BTT Conversation | Tony Chimel Unfiltered: WWE Legends, Locker Room Pranks & Life After Wrestling!

Full Podcast Summary / Notes (Timestamped): [00:00:00] – Opening Banter: “Announcers these days…” Tony Chimel immediately throws shade at modern WWE announcers, setting the stage for a no-holds-barred episode. Coach and Tommy recall their grueling TV days and the high-energy culture backstage. [00:02:10] – Welcoming Tony Chimel: The Not-So-Hidden Gem The Coach and Tommy officially introduce Tony Chimel, reflecting on his legendary status as the goofball voice of SmackDown and Raw, and sharing memories of his friendship and shenanigans. [00:03:32] – 2024 Life Update: WWE to Trader Joe’s & AEW Chimel opens up about his current role at Trader Joe’s, balancing retail life with occasional gigs at AEW, and why he loves both worlds, finally free from the brutal WWE travel grind. [00:05:11] – Origins: Breaking into WWE Through the Ring Crew Chimel’s journey started with childhood friend Joey Morella, son of Gorilla Monsoon. He recounts his first gigs driving the ring truck and the tight, family-like beginnings of the WWE network. [00:08:43] – The Old School WWE Grind: Schedules, Territories, and House Shows A deep dive into the schedules of the 1980s and 90s, with Chimel detailing relentless travel, territory crews, and the endless circuit of live events that built WWE’s fanbase. [00:11:50] – The Double Life: Ring Crew & Announcing Chimel reveals the reality of wearing multiple hats—handling all logistics, production, and finding rooms, before donning the tux for iconic ring announcements. The team jokes about the “lazy” label as Chimel breaks down massive 18-hour days. [00:15:07] – Backstage Fun: Card Games, Pre-Tapes Court, and Wrestlers’ Court Candid stories of WWE’s infamous pranks, court sessions, and hiding in shower rooms to play cards with John Cena, Shane McMahon, and more. Coach and Chimel reminisce about the camaraderie that kept them sane. [00:17:27] – Surviving the Grind: Family, Sacrifice, and Travel Tony reflects on the toll WWE’s nonstop schedule took on family life, the discipline needed to keep going, and why looking back now, he can barely believe he did it for 35+ years. [00:19:00] – “The Rated R Superstar” Edge Announcement Origins The story behind Chimel’s iconic delivery of Edge’s entrance, including playful competition with Cena and the backstage banter that sparked his legendary “Superstar” shout. [00:21:02] – Merch, Cameos, and the Business of Announcing Chimel plugs his “Chimio” Cameo videos and reveals how superstars rarely dictated their intros, but how he learned to elevate each talent’s presence through his delivery. [00:23:20] – Working Under Kevin Dunn & WWE Management The group talks about the high-pressure environment, Kevin Dunn’s infrequent but intimidating calls, and how “no news was good news” for WWE announcers. [00:26:11] – The End of an Era: Letting Go and Moving On Tony and Tommy share the emotional aftermath of being let go, the shock and depression that followed, and how both eventually found new purpose and happiness outside WWE. [00:29:40] – AEW Life vs. WWE Life & Trader Joe’s Culture Chimel compares AEW’s relaxed, open culture under Tony Khan to WWE’s intensity, describes his surprising love for retail work, and how being recognized at Trader Joe’s opened a whole new chapter. [00:33:42] – Settling the Legendary “Mile Race” Bet Coach and Chimel hilariously recount their infamous mile run, the backstage rivalry, involvement of The Rock, and the humiliating push-up payoff that followed. Myths are busted once and for all! [00:42:14] – Legacy & Reflections: Chimel’s WWE Career Takeaways Chimel shares what he cherishes most from his decades-long WWE career—friendship, travel, perseverance, and being “good enough to keep the job.” The episode closes with heartfelt memories and gratitude for the unique wrestling family. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.