Tony Chimel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tony Chimel |
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Chimel in 2013
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| Born | October 11, 1961 Texas, U.S. |
| Children | 1 |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Tony Chimel Tony Chimmel |
| Billed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Billed from | Willingboro Township, New Jersey |
| Debut | 1983 |
Tony Chimel (born October 11, 1961) is an American former professional wrestling ring announcer. He is known for his long career with WWE. He also worked as a producer for All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Tony Chimel's Announcing Career
Starting in Wrestling (1983–1999)
Before becoming a famous ring announcer, Tony Chimel worked behind the scenes. He and Joey Marella were the main ring technicians for WWE. This meant they helped set up the wrestling rings.
In 1989, Tony started his announcing duties. He often worked on shows that weren't televised or on smaller events. He would also fill in for the main announcer, Howard Finkel, when needed.
Becoming the Voice of SmackDown! (1999–2007)
Tony Chimel became the main ring announcer for SmackDown! when the show first started in 1999. He was also the announcer for SmackDown pay-per-view events from 2002 to 2007. He even won a special "tuxedo match" against Howard Finkel in 1999 to earn this role.
In 2004, during a storyline, Kurt Angle (who was the General Manager of SmackDown!) fired Tony Chimel. But Tony was quickly rehired by Vince McMahon.
From 2005 to 2007, Tony had a fun storyline with wrestler Mr. Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy felt Tony wasn't announcing his name with enough respect. This led to some funny moments, like Tony getting punched or having a doughnut put in his mouth by Kennedy.
In December 2006, Tony announced The Boogeyman's win with too much excitement. As a result, The Boogeyman put worms in Tony's mouth! This was part of a story that allowed Tony to take a break. He needed to rest a back injury and spend time with his family.
Switching Shows and Famous Announcements (2007–2015)
In 2007, Tony Chimel switched roles with another announcer, Justin Roberts. Tony became the ring announcer for the ECW brand. He also announced for WWE Superstars.
Later, Tony returned to SmackDown for a second time. During this period, Tony became very famous for how he announced Edge, who called himself "The Rated-R Superstar." Tony's voice would often crack when he said "superstar." This became a running joke, and Tony would sometimes appear just to announce Edge.
In 2011, Tony moved to announce for NXT and the SmackDown part of Superstars. He also announced for Main Event and special live events. He even announced for the short-lived Saturday Morning Slam.
Tony made special appearances on Raw and SmackDown in 2013 to announce Edge's return. At a live event in 2013, Tony even performed a wrestling move called a stunner on Curtis Axel!
Special Appearances and Leaving WWE (2015–2020)
After 2015, Tony Chimel announced less often on WWE television. He mostly worked at live events. He would often return to TV only to introduce Edge for special segments.
Tony also worked behind the scenes for WWE. He was a production manager and part of the ring crew. In November 2020, after 37 years with the company, Tony Chimel was released from his WWE contract.
Working with All Elite Wrestling (2023–Present)
In April 2023, Tony Chimel shared that he was working with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He helped with production during their shows in Orlando.
Life After WWE
After leaving WWE, Tony Chimel took a job at a Trader Joe's store.
Tony Chimel in Video Games
Tony Chimel has appeared in several WWE video games. These include:
- WWE Day of Reckoning 2
- WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006
- WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007
- WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008
- WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009
- WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010
- WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011
- WWE '12
- WWE Wrestlefest
- WWE '13
- WWE 2K15 (as part of DLC packs)
- WWE 2K16 (in the 3:16 Showcase)
See also
In Spanish: Tony Chimel para niños
