WWE released over a hundred members of staff on April 15th, making it the biggest mass exodus in the company’s history. Mike Chioda was among those who were fired and it seems he is still feeling the effects.
Chioda talked about him being released by WWE on his new AdFreeShows podcast “Mailbag Monday.”. He was a loyal employee to WWE, having worked there for 35 years. However, the company terminated that relationship with him on April 15th.
Chioda admits that he was very frustrated and annoyed over him being released by a company he once called home. He is also heartbroken as he was not given a choice to retire by the company.
“I can’t say Vince didn’t reciprocate loyalty. Vince, Linda, Shane and Stephanie gave me loyalty for 35 years. I don’t know where the loyalty went at this point, but it is very disappointing. They couldn’t find a spot somewhere to let me retire after all these years in the best company, the only company I ever been with in 35 years? For 35 years, I always thought this company did it the right way in the professional wrestling business around the world.”
“To be honest with you, it breaks my heart a little bit. I’m annoyed and frustrated why I couldn’t finish off my career. If they wanted me to retire in six months, I would have said yea. Hey, we’re going to need you doing this over here or training referees or mopping floors. Whatever. I don’t know if it really came from Vince. I can’t honestly say it did, but it happened. It’s a little frustrating.”
Mike Chioda did appear on AEW a while ago, but it seems that was not a permanent deal. We will have to see if he eventually signs a full-time contract with AEW.
