Referee Mike Chioda Claims He'd Signed New WWE Deal A Month Before His Release

For more than 30 years, Mike Chioda served WWE as a referee, which is why it was a bit of a surprise when he was named among the large wave of roster and staff cuts in the middle of April.

Chioda guested on Talk is Jericho this week, and revealed that not only was he surprised by his release, but that he had just signed a new WWE contract the previous month.

"It took me by complete surprise," Chioda said. "I had surgery in October, I had a torn rotator cuff and torn bicep. Surgery went great, I healed up, and was ready for WrestleMania. I signed a new contract in the middle of March when my contract was up and got a bump in pay.

"Then, I get a phone call on April 15. It was a big surprise. There was no reason. I asked if it came from certain people like Vince or Stephanie and he (unidentified person who called with the news) said, 'No, it didn't.' It not like they pulled me out of a hat. I don't know if it's heat, but how can you have heat if you've been off for six months rehabbing? It took me by surprise."

(Credit to Fightful for transcription)