Vince McMahon Policy Possibly Caused Release Of Long-Time WWE On-Air Talent

WWE cut a lot of people from their payroll this week to free up just above $8 million a year. These tough releases included long-time referee Mike Chioda who was the most tenured official by far.

After a 31 year career with WWE, Chioda was released as a referee. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that this could have been due to Vince McMahon’s idea that he wants younger faces on camera.

Notably the surprise cutting of referee Mike Chioda, who had been in that role for 31 years, the longest lasting referee in the company since its national expansion, who is 53 in a company that wants younger faces on the screen.

After 31 years with the company, odds are Mike Chioda was getting a substantial paycheck from WWE as well. This could have also played a factor into the cut.

We’ll have to see if Mike Chioda ends up officiating for another pro wrestling company. Hopefully, he accrued enough of a safety net after over 30 years with the company that he will be okay. This is a tough time for a lot of people, but we thank you for reading Ringside News.

Should WWE have fired Mike Chioda? Will you miss seeing him on television? Should WWE start referring to their referees by name again? Sound off in our new and improved comments section!