Former WWE referee Mike Chioda recently shared a surprising story about one of WWE’s most unexpected title changes. He revealed that Vince McMahon actually loved the finish after a botched US title match on WWE SmackDown.
Back in 2019, R-Truth defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to win the United States Championship on WWE SmackDown. The quick pinfall came earlier than planned after Nakamura failed to kick out. The moment left everyone in the ring surprised.
Former WWE referee Mike Chioda says Vince McMahon loved the title change botch
Recently, a fan shared the clip on X and wrote: “Never forget when R-Truth accidentally won the US Championship from Shinsuke Nakamura after a botch pin.” Mike Chioda replied with an interesting backstage detail. “I remember that! R-Truth told me the wrong finish and Vince loved it! Funny shit!”
On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, R-Truth also had recalled the moment. He explained they still had a few more spots planned before the finish. Truth said the referee had no choice but to count the pin because WWE had a strict rule about not stopping a three-count.
“If I can remember this correctly, we had maybe another two or three more spots to go, and that was it. I was going to get it anyway.” He also praised Chioda for doing exactly what he was supposed to do. “There was a strict rule. If you don’t kick out at three, the referee’s gonna get fined. You better slap it down. So, Chioda just did his job.”
Truth admitted everyone in the ring was briefly confused after the unexpected finish. However, the match still ended with him becoming the new United States Champion.
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