Mike Chioda Comments On WWE Release

On April 15, WWE released longtime referee Mike Chioda after 31 years in the company, along with 33 Superstars. Chioda was the Head Referee on Raw and SmackDown during his run in the company and he refereed numerous WrestleMania main events including The Rock vs. John Cena at WrestleMania 28, and Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 31.

Chioda made his first public comment since his release yesterday as he tweeted: "I Want To Say Thanks To the WWE & To All My AMAZING WWE FANS & Universe! 35yrs & 31yrs Refereeing Working for the WWE has been a FANTASTIC RUN!! I Am So PROUD to have Worked with So Many ICONS & AMAZING TALENT IN THIS INDUSTRY!! I THANK YOU ALL!! 1Luv! Mike Chioda @WWE."

He later added: "A Very Special Thanks To All My WWE Co-Workers & WWE FANS for Reaching out to Me! I Really Appreciate The RESPECT & KIND WORDS FROM EVERYONE!! During these Unprecedented times in our lives. Everyone & There Families B Safe & God Bless!! @WWE."