated!

[@ThunderJuice]

Yooooooo, this guy has so much charisma. And that voice. Why isn't he a manager?

[@piranhapyp]

“And Mike Chioda is still down!”

[@NationalSportsEntertainmentNSE]

My mom was his best friend in high school. Never met him but i hear he was nice

[@kvinche8120]

He was your moms best friend but you never met him

[@sebastianb.3978]

​@@kvinche8120when their mom was in highschool... pretty sure OP was not a thing when their mom was in HIGH SCHOOL, smartass

[@ChrisBasdeo]

Mike Chioda should do voiceover, he's got a great villain voice

[@juliooquendo220]

I wish Mike was still ref in AEW or WWE. He was and still the ref of our childhood

[@frank-bmtz]

Him and Charles Robison were my childhood refs.

[@andrewc247]

I remember going to the WWE event in Dublin Ireland in the Point Theatre, which is now the ‘3Arena’ arena 2001, before they kicked off ,Mick Chioda got in the ring and he was surprised when everyone start cheering his name, nice guy and always a professional 👍🏻

[@theevananderson5888]

Old school knowledge and insight with this interview

[@jeffdaigle5487]

I was that kid and now grown man that would wear a referee shirt. Just so i can dispute or over turn a call🤣🤣🤣. This was an awesome video.

[@bakshotcruz5361]

This dude and earl hebner refereed some of the most iconic matches ever

[@BishopM1]

My favorite ref of all time

[@officegossip]

One of my favorite refs of all time. It seems like he belongs to a dying breed of refs that had a personality and made all your favorite matches feel that much more authentic. Love that he wasn't a pushover and brought an air of legitimacy to matches.

[@david-468]

His cars he had at 17 are literally a combined 3 million dollars today at least , that’s insane

[@SteveHackworth]

This man was a part of my childhood watching wrestling as a kid. Great interview.

[@ozzy4701]

I realized they don’t say referee names nowadays 😂

[@VancityAnmol]

Oh man, I can listen to the old boys like him,taker all day cuz these are pure emotions and stories from the heart not some mean social media bs. Love Mike Chioda.

[@stevenweber7793]

I started watching wrestling in 08 (born in 2000) and Mike is easily the first that comes to mind for referees. Followed closely by Charles Robinson. Absolute icon

[@von2300]

He was there to see Owen's fall. Oh goodness, I had no idea. I couldn't imagine having that in my memories...

[@rolandbuentello4139]

I'd love to see an interview with earl hebner and Charles Robinson as well these were the refs of my childhood man

[@G33kCulture]

He has a great interview with WSI. I still cant get over his voice.

[@MTSpade]

chiodas such a cool guy, loved the other interview with him as well, so funny hearing all these stories about wm18, I was there too, directly across from the entranceway, not only rock/hogan but all the music performances were huge for me too, what a card, you could say it was sort of big for jericho to be in the main event cuz he was from canada but he was heel, no one knew what that show would be, it was the only wm I've been to but I feel so lucky it was that one

[@paulofreire9174]

This is such an awesome talk! Thank you Chris and Mike!!

[@hermanjegbar6572]

him n the dude with the short blonde hair from smackdown my two fav refs ever man💯 ruthless aggression era

[@AidanMillward]

Charles Robinson

[@HaHaHaYouFool9439]

Amazing interview. Thank you for this one. It really was great.

[@mikea1785]

Chris all your interviews have just been straight bangers every time you put out a new video and clips I just look forward to it thank you for what you do. Shout out to everybody that you interview as well.

[@alejandro-ur5tr]

Man this interview flew by! Another great interview Chris 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@ShinRyojin]

Mike has such a cool and intimidating voice. He sounds like Ed Harris in A History of Violence.

[@JJSFC]

What a legend. Fantastic interview with a fantastic referee.

[@undertaker4700]

next Chris, we gotta see Brian Hebner the son of Earl Hebner son of a referee.

[@theweejoke9850]

Very enjoyable interview, thanks

[@KY87Chevy]

I love these interviews you're doing with these former referees, it takes me back to a really special time period as a kid during the attitude era. These guys were such a big part of our childhood, for us kids that grew up during the 1990s. Earl Hebner, Mike Chioda, Jimmy Korderas, Jack Doan, Teddy Long and Tim White. I don't know if you've interviewed Jack Doan yet, but he would be a good one because I don’t think too many people have interviewed him.

[@willbennett7993]

man seeing him get choked up at the end hit hard. seems like a great guy, wwe did him dirty

[@undertaker4700]

huge guest.... bravo Chris, i was waiting for Mike Chioda interview for soooo long.

[@Vladimirlives13]

Thanks for this interview, my only reference to Mike Chioda prior to this was strictly his work as a referee. Glad to hear he seems to be keeping busy. As a wrestling fan since 1988 I really love stories, inner workings. Good stuff.

[@brendanfazio9818]

Easily one of my favorite interviews of yours ! Mike Chioda is a legend 👑

[@scubasteve5857]

my man CVV, great interview as always! Mike Chioda, talk about the referee (as well as Timmy White and Earl) that I remember being front and center in so many big historic matches. Clearly someone that is the most trustworthy in that role! Chioda is awesome and such a down to earth guy. Thanks again Chris

[@spc3461]

Great insights from Mike Chioda in this interview with Chris Van Vliet! The behind-the-scenes perspective on WWE refereeing adds a whole new layer to the wrestling world.

[@Deathadder1994]

Mike Chioda needs to be in hall of fame

[@AsimKhan-oy1ei]

Mike Chioda has been around for so many years in pro wrestling. He’s been around for so many great moments. So many stories. Keep up these interviews Chris.

[@briansherrick1708]

This was one of the podcasts I’ve enjoyed the most

[@stugotz231]

This was an amazing interview and an awesome behind the scenes look into one of, if not, the G.O.A.T of wrestling referees

[@tigersinyourlungs]

Such a good interview CVV. you always bring out the best in people and the interviews are so organic. Thank you for sharing your hard work with the world. Mike Chioda was captivating to listen to. 👏👏👏

[@melemelstl]

Chris is a great guy, he’s my favorite all time wrestler interview, he makes you feel comfortable even through the screen .. and when you realize it, a hour and a half went by and didn’t even know it because he’s so cool and down to earth and be having the greatest questions..

[@James.Gatsby]

one of my childhood referee in wwe

[@ActorPete]

Another great interview with some interesting stories.

[@thomasmcmaster3016]

You’re one of the best interviewers. To keep a Mike chioda interview interesting is something of an accomplishment

[@ryancrafar3733]

Mike hitting the people's elbow is one of his best moment

[@djayo851]

Incredible stories, great interview. This man is an absolute legend. Chioda for HOF

[@matt_valentine]

Another great interview!!

[@matthewjroberts90]

What a great guy, obviously loved being a ref and living the life and has some great stories. Never heard from Chioda before but this was a class interview. Great stuff.

[@25hrsAday8daysAweek]

ABSOLUTE LEGEND AND LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

[@jadenstorm6490]

The GOAT when it comes to referees.

[@monkeeeman666]

Please do more of these. I love hearing from the crew behind the scenes.

[@cockneyreject1]

Loved Mike Chioda, he was iconic. Him and Earl Hebner were the best.

[@giosamigos]

Wow I didn't expect this episode to fly by so fast! It was so interesting!🔥🔥🔥

[@NickyGClips]

This man is the greatest referee to EVER do it! Mike thank you for everything you have done for the business! You make the product better being apart of it. You are a class act human being and I could listen to you talk all damn day. Chris you keep pumping out fantastic content. Really loving your rise to the top. You are a natural at interviewing and making people feel welcomed!

[@Ls3Mike]

The stories were amazing! Mike Chioda definitely was a great guest. Please continue the great work

[@JAGUARSNAKES]

every time someone brings up the Hogan v Rock match I feel the need to watch it again.

[@cruiz387]

Excellent interview, man.

[@melemelstl]

I was hoping and waiting for this , thank you Chris

[@ChanceTalksBusiness]

Mike Chioda and Earl were always my favorite refs. They were both so great at what they do. Thanks for the conversation guys!!

[@briansherrick1708]

I’ve been trying to find this. This is going to be a great one here. He has some insight into some of the most legendary moments in the biz.

[@stevenicholas6980]

Nice 1 chris and Truly unsung hero Mike. U been part of so many amazing memories for all of us. PLUS most frontrow seat ever. Well done and thanks for sharing your stories. What amazing life 👍👍👍

[@TheRealJoe25]

Chris you have such awesome guests. Keep it rolling man!

[@ChrisVanVliet]

More to come!