Insight with Chris Van Vliet - Mike Chioda On Refereeing WWE's Biggest Matches, Taking Ref Bumps, When Fans Attack Wrestlers, Rock vs. Austin

Episode Date: August 28, 2025

Mike Chioda (@MjcChioda) is a professional wrestling referee best known for his time in WWE. He sits down with Chris Van Vliet in Tampa, FL to discuss being the official for some of the biggest matches in WWE history, Shane McMahon's scary bumps in his match with Kurt Angle, the Brock Lesnar shooting star press, saving Triple H and Steve Austin from a fan attack, the worst ref bump he took, advice for aspiring referees, and more!Quote I'm thinking about: Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. - Lou HoltzPlease support our sponsors!   PURE PLANK: The future of core fitness! Use the code CVV to save 10% on Pure Plank designed by Adam Copeland & Christian: https://gopureplank.com/?ref=tibcloux   SUPERPOWER: Go to https://Superpower.com and use code CVV to get $50 Off your annual Superpower subscription. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod   SEAT GEEK: Use my code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/CVV2025 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount PRIZEPICKS: Download the app today and use code INSIGHT to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!  TIMELINE: Go to https://timeline.com/insightto get 20% off your order of Mitopure!   VUORI: Get 20% off your first purchase! Get yourself some of the most comfortable and versatile clothing on the planet at https://vuori.com/cvv   ROCKET MONEY: Join Rocket Money today and reach your financial goals faster: https://rocketmoney.com/cvv MIRACLE MADE: Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to https://trymiracle.com/CVV and use the code CVV to claim your FREE 3 PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF   ZOCDOC: Instantly book a top-rated doctor today at https://zocdoc.com/insight   BONCHARGE: Use the code CVV to save 15% off your infrared sauna blanket at https://boncharge.com/cvv   BLUECHEW: Get your first month of BlueChew for free with the code CVV at https://bluechew.com   For more information about Chris and INSIGHT go to: https://podcast.chrisvanvliet.com If you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could I ask you to please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show and also to convince some hard-to-get guests.    Follow CVV on social media:  Instagram: instagram.com/ChrisVanVliet Twitter: twitter.com/ChrisVanVliet Facebook: facebook.com/ChrisVanVliet YouTube: youtube.com/ChrisVanVliet TikTok: tiktok.com/@Chris.VanVliet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ladies and gentlemen, Chris Van Fleet. Greetings and salutations, my friend. Welcome back to another one here on Insight. I'm CVV, Chris Van Fleet, and thank you for hitting play on this episode. And as always, thank you for helping to make Insight the number one wrestling podcast on the planet. Hit an elbow drop on that follow button on Spotify or Apple or wherever you're listening right now. so you don't miss out on any new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday and Ask CVV every Friday. That's tomorrow.

Mike Keota is one of my favorite guests ever, and I'm so glad to have him back on the show. He has the absolute best stories. I mean, when you think of some of the biggest moments in wrestling history, he was the guy in the ring right there with the best seat in the house. We dig in to some incredible moments, some incredible matches on this one. So buckle up. Snap a screenshot. Let us know you're listening and tag us. He's at Mike.

Dot Kyoto on Instagram. He's at MJC Kyoto on X. I'm at Chris Van Fleet everywhere except for TikTok, Chris. Vandleet on TikTok. But tag us on all those and just let us know you're with us on this ride. And let's dive into this. please welcome the legend, Mike Keota. Good to see you as always.

Man, Chris, great to see you again as well, man. Thanks for coming back on. Thanks for having me again, man. And you know what? I want to thank you, man, because if it wasn't for you, Chris, you know, I wouldn't be doing these wrestle cons. Because of best, yeah, because you're the one who said, hey, I got a table in Philadelphia.

Would you like to do a wrestle con in Philly? And at that point, what, just two years ago? Yeah. I haven't done any wrestle con. You know, not even. That was just over a year ago, WrestleMania 40. Right, right. So, yeah, so thanks to you, man.

I'm starting to do these wrestle cons, and it was fantastic, and I appreciate it, man, because really, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be, I didn't do any wrestle cons when I got to let go. I saw the line. I saw the line there. And I remember you calling me and being like, would anyone really want to meet me?

I'm like, of course they would. What are you talking about? That's what I was thinking. And all of a three days I was there, and I made all this money. I was like, oh, my God. And I couldn't believe the fans were so, like, appreciated of what I've done for, like, 30-something years.

And it would just, it really touched my heart, you know, because it was just nothing but kind words from all the fans and stuff like that. I mean, it brought tears in my eyes sometimes all the nice stuff they were saying. Well, you truly are. Thank you, man. My pleasure.

I'm glad that I was able to open your eyes to the fact that, you know, you're Mike Keota. You're the referee of our childhood. Yeah, I appreciate that, Chris. Thank you, man. And I think for a lot of wrestling fans, you were there for everything, right? They put themselves in your shoes.

It's like, you were there for the biggest moments for three decades. Right, yeah, it's three and a half. I was like started in 85 and came to referee again. Like I said, in 87 and 89, made my debut on TV. And I was there for a lot, man. So it was awesome. You know, I've seen a lot. And it's amazing how, like, all these, you know, a lot of fans and people from the

WW universe just post out all these matches. And I'm like, oh, my God, it's right. It took this bump through the table with the Dudley's. Oh, my God. I did this. Oh, shoot, I did that. I'm like, it's awesome to get all that footage sometimes. Do you consider yourself fully retired now? Yeah, pretty much. Yeah, you know, I mean, if there's a match or two or something like that, I'll do here and there, you know, it's, you know, definitely like, you know, the Rick Flair's last

match I did, you know, I'd done a match in, you know, the Jersey Shore for Fight Factory and stuff and, of course, for New Jersey and stuff, you know, so it was nice to get down there and stuff. and those guys are great, the fight factory. So it's really picking, choosing, but I'm doing seminars, training refs in Orlando, doing a bunch of seminars and signings and stuff. And you've also got your podcast. Podcasts, yeah, Monday mail back with Mike Kyoto

with Conrad Thompson and had free shows. They've been great to me for four and a half years, five years almost. Well, and you have endless stories. That's why I love having you on. No, thank you. Because, like, you can pick any pay-per-view from any year, and you worked one or two or three of those matches. And then, I mean, we've got endless stories.

Yeah, I know. I got to find out how many matches I've actually done. If you had to guess, how many do you think it is? Man, I don't know, somebody said around 12,000 matches because we were, or more, because we did so many house shows and live events, you know. And sometimes I did seven, eight matches when I first started. I mean, you know, because there was no other referee there, or they didn't want to use the commission reps, you know.

And when we did all these tours, you know, and when we did all these tours, is like 14 days in Germany and stuff like that back then and overseas towards. We were going international, like late 80s, you know, into the 90s and stuff. And it was only two refs on the card. Sometimes they had three, but then they cut it back to two refs. So when you had eight, nine matches or something like that, you know, I was always doing five, Earl was doing four or Joey was doing so many and, you know, when he was still around. And I don't know, it's just, it's got to be somewhere in a high number.

Man. When you do these seminars, what's the biggest piece of advice you tell a new referee? Well, you know, it's to definitely make sure you apply all the rules and regulations, you know. And to me, you know, I've been learning a lot of referees on the Indies that just don't get respect, you know, and they don't, you just got to apply to rules and regulations and strong. Make it seem like you're there to do your job, not just to count the three. You know, and there's, there's so much to tell these referees. And I, you know, and it's stuff I've been training him and teach him is how to implement stuff, you know, working with a heel and trying to have a heel outsmart you instead of just burying, you know, because, you know, you don't want, a heel doesn't want the heat on a referee. He wants the heat on himself. So there's just different ways.

Well, I always tell referees and make sure you go to the baby face, how do you want me to work with you, go to the heel and say, hey, how do I, you know, How do you want me to work with you? And if you can implement some of the things that you're learning in this class, don't want to use you again. And I've had several students come, hey, oh, my God, like, I'll say, okay, what kind of bumped do you guys take in, you know, on the Indies? And, you know, I've never worked the Indies before, you know, all these years. So they would tell me, oh, we take the squash in a corner, the old squash in a corner.

You know, it's like, oh, my God, it's the oldest bump ever, right? And that doesn't look really at good. It's a weak bump depending on how long you have to sell. So I said, okay, we're taking spears today. And I have workers there, wrestlers that, you know, work the matches. And we do things. All right, you're taking a spear today. You're going to do this.

You're taking this. A super kick. You're taking this bump. They're like, yeah, but if you're called upon to take that bump, would you want to tell them, no, I don't know how to do it? Or I can't do it? or you just, you really screw that bump up, and then maybe they'll never want to use you again.

You know, they're like, oh, okay, yeah, that makes sense. So we're going over drills, like spears and this and how to walk into something like a spear, how to do this, a super kick, make sure. Because to be in position as a referee is so important, man, because if you're not in position, it can really look screwed up. So I'm, you know, a couple guys, oh, my God, I took the spear the other night.

I was called upon a dude's spear. Oh, I was called upon a dude's super kick. And I'm like, oh, you weren't how to go? And he's sending a video, oh, awesome. I'm like, yes. What's the biggest mistake that you see young refs making, or just refs in general? Kind of just standing around a lot,

not like they're really into the match, you know. I always had this shortstop stance because I played baseball. You did, that's right, hands on the knees. Hands on the knees. I'm ready to go left or right. You know, when you're a shortstop, that ball gets boom, boom,

you're always in the action as an infielder. And that's what I always did. Like, I was just, you know, like moving around, just in the action, not try to be too much moving around to where you're the focus of the match. And they were going, what's that referee doing back there, you know? Definitely trying not to oversell stuff. So just be more into the match, man, 100%. I mean, if you're a referee stands somewhere and stands at one position for like five seconds, six, it seems so long to me. Like, they're bored.

Like, they're bored. you know, I like to see him moving around, look, you know, keep themselves busy or doing something. Like I always used to like, oh, the fist, the fist, do this or, you know, oh, forearm, it was a forearm. Like, just to keep a little busy, like, I'm into the match, you know, and just, uh, I just always used to give it 110% in there, too. I love the way that you would count. Oh, thanks. Like you would bounce off the mat. Yeah. Both arms are bouncing as you're counting. Yeah, like I'm always pushing off the left, especially when you get really close to these false finishes coming near the end of a match

and always try to like swipe that hand right underneath my stomach there. And you, I would even touch the mat, but the one, the two would be so hard you'd hear it. And even if I swiped, which people really don't see it unless the camera really focuses on it, you can, I barely touch, I touch that mat, just swiping it and bring it on. When you get them people standing up and all the rows and they think that that's it, That means the referee is doing its job pretty darn good. And communication with the wrestlers. I always tell the talent, the referees, communicate as you're counting.

Unless you trust the, like me, Ray's Ramon, Sean Michaels, Triple H, all these guys. I trusted them. You know, I mean, they were just pros, you know. So, I mean, they taught me a lot of stuff in the business. So, and just there was guys that would come up to the roster and I'd never work with before. I'd be like, hey, make sure you watch me a little bit. Don't keep your eyes wide open, you know, like, you don't want to sit there with your eyes wide open looking at the ref, but just kind of watch me and listen.

Are you telling them to kick? Yeah, and I tell him to kick a lot of times, you know, like kick, you know, like as I'm coming up, I know I'm up here and I'm going kick because I'm coming down on fast and hard. So, and then, you know, just to be on the same page and save wave, you know, like where he's just kicking his shoulder out and I'm swiping it, come up too, you know, and have That's that Sean Michaels. He would always like, not today because he'd get that shoulder up like that. It was fun, man.

There's nothing better than a two and seven-eighths count in a big match. Right, right. But the timing on that has to be perfect. It does. It really does. I mean, that's where, you know, when you work with pros and you know what they're doing, you trust them, that's great. You know, that's fantastic, you know.

And when you work with new guys that you haven't worked before and you just get on the same page, you tell them the kick. And there's, you know, so many times. times where they've taken big bumps and you don't know, you know, they got their bell rung a little bit and, you know, slightly concussed. But those days, we'd say, oh, we've just got my bell wrong. You know, now it's really into concussion protocol. And, but I mean, you know, and they're exhausted and they've been taking bumps for 30 minutes in a match, you know, so, and the crowd's loud. So it's definitely the communication. And nobody hears the referee talking to, you know, and I see these guys

counting one, two, and then the shoulders don't even come up. And they're just, I'm like, is the referee talking to him or anything or communicating when I'm at? Is there a counten? Like, I used to get down there, like on these false finishes, go, okay, here we go. Keep it close. One, two, kick. And, you know, I'm not screaming, screaming it out. Like, I would, like I'm enforcing the rules and regulations. Like on a five count, get out of the corner or, hey, do the, get off the air. You know, your voice is a little bit louder there, you know, or the 10 counts or whatever, or the countouts. But, you know, as you're in there, it can't hear you.

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who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information. The United States Soccer Federation present the U.S. Soccer podcast. My name is David Goss, and I'm joined by my co-host, Megan Klinembourg. And now we're giving people an inside look at the World Cup. Time's ticking. I think you can feel the intensity.

All the guys are wanting to really take their claimant, and they want to be on that World Cup roster. There's no doubt about it. Hosting the World Cup on the home soil comes with its pressures, but we're just really excited just as the people are. The U.S. Soccer Podcast, presented by Henco. Follow and listen on your favorite platform. You got to give a lot of credit to Jim Ross earlier. He put the referees over in a big way. Yes, he would say, referee Mike Keota, referee Earl Hebner, referee Tim White.

Then there was an era where the referees didn't have name. It was just the official. Referees have a name again. Yeah, I like that. I've been seeing that lately on TV and stuff. So that's awesome. I think the referees should be recognized, right? I mean, come on, everybody has a name, you know, and there's nothing wrong with that.

If you don't want to say all the referees' name, at least say the major players, Charles Robinson, Chad Patton, you know, Sean Bennett and certain guys or whatever, they've been around for quite a minute, you know. I don't know. I mean, I think all referees, you know, women and men, her name should be mentioned or recognized. Yeah, I love that we're back in that era now because it just felt like almost like they were pretending they weren't there. Right.

Like this isn't just an NPC, like a non-playable character just in the ring. Like, that's a person. Right, right. Doing their job. How about a name on a back? Yeah. You know, like I sell jerseys with my name on a back now and those jerseys sell great. Oh, where can people buy them?

Well, I'm getting to creating a website. But when I go to signings and stuff like that, I bring a bunch of jerseys with the MC patch, American flag on one side and the MC patch on the side. and the MC patch on the shoulder just like, you know, when I do a red one, like, you know, for raw colors. I do a blue one for Smackdown colors. And then I put a Kyoto patch on the back, you know, and people love them.

And so it's like awesome, you know, and they wear them the shows. They only want me to sign them because I'm going to wear them to a show. You also sell like the Ring Warren jerseys a lot. Yeah, yeah. I still got a ton of them left, man. I had like about 180, 200 jerseys, you know. Wow.

I still got a, I'm keeping all the important ones from WrestleMania ones, because all my WrestleMania ones, I used to put the rest of mania. So the patch on the back, American flag for WrestleMania and stuff like that. I was, you know, in certain shirts, still got the Rock and Hogan one's framed up really nice. As it should be. Yeah. So you're going to have a lot of people that are going to want to buy these.

So you should get that website up quickly. Yeah. Yeah, I definitely will. Yeah, I do. I do often. I've been off in some here and air and stuff and they sell pretty good, you know, especially when there's no more black and white stripes now. You know, so it's just the, it's a different, completely different shirt they're wearing now. What's the worst ref bump you ever took?

Oof. I'd have to say, actually in Tampa, Florida, it was Triple H and Ahmed Johnson. And Ahmed had to throw me over the top rope. And he was kind of, he was real like he was blown up, man. He was in the center of the ring when he lifted me up. I looked how far I was, you know. And he started going towards. towards a rope and I'm like, and he just started the, like, he couldn't really get me over

the top. And I remember hitting the top rope, boom, boom, hitting the end of the apron, like the ring, where that's the hardest part. And it hitting the floor, I couldn't feel my, I couldn't feel anything. Like, from like the neck down, it was like a stinger. I remember Triple H in my face. He was like, oh, my God, we're going to get the paramedics here right away, brother. It's just like, hang tight, coyote, hang tight.

He was like, you know, we're getting some help. And he was like, um, I'm. I want to say about an hour or so later, 30 minutes later, it started coming back and everything. Some kind of stinger I took. So kind of just numb me out for a little while. That's a long time to be numb. Stressed.

Yeah, I was stressed. Big time stressed. Wow. Because the nerves take a little bit to come back and stuff like that. So some take days and hours, but kind of came back. It was a stinger, that's for sure, boy. That was probably one of the worst bumps. I mean, and then there was one, and it wasn't really a bump,

It was Randy Orton was getting on somebody in the, on the ropes. And I'm like, come on, get them off the ropes. Get them off the ropes, right? I'm pulling Randy's, you know, trying to get him up. And he gets up real fast, right? And my front teeth went right into his head, top of his head. And he's like, yo, you're right? I'm like, oh, I couldn't even feel my teeth.

Couldn't feel my teeth at all. So my front two teeth cracked, but they had to replace all four of them. And then it was like, oh, I got to do all four because if I just do the two, And I'm like, Randy had blood dripping down from his head. I was like, yo, you're all right. You're juicing. We're in the ring talking. But there's been a lot of bumps, broken nose.

You know, Sean Michaels, I remember I think it was razor duct. And I had to take the forum for a bump. But it was my fault because I didn't turn my face all the way. Kind of like a deer in headlights, like looking at it like this and boop. So I remember I had to get nose surgery. Yeah, but there was a lot of. bumps, you know. That was, I met, I'd say it was the worst because I was in the hospital for like a night or two. So after all these years of counting so hard, how's your shoulder?

Shoulder's cool. Shoulder's good. No issues that? Well, I did five. Right before I got released, I had to go to, I moved to Tampa and then from Houston, I moved to Tampa and I was out. When seen Dugas, they sent me to Alabama to see Dugas. And I had two bicep hairs and rotator cuff and another tear in the back of my shoulder. So Dugas fixed me up pretty good, though. And he did my knee like eight years ago, cadab on the right side of my knee, because I had a really bad, like no ACL for the longest time.

So I just wore a brace. That's just from Ruffing? Yeah, wow. It started actually in baseball where I tore my NACL a little bit when I was a teenager. Then when I went to Ruffin and all that, tore it a couple more times and completely tore it. And then back in them days, you didn't want to take time off either.

I got scopes done that were getting me back in the ring quick, but I didn't want that reconstruction for six to eight months being out. And finally just had to get done. He said, I don't know, you might need a knee replacement. Duget said, when you wake up, you could have a knee replacement or I can do a cadaver. And I'm like, oh, man, I was like, cadava gets me back in the ring, though, right? He's like, yes, it would. You know, right?

Well, that's cool. So it was a good to have it. So, and then I remember getting that done. And that's when Shane called me. I was like, it was probably out for about a month. I was going to rehab for the knee and stuff for about a month in Houston. And Shane goes, hey, he goes, hers he had knee surgery. I'm like, yeah, yeah.

I'm like, I'm doing good, though. He goes, great. He goes, you'll be a rest of mania, right? I'm doing a match with AJ Stiles. And I'm like, I don't think I'll be back by then, Shane. He's like, what? I said, well, he goes, what would you have to do to, you know, to go back, get back in two more months.

I said, well, I go to therapy. Like, I mean, you know, rehab like three days a week, like therapy for the knee, like PT for three days a week. He goes, okay. He goes, I said, I'll probably have to go five days a week. He goes, all right, consider it done. I said, I don't know if the company will pay for that. He's like, don't worry about it.

Five days a week. And you got back in time? Got back in time with a nice Don Joy brace and everything, man, and had a great match. It took a nice bump there too from AJ's stuff. I was a kick in the head. That's right. And Shane had a great match.

Shane always called me for his matches, man. So how did you become Shane's ref? Man, it just, me and Shane, like, I guess it was just from ring crew. When Shane used to tour with us, you know, when he first came out of college, he was on the road with me and Tony Chimmore for like almost a year straight. And he'd drive the ring truck. We were teaching him. He wanted to, Shane wanted to know everything from the bottom up.

What was it like to be on the ring crew? What was it like to set that ring up? And he set the ring up. He did everything. He wanted to know everything from the bottom up, not just come out of the office and go, okay, I'm Shane McMahon. He wanted to learn how things were done and how, you know.

So being that close to Shane, and we talked about this match last time you were on, but that must have been difficult watching him versus Kurt Angle, the King of the Ring. Man, I knew Shane's a tough cookie, man. He's always been a tough kid, always, always tough guy. And big, strong, and I know he was going to be all right.

You know, I mean, yeah, besides the cuts, the class and all that, I wasn't calling that match. You know, I was getting screamed out of my eye at B by Vince. Like, Vince was screaming in the background, cussing, Jerry Briscoe, everybody was cussing. But I wasn't going to stop the match, that's for sure, you know. And they were like, don't stab and throw him through the class. And I'm just like, and I'm yelling at Kurt.

I'm screaming at Kurt. Don't do it again. Don't do it again. And later on, he goes, I said, Kurt, who was screaming in on your, you know, he goes, was it on this side? I was like, yeah, it was on the right side. He goes, oh, I'm sorry. I'm kind of deaf. You could probably fly her and out of ear.

And I'm like, so the other ear didn't hear me? He chose not to hear you. Yeah, like he chose not to hear me because, you know, Kurt and him, they went at it, man. That was, those bumps are wild. They were. They were, they were wild, man. Like the fact that Shane bounces off of it. and just slides down.

Oh, man. And then tries again and it doesn't work. Right, exactly. You can see that angle just puts an extra little bit into it. Boom. Yeah. I know. He's like,

we're going through this thing, no matter what. And then they went back through. Yes. And when that didn't break on a suplex, just like, I'm just going to ram your face into this. That's what we did.

That's what we did. We're not trying another suplex. I'm just ramming you right through it. At first, I'm thinking, are these the wrong panels that we worked on? What we talked about? Because weren't they supposed to be like sugar glass?

Yeah. Yeah. No, it was sugar glass. All right. It wasn't. That thing was, I don't know. It didn't want to break for some reason. Engle told me that I think they had sugar glass originally, but it would blow up with a pyro.

Yeah. So they're like, well, we don't want that to have. We don't want the pyro to go off and then the set to break. That class was not breaking that easy. I'll tell you that, man. I mean, Vince was so hot. I remember Shane had his, Vince left Shane. Shane had to take his own ride, get his own ride back.

to Connecticut. Left them. And I remember, you know, and I remember Linda coming up because I held that board up top when he gives Shane the angle off the top rope. They had this little piece of board

and it was slipping off the rope with both of them up there and I'm over there holding it like this as much as I can just to get this just so they can get that spot off. And I remember Linda pointing that out to me and I was like, she goes great job, Mike.

you know, she was like, thank you for holding that board because I seen that. She was, you didn't hold that board. They were collapsing. And I'm like, no problem. And that's my job to be out there and do what I got to do, you know, to help out Shane and the match itself. You weren't the referee for Mankind versus Undertaker when Mick gets thrown off Hell and a cell, but you're there front and center.

Yeah. Right after he goes through the announce table. Yeah. What's the conversation look like? Man. So they wanted him on. he got on a stretcher one time, right? But even before that, like the announced table's on him.

He's laying there for a long time. I'm just making sure he's okay. And Terry Funk looks like he's just losing his mind. Right. He's losing his mind, right? I mean, that was just, it was amazing. That just brought wrestling to a whole other level, right? A whole other level.

I mean, what he did for the boys in the business, McFoly was unbelievable. He put his life out there. He didn't know whether he was going to, go terribly wrong or you know i mean nobody really knew so but when he took that bump we were just making sure he was okay out there and at that time we couldn't communicate back to guerrilla but we can hear through the ear piece you know um but now you can communicate both ways you can hear plus you can communicate back to gorilla so there's a lot of things that you'd give him the arms raised up he's okay this you know of course the ex was you know he's badly hurt badly injured

and I remember getting on the stretcher one time. And then they wanted him back on the stretcher. And then Mick said to me, he goes, Mike, he was, have I been on that stretcher already? I said, yeah, Mick, you're on it one time already. You know, he goes, and he, I'm not getting back on his stretcher. And he was like, and they're like, get him on a stretcher. Get him on a stretcher. God damn it.

He was like, blah, blah, blah. Like, he doesn't want to go on a stretcher, you know, like. Is that when he's pulling away from you? and Terry Funk like, get off him in, he goes and climbs the cell again? Yes, yes. To continue the match. Yes.

And like saying. So we didn't want it. Comes through the cage now. Yes. Right. We're in there. And I'm like, had he dislocated his shoulder?

I didn't, I didn't know what he had done at that point. But I seen something up in his nose, right? This is after he went through the, yeah. And you can tell he was just, you know, concussed, right?

Like I said, those days, we just said, oh man, you got your bell wrong. But, you know, he was, I'm sure, concussed very bad. But, and I remember seeing something way up, like, all up in his nose, you know, and I'm like, Mick, I'm like, holy shit, I think you got this booger up in your nose, you know.

And I'm thinking, how am I going to get this booger? I'm going to try and wipe it with something or try and get it out so he could breathe through his nose because it was just actually blocking his whole nose, you know? And then I realized, I was like, oh, shit, Mick, this is your tooth. It was his tooth that went right through. up into his nose, right through his lip, boom, up in his nose. And I was like, oh, shit, that's your tooth. Like, you know, crazy, man, crazy stuff, you know.

Wow. And so it's, you know, it was unbelievable. And we carried him way back. And I remember Vince coming up to Terry Fon. We mean Terry, like, Funk were carrying him. And Vince came up. He was like, Mick, you okay? You know, he's like, job, you know.

And he was just like, you. know, give him a lot of great things to say because what he had just done for WWE. Yeah. You know, what he put his body on the line and took the whole business to another level, man. It just, the buzz was so much, right? Yeah.

Everybody couldn't stop talking about it. Monday, raw. It was just like, you know, people were just like, they were just shocked. It was amazing. This was in Pittsburgh. Now, I'm a huge Steeler fan, right? But this crowd sometimes was always so, like,

very, like, very quiet at times, you know? but man, after they took that bump, after he came off the cage and the other crowd was like, oh, shoot, like, it came unglued. And what people forget is that wasn't the main event. Right. Which is wild.

Kane ended up winning the championship in the main event, which I think a lot of people forget when and where that was. Foley came out and was part of that main event. Yes. After everything he had been through. Amazing.

I know. That's why I really don't know if he did this, okay, but if he did disqual, But if he did dislocate his shoulder, like, I've heard stories with him. He's told me and things and seen matches with him where he has worked with so many injuries and just got through everything, you know? I remember the time where he took like 11 shots to the head from Rock with the chair.

And I was out, the shots were not no easy shots either. They were just full blown out chair shots. Handcuffed at one point. Oh, yeah. I know. That was wild. Yes, it was. is wild. When you talk about ref bumps, I want to talk to you about Sean Michaels versus John

Sina, Russellmania 23. Right. You ate the sweet chin music. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. And Sean knows how to apply perfect, man. So, I mean, yeah, so that's the thing. You have to worry about as a referee. You have one, you have one bump, right? And you better make sure it looks good. Because, I mean, if I'm too far away and Sean can't reach me and he just and it whiffs and airs me you know and he's got to turn around

maybe he punched me and it's like it was an accident only we're seeing a ducks and boom I get it and it had to be a spot where to where I get out of the ring and take one or two rolls

because if a referee takes a super kick say in the center of the ring or like a little bit and you're rolling four or five times to get to the floor I look stupid right because it's like

okay he's not out. It looks like a fish out of water. It just keeps rolling all the way to the outside. So it has to be a perfect spot. You have to be get kicked and you only have to be maybe one or two rolled, boom, to the floor. You know, and then you're out. You took it perfectly. Yeah, thank you. Yeah. It felt great. I mean, when you, when you do your, you know, when you do your job and you don't mess up, you know, and the referee, like, you know, these guys take 20, 30, 40 bumps during the match. And when you're, when a referee's, you know, called upon do one bump, you better make it look good, man. You better be there.

You know? You've seen some of the bumps Charles Robinson's been taking this year? Yes, yes, yes. Sina launched him on that one, that shoulder block. Yeah, and then that was the same bump me and Shane took. Yes. In fact, when Sina gave Charles Robinson that bump, I thought, oh, man, that's the same bump.

Mike Keota took from Shane McMahon. Yes, and Shane rocked me, man. I remember I went flying. Maybe I was like a foot away from the steps. And same with Charles. I was like, holy shit. I'm like, you know, they bought that bump back. So that was awesome, right?

And then Charles Robinson took the spear from Goldberg in Goldberg's last match. Wow. Yeah, that was, I know. He's about the same age as you, right? Yeah, yeah. It might be 60. I just turned August 1st. I turned 59.

I think he's 60. So you guys are right around the same age. Yeah, same age. Yeah. Yeah. Legends. Man, I tell you, I love Charles. And he's, he's a pro, man.

He's a pro, you know. So it was great. to work with him and for him all these years too with Charles and stuff like that. So, you know, Charles he's a great referee, man. When you're in the ring and you're talking about moving around and never being stationary, who were the people that you worked with that you knew would just blow you up? Oof, man. You'd have to constantly be moving. Yes, it was Brock Lesnar, Benoit, Kurt Angle, Kurt Engel Benoit, Kurt Engel, Kurt Benoit, Eddie, Guerrero, Brock, let's see who else. Just athletes.

Yeah, Triple H in there a lot of times, yeah, I mean, those guys would blow me up. There's times where I'd blown up like four or five times during their matches and just got my win back and get my win back and get get my wind back, you know, and I'd be so sore at the end of the night, man, so sore because, like, it's a lot of work because those guys, they really wanted you to pull, pull them apart and get in there real strong. None of this, okay, get out of the corner, get out of the corner, count one, two, you know. They'd be like, get in there, Keogh, and pull us apart as much as you can. So, like, when you had a great match, Eddie Guerrero versus Chris Benoit, vengeance.

Right, right. You took a few bumps in that match. Yeah. So, yeah, you're pretty blown up in that one. Yeah, I was pretty blown up in that one. That was, so we're going over to match. And they're like, so Eddie and Chris are talking, and they were very close friends.

And so we're going over to match and it was like, all right, kid, you're going to take this bump. I was like, oh, okay. And then roll to the outside and another ref comes down. No, brother. Okay, cool. All right. And then boom, boom, and you can take the second bump.

Oh, and a referee comes down and I'm done. No, brother. And like, Chris has got this grin, and he's got this grin on his face. I'm like, holy shit, they're making me look strong here. You know, like, referee taking two bumps and still in the match, you're going to finish the match. And then there's like, and then the headbutt, you're going to go for the title. And the headbutt, he's coming off with the headbutt.

And you get the headbutt. I'm like, oh shit. Then the referee comes down? No, bro. Eddie's like, you're finishing a match, man. I'm looking at Chris and Chris got this grin. I'm like, oh, guys. I'm like, thank you, man.

You're like making me look strong as I'll get out here. I mean, three referee bumps. I'm still finishing a match. That's unheard of. You know, so that was awesome, man. And it was a hell of a match too, man. Those guys can go. Oh, they win.

Yeah. Yeah. And I blew up a few times in that match, got my win back, blew up, you know, especially I think it was in Denver. So it was like, you know, that high altitude too. So, but that match went, that turned out to be a perfect match, one of my favorites of all time. What is your favorite match you've ever refed?

And you can't say Rock Hogan. Right. Well, there's a lot of them in, like, you know, there's matches with Triple H. Patisa, WrestleMania, I did that one as well. There's a taker Shane, Brock Lesnar, Kurt Engel in Seattle, WrestleMania, Sean Michael, Sina. Man, that Brock and Kurt match, that would have been perfect. Yeah.

Had Kurt been slightly closer for the Shooting Star Press. Right, right. Just a tad, but, you know, I thought Brock was going to hit it. And you know what, Brock would hit the next day or any other given day. He would have hit that. And I think that if you watch it back, Brock has just a slight moment of hesitation when he's jumping off the top rope. Like he hesitates.

for half a second. Right. And I think maybe that's what, I mean, he was real close. Yeah. Maybe that's why he didn't hit it. Did you ever think in that match,

like, maybe I should say something to Kurt? Maybe I should get him a little bit closer? No, because he can't. Like, Kurt was far out. Real. I mean, I seen it. I was like, holy shit,

but Rock's a hell of an athlete, right? And you just couldn't, there's no way he could say, Kurt, move over, move over. Like I fish out of water and move over it. That would look so stupid, you know. I remember being in the corner with Brock, up top and I'm like hit that MFer man hit it hit it rock you know and it just he was just a tad short

man had I mean I mean as big as Brock is too I've seen him do some stuff off that top man it's just it's amazing you know and hell of an athlete but you know it just didn't pan out that night you know but um yeah that was an amazing match for them two guys to finish that off the way they did and going in banged up. I mean, Kurt Angle was banged up going into that match. I think Brock had a little couple issues going into that match too being banged up. And they finished strong, no, man.

I feel like I interrupted your list of your favorite matches. No, no. I wanted to hear that story. Even though, like, we talked about the John Cena and Sean Michael's WrestleMania match, right? Yeah, yeah. I remember after that WrestleMania, we went on tour. We were overseas.

We used to do these international tours. And I don't, I forget if it was in, we were finishing off on Monday. And it was, we were getting to the arena. We had to get around the bus. You know, we all get on the bus from the hotel. We're in England. And I don't know if it was in the O2 London Arena or if it was in Albert Hall.

But so Sina gets up. I'm like, Sena's like, you ready for the Nike year? I'm like, yeah, I'm ready to get this match over with a get home. We've been on the road for two weeks, like, Ressomania. You know, over two weeks, because we had to be out WrestleMania like a week prior. And then we went on this Europe tour. And I think we were drinking the night before heavy at the hotel bar. And, you know, all thanks to John Cena, too, having a great time.

He picked up the tab. He always did, man. And God bless him for that, man. That was always awesome doing that, you know, top guy and, you know, always picking up those tabs for us. So I remember he gets up and he's like, you ready? I'm like, yeah, I'm ready to go home. Let's get this night over. he was like, no, we got an hour marathon.

You know? I'm like, an hour marathon tonight. I'm like, holy shit, you know? Like, so, yeah, and that was one of my favorite matches, too, that night. It was like, you know, after WrestleMania match, you know, with him and Sean. And Sean went over. It was a non-title match or something, but I went for like an hour, man. It was just, it was one of my, that's one of my favorite matches, too.

You were the referee for the match that I think a lot of people would say put Randy Orton on the map. Yes, Randy Orton. Randy Orton versus Mick Foley. Yes. They're a hardcore match. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. So that match, hardcore match all the way, right?

Randy's kind of been in the business for a while, you know. So he's got this big match with Mick Foley. Now, Mick Foley, I don't think Randy at that time has never done those type of matches, like those hardcore, straight out hardcore. matches. And so it was just full-blown. I remember, and I remember, like, but all the thumb tacks in Randy's back. Yeah, that's fine. It was like 50 or 75, maybe 100 thumbtacks in his back. He goes for the RKO and fully just throws him off. Yeah, and then like all these thumb tax in his back. And I remember all the stuff that Randy was taking. I remember Randy was selling going,

what the fuck did I get into this match? I'm like, Randy, just think about the payday. Just think about the payday. That's it, brother. Just think about the payday. You know, and I love doing Randy's matches, man. Randy and me, we had a great time in that ring all the time and done some phenomenal matches, man.

You went down to count and you hit the thumb tax with your hand. Yeah, yeah. That's what I was thinking. Like, I had one or two thumbtacks and it stung like a son because I count really hard, right? I remember, boom, I was like, oh, shit. I'm thinking, oh, Orrin's got like 75 of these things in his back. I'm like, I can't be complaining here, you know?

But you're like, you can see you're like in the background. It stung like a son of a gun, bro. I'm thinking, ow. It's, I mean, I had like two or three of them was like, bang. And I was like, oh, shoot. Then after I started moving around. Yes, you did. I started like, I got to clear a spot for me to count, you know.

And then when you did finally count one, two, three, you counted on the absolute edge of the ring, like, as close to the outside of the ring as possible. It was called once, bitten twice shy. To short, Chris. I mean, yeah, it was like, oh, man, like, whoo. I know, I remember going, who, I was selling the hell out of this thing. And I'm like, oh, my God, I'm thinking, Wharton's got like a hundred these things in his back. he's taking everything off the stage, off this, off that. And I remember him going to the back of guerrilla,

and I think that we were taking some of the thumbtacks out of his back, get as much as much as we could out of his back, because he had to take a couple more bumps, you know? Yeah, that match was, yeah, unbelievable. I remember Randy Sell, he was like, why the hell did I get involved in this, fricking? It's crazy because he was the legend killer at that time. Right.

He went in as a legend killer, and he left as a legend. Right. That's true, right? Moreover than anything after that match, man. Like, I think that up to that point, with great respect to Randy, people just saw him as a pretty boy, right? Right, right. He's in evolution and they're doing great things. Right, evolution, right. Arrigan, pretty boy maybe. Right. And he was playing into that. Yeah. But I think that about halfway through that match, people went, oh, yeah. Randy Orton's different. Yeah, Randy, he was a, he's a great worker, man. I mean, I know he's like second generation, right? New Orton family, but third generation.

Third generation shit. So, I mean, but when he came in, when he was young, he came in the debate. He just knew how to work, man. He just had it. The build, he always took care of himself. Great body. Great worker. Still doing it.

Love the Viper. And, I mean, come on, the RKO. That's one of the best finishes you can ever. He'd hit that son of a gun anywhere. Yeah. Out of the blue anywhere. Yeah. And on anyone.

On anyone. Yeah. You know, anyone. So hilarious moment when you're in the ring. Yeah. With Triple H. He eats a boot. from Randy Orton, who's laying there.

Claire's on his side. I remember Sean Michael. And Triple H just doesn't fall. Right. Right. I love it. Yeah. And you look so confused.

I know. I didn't know what the hell was going on there, right? So I'm like, what the hell? And I'm sitting there. And if you see me, I'm jerking my head like this. I'm like, what the hell are we doing here, you know? I know. Sean Michaels is on the apron, like,

kind of motioning for him to fall. Right. Like, come on, take the bump or fall. You know, and Sean's on like, stand on top of the rope or something on the bottom rope. And I'm sitting there, I'm going, okay, what are we doing here? Like, holy shit. I know Rick's over there, like, what the hell? You know, and he finally just takes the Rick Flair bump after like, I think it was like three minutes or something. I was just like, holy shit, this is pretty different. This is definitely unique, right? So, I mean, Triple Age is great at that stuff because, I mean, times where like, you know, he used to always do the push spot with me, you know, get the referee

over, you know, and then you push him back. He would take the bump on his ass feet to the corner and you're yelling at him really hard. Yeah, yeah. Um, all the other stuff. I remember when the guy in Germany came into the ring and Triple H got him, Stone Cold selling. Triple H is like, bang, bang, bang. And I started. Yeah, on the fan. It was like this, it was kind of a husky German guy, you know, he was from, we were in Germany. Security didn't do their job. at all because they thought it was part of the show. You know, they, it was weird. So, and I remember I'm trying to kick the guy in the head and everything.

And Hunter was like, yo, Kyle, you're kicking me. I'm like, oh, shit, sorry, Tripp. I'm trying to do it. I'm trying to get him. Triple A just, like, giving them, like, welts on the head. Just boom, boom, boom. And then, and I remember, I remember they get him backstage. They get him backstage and are carrying them.

Like, the security's got him finally. Like, we're yelling at security. Get in here and get this guy, you know. And so I remember. I remember brings him backstage. And then he's got like, he's juicing a little bit and everything. The guy, he's got some welts on his face and his head from Tri. And if Tripp had one on his head, that was from me kicking him, probably.

Stupid-ass me, I'm trying to help, but I'm kicking Tripp. So they were carrying, you know, this guy in backstage. And then next thing, you know, China's like pissed, you know, and boom, she kicks him straightening nuts. And then he's like, oh, oh. drops down the cell. He goes, China, I only tried to protect you. And I'm like, oh, then I kind of felt bad for the guy. First he had a lot of eat.

And I'm like, oh, he's selling it. And when he said that, he goes, I only tried to protect you, China. As he's like selling it nuts. You were the referee for a Triple H match with Curtis Axel. Oh, yeah. And Triple H collapses. Right. mid-match.

Right. Do you remember that? Yeah. Yeah. You know, I thought it was, I think it was dehydration. I don't know, you know, because he's to, remember, like, H used to always, like, take care of his body. He always does, right? He's hell, like, works out.

Every rest of Mena he used to do, like, lean out tremendously where you could see every ab, you know. And I don't know if, like, he was just, I think he was dehydrated that night, man. you know, dehydration, when that kicks in, it's a son of a gun, you know. So, yeah, I mean, I don't, you know, some people ask me like, oh, you think it was his condition? I was like, no, I don't think it was until 2000 later, right? Yeah, 2012, 2013. Yeah, I think that match with Curtis Axel was 2013. Some 2014, you know.

People know that Triple H has a pacemaker now, but that wasn't until a few years ago. Right, no, that's, you know, I think, you know, Triple H had that situation in 2021. and I actually seen an interview when he had done on that. You know, it was an interview. It was a scary moment for him, man. I didn't know when I heard he had this incident, you know, in the, sir, I didn't know it was that bad.

Like, I thought it might have been, oh, just a little, you know, maybe bypass or something like that. And what they do like that anymore or they put a stent in your heart or something like that. But, um, it sounds like if they didn't get them to the hospital, you wouldn't be with us. Yeah, things could have been really bad. God bless.

2013 i think it was totally from dehydration probably he like he can't stand and like you know dr samson's there ringside i see yeah i'm talking to dr samson and everything and yeah i just uh i i mean i really don't know what the outcome was you know because once you know they they take medical takes care of them and they do what they got to do and stuff like that but i'm pretty i'm i'm i was guessing dehydration that night. It's just, you know, this is the same guy, Triple H who finished a match with a torn quad.

Right, right, exactly, right. You're like, that guy's tough. Right, no doubt, no doubt. So, you know, and anything that ever happened, I mean, that was probably between the torn quad and maybe that moment there in 2013, you know, I've never seen a hundred or not finish a match or never, like, you know, not get through a match

or anything like that he toughs it out just, like more than any other workers I work with. Yeah. Hilarious moment when Carmela tries to cash in money in the bank. That's one of my favorite cashions, man. What took you so long? Let me explain. I wasn't being just a dumb blind referee or anything like that.

But I remember Michael Hayes saying, like, take your time on this, you know, or something. Like, you know, take your time. And I'm like, take my time. I'm like, you know, because every cash is like, you get the briefcase, you know. boom, hurry up, you know, get it over to Lillian or whoever's the announcer and say, hey, they want to cash us in, you know, bow blood. And then you make sure you get the talent up off their feet. And then before you, you know, restart the match. And he goes, take your time on this.

Said, all right. So I'm taking my time. And she had tried to catch it in a few other times. So the storyline was basically like, is she really going to do it this time, right? So, and I remember taking my time and I'm doing it. doing this and she's screaming, right? And now I get almost like, maybe see it in her eyes. Maybe she's like, what the hell are you doing, Keota?

Like, you know, what are you freaking doing? Like, you got to hurry up. Like, we're going to lose this moment, you know? And I remember like when Michael Hayes, buddy, he's like, take your time, take your time, you know, and I'm like, and she's screaming and my eardrums are popping, right? I'm like, oh, my God, my ear drums are like getting ready to pop. and so then I said I said, all right, let me do

a little false finish year. So I stepped towards the announcer and I bought it back. Are you sure you want to? Sure you want to get it? And Michael Hayes, oh, that's great. That's freaking great. That's great.

That's exactly what I want. You know, so then I just took my time a little more, you know? So, yeah, I mean, it's become one of my favorite cash ins. I've done a bunch of them. See, I'm punk, the Miz, and this one and that one. And, you know, definitely to Seth Rollins is number one on my list.

Highest of the century. Yeah. I mean, Roman Rains and Pauley was out there. Roman and Brock matched. That match was phenomenal. They had a phenomenal match, man. And I remember Brock selling his ass off going, holy shit. I had to check out him a few times because he had me because I thought Brock was really, you know,

when he used to hit the ring post, you know, there was no gimmick playing for him. And he would hit it with his head. He would gash himself open. That's insane. He didn't care. You know, he did it the hard way, that's for sure. But that match went so great. And then have Seth Rollins come down at that end, too, man.

The crowd went nuts, man. Yeah, to turn that match, which was already great. Right. Triple threat. Right. Main event at WrestleMania. Yep. Yeah, that pop was huge.

Yeah, the pop was using it. You know, I wish that pop was indoors because it was so delayed, kind of, but you heard such a big open stadium, big arena, you know, big stadium. Levi's Saddam. And it kind of like, when he was coming down, too, it was almost like a delayed pop because it was just so open in the air, like, you know, until he got into the ring, you know,

and people were like, and you're the pop, you know. And that's the same night that he hit the stomp into the RKO. Yeah, yeah, yeah. He has two, like, absolute career moments within the span of a few hours. Right, right. And actually pretty cool because that was an outdoor WrestleMania that he gets the one spot.

earlier in the day when it's light out. It's light out. And then another spot later in the day when it's dark. Right, yeah. So cool. It was awesome. He's one hell of a worker.

Like, when he first came in, you know, with the crew and with Roman and, you know, mocks now and all that, you know. This guy, I would do his matches and their matches, and he would always come out with something new, a certain move. And I'm like, holy shit, I never seen that move again. I never seen that move again.

before, you know, I'm in a business 20-something years at the time. And he'd come out with another move. And I'm like, I'm like, Seth, man, how many freaking moves do you got, bro? He's like, I got plenty, Kiki. He's like, I got plenty. And I'm like, oh. At WrestleMania 27, did you know Ms. was out of it in the main event? You know, I really didn't know.

I was like kind of like, I kind of knew he was a little bit, but not the whole match where he's, he almost says he doesn't really remember most of it. I don't think he remembers any of it. any of them or something. That's crazy. And I was calling spots and Sina was calling spots. I'm calling spots to them and, you know, and I remember him thanking me so much, you know, like,

for helping him out. But I was just like, holy shit, like all the spots we called him. Like, how did you execute it if you were so concussed? Like, he executed everything. It was amazing to me. You can see when he's celebrating at the end. Yeah. Kudos to the MIS goes in to the main event of WrestleMania

as the champion, leaves the champion. Right. And, you know, unfortunately, because of the circumstances, doesn't remember it. I know. And so I was like, holy shit, like, and I feel bad because I'm like, damn, I, you know, did I not do my job right? But I, to me, see, that's where it's a tough moment.

I wouldn't call a match, maybe, like, you know, like, just try to get him through it, then more or less call that match, you know, and I would try to get him through it. And like we did, you know, and I remember just calling spots. And John Cena was, you know, he was a big part of that, too, getting him through that match, helping him through that, you know, and stuff like that. So, I mean, you got to give a lot of kudos to John Cena with that. You can see when Ms. is celebrating. Right.

He's just like. Yeah, he's kind of like out there. You're looking all around, yeah. Right. And you're actually kind of like holding him up, propping him up a little bit. Yeah, yeah, because, I mean, I kind of knew it at that point, too. But we knew it at some point because I remember Colin, but I didn't know he didn't remember the whole match.

that's what really blew my mind, you know, like, and he was executing the things we were calling to him, you know? Yeah, you can, there's video of him in the back after that match, and he's basically going like, did I do okay? Yeah, he said, he was, I remember sitting down somewhere in Gorilla with the title and everything. I'm like, you're high kid, you're I miss, you know, and he was like, yeah, I really don't know how I got through that.

I'm like, I don't remember much at all. And I'm like, what? I'm like, you don't remember anything, really? And like, you know, and I'm like, it's weird because I was calling spots and he was executing. John was relaying stuff to me. He was relaying stuff to him, you know, got through it though. I mean, without getting really injured. Who was the person or people you worked with that you knew it'd be a night off?

You knew they just make it so easy for you. Man, you know, like, no, I mean, take her, you know, certain guys like you know um i mean hoke hogan you know like i remember like i remember going the rock and hoagin match and saying a hoaxer is there anything that you wouldn't need for me or anything like that he's like brother let's just go have fun tear the house down brother do what we do for years you know he goes and he got that bump spot worked out with rock right and i'm like yeah all said he goes let's just go have fun that's it i mean biggest match of all time Let's just have fun.

Right. You know. Was there communication that you said to them during the match? Because Rock went into that supposed to work his baby face. Right. Hogan was supposed to be the heel. Right. And they flipped pretty early in the match.

Yeah. They flipped when that entrance hit. Those people just, you know. There's a moment, and it's one of my favorite moments of wrestling. Hogan worked as a heel for years up to that point. Right. He pushes Rock down and gets this. It's a massive reaction.

Massive. And he kind of looks around like, right. Oh, that's for me. Yeah. Oh, wow. Yeah. Like there's this excitement in his face. Man, it was to shove off, the tackle.

I mean, just the Hulk up when he's, you know, like this. It got me. I marked out. Like I've said to you before, I've marked out completely. I mean, 17 years in the business, you know, and Hogan leaves. He comes back. And then rock icon against icon. It just the weight of people,

68,000 people sounded like there was 120,000 people. And then you were in a big dome and the sky dome, which you remember. You were there. I was there. You were there. At the time I didn't know, wish I would have.

I would give you a shout out. Hey, could you imagine? See you in 20-something years, Chris, when you're interviewing me. 16th row right there. Right. I still have the ticket.

It's actually some, I have a picture of the poster. Oh, nice. Icon versus Icom, wrestling, 18. And my tickets in the corner. I sat in the 16th row. Right.

for $135 Canadian. Oh, wow. And you were 18, right? It was 18, yes. Right. WrestleMania 18. Mm-hmm. You were 18.

I was the same age as WrestleMania every year I am. Wow. Wow. Yeah. That's cool, man. Did you imagine if Mike, hey, what's up, buddy? I know. But was there communication that you were telling them during that match?

Just times. And we, because, you know, we weren't the last match that night. Yeah. The third last match. Some people thought, like, Teracle, we talked about, like, he was always screaming all day. They're like, we shouldn't follow that. We shouldn't follow that. And the crazy thing is, they were the third last match.

Yeah, third last. So it was the women's match next. Yep. Then it was the triple threat, man, triple threat, triple threat, right? It was Jericho. It was Jericho and Triple H. Well, maybe it was just Jericho, triple H.

That's all. I think it was just Jericho. I think it was two titles. It was triple threat in the women's match. Okay, yes. I'm going to now look this up. Yep. We have all the world's information in our pond.

And I think Jericho had both the titles, maybe if I'm not. That was when he was, yes. Right. Yeah. Yeah. Yep. I feel like I need to look this up now because everyone in the comments is going to be like,

come on, man. Come on. You were there and you don't remember it. Yeah, right. Get your shit together, Chris. But unfortunately, Chris, you got your shit together, man. You're doing wonderful things. Okay, I was right.

Okay. It was a triple threat women's match. Right. Jazz defeated Tristratus and Lita. Okay. Triple H defeated Chris Jericho with Stephanie McMahon in his corner. Stephanie was in, yes. Yeah.

Definitely involved in that. Wow. Rock Hogan was 16 minutes and 24 seconds. That's it. Wow. That's it. Did you say to Hogan, they want you to stay in the ring afterwards? Because the NW.

Oh, right? Yeah, yeah. I remember he was having a little bit trouble breathing with his rib or something like that, you know? And, yeah, I had to give him some cues. It's all and stuff like that. So, you know, at the end there. You know, there wasn't really much to really, I mean, I just, had to make sure I perfect my bump, that spot where I come back in the ring from the chair,

deal with the rock in the end. Because if I don't time that just right, and Rock's coming across the ring, and I'm not there, you know, or so the bump worked out perfectly. I slid up. As soon as I slid in the ring under the bottom rope, I got up. Boom. Rock hits me right there. I take the bump.

Of course, they didn't want to see, you know, the belt and everything whipping each other with the belt and stuff. So that's why I had taken the bump at that time. time for that spot. Man. And stuff. So, yeah, it worked out perfect, man. You know, when I watch it back, I guess, I even, you know, we watch certain these matches, too. And when I teach the referees and my seminars, the Cues and A's and stuff in my school. So you've been in there for so many big matches. Yeah, sure. You were there for one of the Stone Cold and Rock matches, Russell. Right. Right. Stone Cold Rock. Um, took the chair shot. That was awesome. J.R. gave me a nice bonus.

Thank you, J.R. Love you for that. Always love. you did for the refs. Is that a thing that refs get a bonus when they take a breath bump? Sometimes. You know, but sometimes, no, you know,

I don't think it's there now, you know, I think J.R. was the only one I used to do that. What's the biggest bonus you got for taking a ref bump? 2,500. Okay. Yeah.

What was the spot? Oh, yeah, it was a chair shot from Stone Cold gave me, you know, at the rock because I started the match her first five, 10 minutes and I'd take the chair shot and I get knocked out. Yeah, my head rang for like three days. Years were ringing.

Yeah, it was pretty cool. And he goes, you're getting a bonus for that, Mike. I was like, oh, my God, thanks, JR. You know, got that bonus on top of the WrestleMania. Pay was nice. It's always such a pleasure to sit down with you, man. And Stone Cold, Sean, at WrestleMania there. You know, that was awesome, too, in Boston.

So. Thank you for always coming on the show. I feel like I could have you on every few months. Man, I would love to be on every few months, man. You're doing such wonderful things, and it's great to see that, Chris. Thanks, man. You're such a wonderful guy, man. You're awesome, man.

And you well deserve it, brother. I appreciate that. And just thank you just for always being so kind over the years. Thank you, brother. Thank you very much. Appreciate you, too, as well. Perhaps your answers are the same. Perhaps they've changed, but I will ask you the question.

I ask everybody at the end. Yeah. What are three things you're grateful for right now? Man, just still have my health. You know, my family, you know, my wife, Meredith, with just glad, just blessed to be, having my health to the main thing. That's for sure, you know.

And what I am is, I'm really thankful for all the fans that appreciate it for what I've done for 35 years at the WWF, WW. I really appreciate that. And what a career, man. Yeah, I mean, it sure was, definitely. Well, thank you again. Everybody should go listen to your podcast, ad-free shows.

Yeah, that's cool. Yeah, Monday Mail back with Mike Keogda, man, ad-free shows. Awesome. How can they send their questions in for that? Well, you got to join the Patreon thing and join ad-free shows and stuff. And they send questions in every week or so. Okay.

So great to see you. Man, good seeing you, Chris. See you around soon, brother. All right, big thank you to Mike for coming on the show. And thank you for sticking with us all the way until the end here. Man, he has the best stories. I love it. And yes, I've seen the comments.

We're working on getting some other legendary referees on the show like Charles Robinson. and Earl Hebner. It'd be amazing to get them on at some point in time. Snap a screenshot and tag us. He's at Mike dot Kyoto on Instagram. He's at MJC Kyoto on X. I'm at Chris Van Fleet. And we'll wrap this up with a quote

from the legendary college football coach, Lou Holtz. Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you will do it. be great and be grateful. We will see you on the next one for some more insight. We've got Ask CVV number 98 tomorrow. If you're listening on Spotify, leave a comment on there.

Shoot me an email, CVV at Chrisfanbleat.com or send it on social media with that hashtag AskCV. We'll see you right back here on Friday for Ask CVV. Jim Rome takes on sports. Why? Because I have a job. job to do. With rapid fire takes. So I don't want to hear from you lava pigs on this notion today. No idea what you're talking about. You're complaining more than you like to breathe air. It's like you get up in the morning only to complain and cry and moan on social media about things that you

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