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Tony Chimel

Tony Chimel (born October 11, 1961) is an American ring announcer and producer, renowned for his distinctive, elongated vocal style in introducing wrestlers, particularly during his tenure with from 1983 to 2020. Born in , Chimel initially joined as a ring crew technician, setting up equipment for events, before transitioning to announcing roles in the late 1990s. His breakthrough came in 1999 when he defeated veteran announcer in a tuxedo match to become the inaugural for , a position he held for much of the show's early history. Throughout his WWE career, Chimel became iconic for his booming announcements of major superstars, including the famous "Ladies and gentlemen, this next contest is a..." lead-ins and his signature drawl on words like "superstar," most notably for Edge as "the Rated-R Suuuuuperstar." He also announced for programs like ECW on Sci-Fi, WWE Superstars, and WWE NXT, contributing to live events and pay-per-views over nearly four decades. Following his departure from WWE in 2020, Chimel joined (AEW) in 2023 as a , working on select events a few times per month while praising the company's positive work environment. As of 2025, he remains signed to AEW in a role, with discussions for potential on-screen announcing appearances. In parallel, he took up a role at grocery store, which he has described as his primary job and a fulfilling post-wrestling pursuit. Additionally, Chimel offers personalized video s featuring his wrestling announcer persona for fans' occasions.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Tony Chimel was born on October 11, 1961, in . Chimel grew up in the suburban environment of during the and . A key aspect of Chimel's childhood involved his friendship with , the son of wrestling personality , as the two families lived just four or five houses apart in . This proximity led to high school companionship and early exposure to the wrestling world through casual discussions and shared interests, igniting Chimel's longstanding passion for the industry.

Introduction to professional wrestling

Tony Chimel's passion for , rooted in his childhood fandom, motivated him to seek involvement in the industry during his early adulthood in the . Growing up in , he developed informal connections through family friends, notably as a close childhood companion of , the son of WWE Hall of Famer . This proximity to the Monsoon family provided Chimel with early opportunities to engage with the wrestling world, including assisting in ring setup for events in nearby cities like , , and .

World Wrestling Entertainment career

Initial roles and development (1983–1999)

Tony Chimel joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1983 at the age of 22, initially serving as a ring technician and support staff member due to his longstanding friendship with , son of referee . Hired full-time by as employee number , Chimel's early responsibilities included driving trucks to transport equipment, setting up and tearing down rings at events in cities such as , , and , often for weekend house shows that paid around $50 per gig. As the company expanded, his role broadened to backstage coordination tasks like timekeeping, handling wrestlers' jackets and gear, and cueing entrance music, providing him with foundational exposure to the operational side of events during the pre-Attitude Era. Chimel's gradual transition to on-air work began in the late 1980s, evolving from his technical duties into minor announcing opportunities when substitutes were needed for house shows and smaller venues. By 1989, he had become a part-time , frequently filling in for the veteran at non-televised events and occasionally on television programs like , where he introduced wrestlers from outside the ring in casual attire without formal preparation. Although lacking structured voice training, Chimel honed his skills through practical repetition, focusing on projection and pacing to reach audiences in large arenas, which marked his initial steps toward a professional announcing presence. A pivotal aspect of Chimel's development came through his experiences working alongside and under Howard Finkel, the longstanding WWF ring announcer whose techniques he observed and adapted during house shows and early television tapings throughout the 1990s. This apprenticeship-like exposure allowed Chimel to refine his delivery, emphasizing clear enunciation and crowd engagement in a competitive environment where Finkel held primary duties. In 1999, their professional dynamic culminated in a storyline tuxedo match on the September 2, 1999, episode of WWF SmackDown!, where Chimel defeated Finkel to earn the official ring announcing position for the newly launched SmackDown! program, symbolizing his breakthrough after years of support roles. Over the course of the 1980s and 1990s, Chimel's signature announcing style emerged organically from his consistent performances at house shows and television events, characterized by a loud, elongated vocal on key phrases to amplify excitement and wrestler personas. This evolution was shaped by trial-and-error in live settings, where he experimented with syllable emphasis and volume to cut through arena noise, gradually establishing a distinctive voice that differentiated him from predecessors like Finkel while building reliability for 's growing national audience.

SmackDown! ring announcing (1999–2007)

In 1999, Tony Chimel was chosen as the first ring announcer for WWE's newly launched SmackDown brand following a scripted tuxedo match victory over veteran announcer Howard Finkel, which served as a storyline to transition the role during the Attitude Era. This opportunity capitalized on Chimel's earlier experience filling in for Finkel at house shows since 1989, where he honed his announcing style through on-the-spot performances. Chimel's primary responsibilities included introducing wrestlers at weekly SmackDown tapings and serving as the for the brand's exclusive events from 2002 to 2007, ensuring smooth transitions between matches in a high-energy format. He operated without an earpiece, relying on handwritten notes for details like wrestlers' weights and hometowns, while coordinating closely with production teams to confirm match orders and logistical changes on the fly. This collaboration extended to adapting to the demands of live events, such as managing rapid script adjustments during overseas tours and multi-day runs that often spanned Friday through Monday without breaks. During the Ruthless Aggression Era, Chimel delivered iconic introductions for established stars like upon his 2002 return to SmackDown and during crossover appearances, emphasizing their larger-than-life personas to hype the crowd. He also spotlighted emerging talents, notably crafting a distinctive high-pitched delivery for Edge's "Rated-R Superstar" moniker, which became a signature element of the character's entrance and resonated strongly with audiences.

Brand affiliations and transitions (2007–2015)

In 2007, following a brand shakeup, Tony Chimel transitioned from his long-standing role on SmackDown to become the primary for WWE's revived brand, swapping duties with who took over SmackDown announcing responsibilities. This move aligned with WWE's strategy during the , allowing Chimel to adapt his energetic style to ECW's edgier roster while continuing to support syndicated programming like , where he debuted as announcer on the , 2009 episode. Chimel also served as the for in 2010. By mid-2008, after shifted to , Chimel returned to SmackDown for a second tenure as its lead , a position he held steadily through much of the period while occasionally filling temporary assignments on to cover absences or special segments. These brand shifts highlighted Chimel's versatility, as he navigated the challenges of WWE's split rosters by standardizing introduction formats—such as his signature high-pitched "Suuuuuuuuperstar" calls—across , , and SmackDown to maintain audience familiarity amid frequent talent drafts and inter-brand storylines. His SmackDown-honed style from prior years served as a foundation for this multi-brand adaptability, ensuring consistent delivery even during high-stakes transitions. From 2008 to 2015, Chimel frequently handled announcing duties at major inter-brand events, including and , where he introduced cross-brand matches and emphasized the spectacle of unified programming. This role underscored the logistical demands of brand affiliation changes, as announcers like Chimel had to coordinate with multiple production teams to synchronize cues and wrestler entrances without disrupting event flow, particularly during the annual drafts that reshuffled affiliations.

Part-time work and departure (2015–2020)

In 2015, Tony Chimel shifted to a part-time schedule with , primarily handling ring announcing duties at non-televised house shows while reducing his commitments. This change allowed him to balance his long-standing role with more personal time, as he later reflected on preferring to be home approximately 15 days a month rather than the previous seven amid a grueling 24-day travel cycle. His prior experience across WWE brands, particularly as the original SmackDown announcer, informed these selective engagements. Chimel made several notable appearances during this period, including introducing Edge and Christian at the 2016 Fastlane pay-per-view event, where he delivered his signature style to a live audience. He also returned to television for the 900th episode of SmackDown on November 15, 2016, providing the iconic "Rated-R Superstar" introduction for during a special segment. These sporadic on-screen moments, often tied to legacy talent, highlighted his enduring popularity among fans and wrestlers, with similar guest spots at other premium live events through 2019. As the impacted operations in early 2020, Chimel contributed behind-the-scenes to tapings at the Performance Center in Orlando before being furloughed in April. He volunteered to travel and assist with the shows from day one but was not utilized, later stating, “I was willing to get on a plane from day 1 to do anything.” Chimel's tenure ended on November 6, 2020, when he was released as part of broader staff reductions driven by pandemic-related budget constraints, affecting around 10-15 employees. Reflecting on his 37-year , which began in 1983, Chimel expressed surprise and emotional turmoil, noting, “I was shocked. I went through all sorts of different phases of emotion,” while appreciating the opportunity to step back from full-time travel in his final years.

All Elite Wrestling tenure

Hiring and behind-the-scenes role (2023–2024)

After a three-year hiatus from full-time wrestling employment following his departure from in 2020, Tony Chimel signed with (AEW) in April 2023, leveraging his decades of backstage experience from to take on a producer role. His hiring was facilitated by AEW's Rafael Morffi, who connected Chimel with opportunities during the promotion's expansion of live events. In this capacity, Chimel focused on behind-the-scenes production, including event logistics such as coordinating setups for house shows and TV tapings like and in . Early in 2023, prior to his official signing, he made a limited on-camera appearance as master of ceremonies at (ROH) tapings, an AEW affiliate. He also handled talent coordination, providing guidance to emerging broadcasters; for instance, he offered pointers to ahead of her first ring announcing appearance in , drawing on his -honed expertise in similar supportive roles. Chimel's responsibilities extended to acting as a market representative and all-around support during AEW's "" live events, where he assisted with various operational tasks to ensure smooth execution amid the company's growing schedule of regional tours. This part-time arrangement, typically involving just a couple of events per month, starkly contrasted with the grueling pace he had endured, which often required 20-25 road days monthly during his tenure there. The lighter load allowed Chimel greater work-life balance, enabling him to maintain a at while contributing selectively to AEW's production needs. Early in his AEW stint, Chimel collaborated closely with executives like and Morffi, describing the environment as welcoming and efficient compared to WWE's more intense structure. He noted the positive team dynamic, stating, "It's a great place to work, and I love going there. and that whole place is a great place to work for," highlighting how these partnerships helped streamline logistics for expanding events in 2023 and 2024. Through 2024, his efforts primarily supported AEW's operational growth through backstage roles, with limited on-camera work beyond his initial ROH appearance, focusing instead on mentoring and coordination to bolster the promotion's backstage efficiency.

On-screen appearances and recent developments (2025–present)

In early 2025, pitches were made within (AEW) for Tony Chimel to take on occasional on-screen ring announcing duties, particularly for television spots that would leverage his veteran experience. These proposals, reported in January 2025, focused on nostalgic moments, such as Chimel introducing fellow AEW talent (formerly ) with his signature style, echoing their history where Chimel famously emphasized "Suuuuperstar" in Copeland's entrance. Chimel recounted in a February 2025 interview that Copeland had personally approached him during their tenure to refine introduction styles, requesting the same vocal emphasis Chimel applied to 's entrances, like the drawn-out "Johnnnn ." This interaction highlighted Chimel's adaptability in enhancing performer personas, a that has informed ongoing discussions about his potential AEW TV cameos. While no confirmed on-screen appearances had materialized by mid-2025, these pitches underscored Chimel's value for special segments blending production expertise with crowd-pleasing announcements. Chimel has expressed optimism about AEW's flexible scheduling, stating in February 2025 that the promotion would likely permit guest spots elsewhere, including opportunities tied to John Cena's ongoing retirement tour throughout the year. He noted AEW's supportive environment allows for such external work without conflict, reflecting a work-life balance that contrasts with his more demanding days. In the same period, Chimel shared insights in interviews on best practices, advising aspiring ring announcers to prioritize , , and broader involvement to elevate live events. As of November 2025, Chimel's on-screen role in AEW remains selective and opportunity-driven, with his behind-the-scenes production background enabling seamless transitions to microphone duties when pitched. These developments signal a continued in his career, balancing legacy callbacks with AEW's collaborative ethos.

Personal life

Family and residences

Tony Chimel is married to his wife, who hails from , and the couple has maintained a partnership that has endured the challenges of his extensive travel schedule. They have three children, though none have pursued careers in . The frequent absences due to career obligations, often exceeding 24 days per month on the road, placed significant responsibility on his wife for managing family life and child-rearing, which Chimel has acknowledged as a strain on their home dynamics. Originally from , where he spent his early life, Chimel later relocated to in connection with professional commitments that required proximity to key locations. By the early 2020s, he and his wife had settled in , purchasing a home in the Fort Myers area to establish a more stable residence after years of transient living. This move allowed for greater family time, including with their grandson. His enduring career in wrestling has been bolstered by the support of his family throughout these transitions.

Interests and philanthropy

Chimel has maintained an active interest in throughout his life, particularly engaging in running and workout routines to stay in shape. He notably trained for and participated in a high-profile race against in , where he achieved a time of 6 minutes and 36 seconds, highlighting his dedication to health and wellness activities. Following his departure from WWE in 2020, Chimel pursued new opportunities during his hiatus from wrestling, securing a position at a grocery store, which he has praised for its positive work environment and focus on customer interaction. As of 2025, this role remains his primary job and a source of fulfillment outside the wrestling industry, alongside occasional producer work for (AEW) since 2023.

Other media

Television and film credits

Tony Chimel's television credits primarily stem from his long tenure with , where he occasionally stepped into scripted acting roles beyond his announcing duties, often as a foil in wrestler storylines to heighten drama or humor. These appearances showcased his on-screen presence in physical and comedic segments across 's flagship programs. One of his earliest notable acting roles occurred in 1999 on WWE SmackDown!, when he competed in a tuxedo match against veteran . The bout, held as part of a storyline to determine the brand's primary , saw Chimel emerge victorious after Finkel was disqualified for using his tuxedo jacket as a weapon, solidifying Chimel's position on the blue brand. In the mid-2000s, Chimel featured prominently in a short feud with Mr. Kennedy on WWE SmackDown!, portraying a beleaguered announcer mistreated for perceived lackluster introductions. The angle included Kennedy punching Chimel in the ring, delivering a low blow, and force-feeding him a doughnut during a backstage confrontation, emphasizing Kennedy's arrogant persona. Chimel's scripted involvement continued into the , with a memorable on the May 13, 2014, episode of . Following Alicia 's defeat to , Fox entered a deranged meltdown, slapping Chimel repeatedly before ransacking the commentary table, which advanced her unhinged character arc. Beyond live television, Chimel provided voice work and cameo appearances in WWE-produced films and specials. He voiced his likeness in adaptations such as WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 (2006), WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 (2007), WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 (2008), and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 (2009), contributing to in-game announcing sequences. In the 2020 documentary-style compilation The Rock's Most Electrifying Matches, Chimel appeared as himself in archival footage highlighting iconic moments. Following his departure from WWE in 2020, Chimel has not accumulated additional television or film credits outside wrestling production, focusing instead on behind-the-scenes roles in the industry.

Interviews and publications

Tony Chimel has participated in numerous interviews reflecting on his extensive career in , particularly his time as a for and his later roles with AEW. In a February 2022 interview with , Chimel discussed his 38-year tenure with , starting as part of the ring crew in 1983 under referee and evolving into a prominent known for his distinctive style. He shared personal anecdotes, including his childhood proximity to wrestler in and a memorable bet with that resulted in Coachman performing 100 push-ups while declaring, "I am Tony Chimel's bitch." Chimel also addressed his post- life, revealing his employment at , where he found parallels in to his wrestling experiences, stating, "There's a lot of similarities because at they always wanted to put smiles on people's faces and at all they want to do is wow the customer and make the customer feel happy." In the same interview, Chimel elaborated on iconic moments, such as creating the high-pitched "Rated R Superstar" introduction for , which he noted "lasted a long time" and became a fan favorite without initial expectations of its longevity. He reflected on the evolution of ring announcing, emphasizing adaptability and professionalism in putting over the . More recently, in February 2025, Chimel appeared on the HUGE POP! podcast hosted by Donnie DaSilva and , where he recounted interactions with wrestlers like Adam Copeland (). Copeland reportedly approached him to request the same emphatic delivery used for 's introductions, leading Chimel to adapt by stretching "Suuuperstar" in 's entrance. Chimel stated, " came to me… He’s like, ‘Man, you put all this emphasis on Johnnnn and stuff. How about something for me, you know?’" This discussion highlighted Chimel's influence on memorable announcer styles during his era. In another 2025 interview with Parker Kane Promotions, Chimel detailed his part-time role with AEW, involving production assistance, ticket handling, and seating, which he described as "perfect for me" since it allows occasional involvement without full commitment. He offered advice to aspiring ring announcers, urging them to "try and find your own little niche... make sure you're putting over the talent first" and to vary vocal delivery without exaggeration. Chimel also expressed ambivalence toward induction, viewing it as a "money-making venture" and preferring recognition for behind-the-scenes crew if included. Chimel has not authored any books or major publications, though he has promoted wrestling-related works on , such as recommending Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of in 2023. His interviews remain the primary medium for his insights into the industry.

References

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    Nothing better than a birthday cameo for a friend or loved one . Everyone can feel like a suuuuperstar when I announce ya !! Order your cameo today.