10 Most Heartbreaking WWE Releases Ever

Mike Chioda’s April 2020 departure ripped out a pillar of WWE history. From his ring debut at Survivor Series 1989 through over 30 WrestleManias, he oversaw legends and legends-in-the-making. Michaels versus Austin at 'Mania XIV, The Rock’s showdown with Hogan at 'Mania X8, those brutal TLC matches in 2000—Chioda’s calm authority turned chaos into storytelling gold.

His career became synonymous with consistency. Backstage, rookies sought his guidance on match flow, psychology and how to respect the art of officiating. He was the linchpin that connected Attitude Era mayhem to today’s cutting-edge spectacle.

Then WWE’s pandemic cuts carved him out with a single tweet—no video tribute, no glass-shattering bell salute, just his name vanishing from the roster. The silence was deafening. Kofi Kingston tweeted “Who’s gonna break up my pin-falls now?” while Carmella joked, “My MITB cash-in countdown needs a new voice!” Colleagues like Kevin Owens and Becky Lynch poured out gratitude, calling him more than a referee—he was family.

Chioda himself posted, “35 years of memories—thank you all!” but his exit underscored how quickly a lifetime of dedication can dissolve under budget cuts. The man who once carried the authority of WWE’s most pivotal moments was gone—and with him went a sense of security every Superstar took for granted.