As we get closer to WrestleMania season, there’s more chatter online about who will get inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Longtime WWE referee Mike Chioda, a respected veteran referee with 35 years of service, recently offered a compelling endorsement for a name often overlooked: Tony Chimel.
On the latest “Monday Mailbag” podcast, Chioda was unequivocal when asked who he would choose to induct. “I’ve always said that I’d like to be the one to induct Tony Chimel,” Chioda declared, highlighting a career that spanned nearly four decades within WWE.
Chimel, a fixture in WWE for 38 years, was a prominent ring announcer and a vital member of the ring crew. Chioda argues that this extraordinary tenure and unwavering dedication are more than sufficient to merit Hall of Fame consideration. “He announced for many years, working tirelessly as part of the ring crew for an incredible 38 years,” Chioda emphasized. “I thought my 35 years were a long time, but Chimel’s 38 are just amazing. He did so much for the company, in so many ways.”
While perhaps not as widely recognized as some in-ring performers, Chioda contends that Chimel’s contributions to WWE’s production and presentation were invaluable. “He should be recognized among the great ring announcers,” he asserted, placing Chimel in the same conversation as the industry’s most esteemed voices.
Chioda further strengthened his argument by highlighting Chimel’s connection to the legendary Howard Finkel, who served as his mentor. “His mentor was the legendary Howard Finkel, whom we all loved,” Chioda stated, drawing a direct line between two of the most iconic voices in WWE history. He also noted Finkel’s role in mentoring Lilian Garcia.
Following his departure from WWE, Chimel has embarked on a new career path, working at Trader Joe’s. Chimel remains connected to the wrestling industry, contributing his expertise behind the scenes as a part-time member of the production crew for All Elite Wrestling.
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