Making WWE: Spotlighting the Longest Tenured Referee

One thing that isn't talked about nearly enough is how important it is having a reliable and referee in a match. Over the years that I have been watching one of things that is easy to forget is well the referee, because one thing that makes a good ref is that they are seen not heard. Even though having a good referee can make or break a match they aren't suppose to be the main focus of a match for the fans. The crowd is always suppose to be focused on the talent and not the referee. 

In my opinion, this one of the main reasons that we forget how long some referees have been with the same promotion. It is insane that Mike Chioda has been a member of the WWE roster for 29 years and is still going to this day. The amount of classic matches he has been a part of over the years including Rock vs Austin, Lesnar vs Angle, Rock vs Hogan, Michaels vs Cena, and so many others you can lose count. Mike was the referee in the legendary 123 Kid vs Razor Ramon match which was when the kid got the name 1.2.3. To think that Mike has been seen names like The Undertaker, Steve Austin, Warrior, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, John Cena, and so many more come and go puts into perspective just how long he has been dawning those stripes. 

Overall the referee is one of the unsung heroes in wrestling and just like the announcers they get a wink and nod but very little recognition. Thank you for all the work you have done, the travel, the stress, and any injuries you have endured to gives us all the moments and memories we hold dear. It wouldn't have been possible without you.