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

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Күн бұрын

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

Пікірлер: 645

@ChrisVanVliet 8 ай бұрын

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@robbymarton74 8 ай бұрын

Excellent as usual Christopher🇨🇦 👍🏽

@TimLoyalToWifeHaterFreeZoneA 8 ай бұрын

Love It ChrisVanVliet Bro.

@PonchoTheDingo 8 ай бұрын

Interview boggeyman

@Actz99 8 ай бұрын

@@PonchoTheDingoo

@SamEisenmann 8 ай бұрын

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

@NM-qo6cd 8 ай бұрын

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

@ChrisVanVliet 8 ай бұрын

Agreed!

@NM-hq1io 8 ай бұрын

Damn fellow NM you are cooking

@jonathan__g 8 ай бұрын

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.

@aztecwrrior1997 8 ай бұрын

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

@mohdroshidi1636 8 ай бұрын

Also tod grisham

@NoirAngel921 8 ай бұрын

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

@nelsonsamuelsanchez 8 ай бұрын

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

@austingood22 8 ай бұрын

Tim White just got inducted!

@JJA1987 8 ай бұрын

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

@USAinYoFace 8 ай бұрын

They don’t even acknowledge refs

@kant5696 6 ай бұрын

@@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

@danielmelo7146 8 ай бұрын

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

@zaibjameel6609 8 ай бұрын

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

@shane-irish 8 ай бұрын

@Caltops78 7 ай бұрын

Nick Patrick HOF

@miles1272 3 ай бұрын

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

@theofficialgreenkane9645 8 ай бұрын

*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 7 ай бұрын

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

@kant5696 6 ай бұрын

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

@floriant4336 6 ай бұрын

yea those 3 are the goats!

@cuddyluciano 5 ай бұрын

nick patrick lol

@KEVIN-tx6bt 4 ай бұрын

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

@PeeBeeJays 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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

@RyanD2558 8 ай бұрын

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

@RiddleWhisperer 8 ай бұрын

And current wrestling shows are absolute s**t

@user-vj9qz3br6l 8 ай бұрын

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

@aceloco817 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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

@geedee1264 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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.

@flonkas 8 ай бұрын

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

@zaibjameel6609 8 ай бұрын

I agree.

@LittleOfThat 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Gives that authentic feeling, get you bro👌🏽

@DarkLordofTheSith69 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

@@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 8 ай бұрын

@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 8 ай бұрын

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

@CBright7831 8 ай бұрын

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.

@Cisco4x 8 ай бұрын

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 7 ай бұрын

His name is Lil' Naitch' sir...

@channeldeleted2946 8 ай бұрын

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

@tuskanu 8 ай бұрын

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

@kvinche8120 8 ай бұрын

Nick Patrick

@robho3308 8 ай бұрын

Tommy Young Mark here.

@dasdeke 7 ай бұрын

Brian Hildebrand (RIP).

@KEVIN-tx6bt 4 ай бұрын

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

@SkarKingg 3 ай бұрын

Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, Austin?

@dannyd83 8 ай бұрын

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 6 ай бұрын

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

@DiamondDust132 6 ай бұрын

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

@YoYeeted 8 ай бұрын

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

@memohdfromwwe_ Ай бұрын

Mike Chioda is my favorite WWF Referee. He has a great look and his ring counts are impeccable.

@dumpylol 8 ай бұрын

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

@kingash9831 8 ай бұрын

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

@vram1328 8 ай бұрын

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.

@TheMtVernonKid 7 ай бұрын

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

@philsswweightlossdiary2944 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Now imagine a conversation between Mike Chioda and Michael Ironside.

@RaidensBoobies17 8 ай бұрын

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

@rss9944 8 ай бұрын

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

@dhendy27 8 ай бұрын

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

@TyMarshall007 8 ай бұрын

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

@DGS_1992 8 ай бұрын

Agreed

@890luxor 8 ай бұрын

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 💯👏💯

@scubasteve5857 8 ай бұрын

"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

@themobseat 8 ай бұрын

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

@ChrisVanVliet 8 ай бұрын

Much appreciated!

@off-roadracingnews8248 8 ай бұрын

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!

@trustnoone3007 8 ай бұрын

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 😄.

@NationalSportsEntertainmentNSE 8 ай бұрын

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

@kvinche8120 8 ай бұрын

He was your moms best friend but you never met him

@sebastianb.3978 2 ай бұрын

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

@jasoncrespo8316 8 ай бұрын

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

@Ykwhat75 8 ай бұрын

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

@andrewc247 8 ай бұрын

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 👍🏻

@SteveHackworth 8 ай бұрын

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

@VancityAnmol 8 ай бұрын

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.

@mikea1785 8 ай бұрын

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.

@theevananderson5888 8 ай бұрын

Old school knowledge and insight with this interview

@paulofreire9174 5 ай бұрын

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

@juliooquendo220 8 ай бұрын

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

@brendanfazio9818 7 ай бұрын

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

@undertaker4700 8 ай бұрын

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

@scubasteve5857 8 ай бұрын

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

@Vladimirlives13 8 ай бұрын

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.

@AsimKhan-oy1ei 8 ай бұрын

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.

@HaHaHaYouFool9439 8 ай бұрын

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

@MTSpade 8 ай бұрын

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

@briansherrick1708 8 ай бұрын

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

@tigersinyourlungs 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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..

@thomasmcmaster3016 8 ай бұрын

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

@Nitemerican 8 ай бұрын

Chris stopped that WOOO ad soooo smooth 😂

@alejandro-ur5tr 8 ай бұрын

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

@stugotz231 8 ай бұрын

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

@officegossip 8 ай бұрын

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.

@bakshotcruz5361 8 ай бұрын

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

@Kroggnagch 2 күн бұрын

The '97-'01 was my heyday for being into wrastlin. Those are the guys that i recall whenever i even think of WWE.

@NickyGClips 7 ай бұрын

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!

@djayo851 8 ай бұрын

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

@jeffdaigle5487 8 ай бұрын

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.

@matthewjroberts90 8 ай бұрын

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.

@NM-hq1io 8 ай бұрын

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

@JJSFC 8 ай бұрын

What a legend. Fantastic interview with a fantastic referee.

@Ls3Mike 8 ай бұрын

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

@theweejoke9850 8 ай бұрын

Very enjoyable interview, thanks

@chrissoto5265 8 ай бұрын

Chris, you really don't miss with your interviews! You're my favorite to watch and I feel like this conversation can go for hrs with Mike Chioda. G.O.A.T status!

@BishopM1 8 ай бұрын

My favorite ref of all time

@ousmansano21 8 ай бұрын

The best ref ever

@ChrisBasdeo 8 ай бұрын

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

@stevenicholas6980 8 ай бұрын

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 👍👍👍

@melemelstl 8 ай бұрын

I was hoping and waiting for this , thank you Chris

@ActorPete 8 ай бұрын

Another great interview with some interesting stories.

@spc3461 8 ай бұрын

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.

@matt_valentine 8 ай бұрын

Another great interview!!

@briansherrick1708 8 ай бұрын

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.

@monkeeeman666 8 ай бұрын

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

@frankramos8767 8 ай бұрын

Great interview! Mike Chioda is a legend!

@RCalicchio1st 27 күн бұрын

We need more stories from referees in the business or from WWE. This was a great interview.

@25hrsAday8daysAweek 8 ай бұрын

ABSOLUTE LEGEND AND LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

@Dave-mu3xv 8 ай бұрын

😢 mike got me at the end there. What a guy ! Hell of an interview again chris 👏

@ryanklotz309 8 ай бұрын

What a great interview, and I learned some things about the wrestling business that I didn't know, and I've been watching since "86". Great job, Chris, thank you so much. And congratulations to you and your wife on the birth of your child as well. I know, #latetotheparty lol :-)

@giosamigos 8 ай бұрын

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

@stevenweber7793 3 ай бұрын

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

@G33kCulture 8 ай бұрын

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

@ChanceTalksBusiness 8 ай бұрын

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

@ryancrafar3733 8 ай бұрын

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

@Eddythegoat23 7 ай бұрын

Great interview!!!!!! Watched the whole thing !!!!! Man is mad coool !!!!!!! Best ref 🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼

@RobPalmer80 8 ай бұрын

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_ 8 ай бұрын

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

@RobPalmer80 8 ай бұрын

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

@rheapoop2304 8 ай бұрын

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

@DaWrestlingKnowledge 8 ай бұрын

Mike Chioda is the greatest wrestling referee of all time in my opinion. Would love to see you back in a WWE ring one day. Starting watching in 1987 so a big part of my childhood. Thanks for all the great memories. Hall Of Fame for sure.

@wavymcfly 8 ай бұрын

This guy is a legend!

@jeffcromwell8249 8 ай бұрын

Great interview

@TheRealJoe25 8 ай бұрын

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

@ChrisVanVliet 8 ай бұрын

More to come!

@elwynpeters499 8 ай бұрын

Epic interview

@harkiratsingh3119 7 ай бұрын

First time knowing about Mike i seen you thanks for being a such a wonderful soul listening you talk taught me many things in this 1 hour

@snattlerake4417 8 ай бұрын

I love these referee interviews so much

@DenkyManner 7 ай бұрын

This is fantastic. I've been a smark for decades yet have never heard a ref actually explain how integral they are to the match, the level of control they have on what's happening.