Demetrius Korderas(born March 19, 1962), better known by his referee name,Jimmy Korderas,is a Canadianprofessional wrestlingreferee,commentator and television personality. He is best known for his 22-year tenure inWWEfrom 1987–2009.
| Jimmy Korderas | |
|---|---|
 Korderas at an independent wrestling show in January 2013 | |
| Birth name | Demetrius Korderas |
| Born | March 19, 1962 Toronto,Ontario,Canada[1] |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Jimmy Korderas |
| Billed height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[2] |
| Billed weight | 210 lb (95 kg)[2] |
| Billed from | East York,Ontario[2] |
| Trained by | Billy Red Lyons Terry Yorkston John Bonello[2] |
| Debut | 1985 |
| Retired | 2012 |
Professional wrestling career
editEarly career
editKorderas began working as aprofessional wrestling refereein 1985 atMaple Leaf Gardens.[1]At first, he was hired as a driver by his friend Elio Zarlenga. At the time, Zarlenga was second in command only to Jack Tunney, and suggested making Korderas a referee. His first match was betweenSpecial Delivery JonesandRed Demon.[1]
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (1987–2009)
edit
On May 23, 1999, Korderas was the referee atOver the Edgefor the match between"Blue Blazer" Owen HartandThe Godfather.He was in the ring when Hart fell 78 feet from a harness tethered above the ring and died. According to reports, Hart yelled to Korderas to move because Hart did not want to land on Korderas, but Hart's foot still made contact with Korderas' shoulder.[3][4]
During akayfabestrike by the WWF referees in late 1999, Korderas was the only regular referee who did not join the strike, which led to him being attacked by the striking refs atUnforgivenin 1999.[citation needed]
In 2006, the WWE pulled Korderas off the road briefly due to health issues, but he returned to work shortly thereafter. In November 2008, referees, and thus Korderas, were made no longer exclusive to particular WWE television shows, or brands. On January 9, 2009, Korderas was released from WWE.[citation needed]
Ring of Honor (2012)
editOn May 12, 2012, Korderas refereed a match at Ring of Honor's Internet Pay-Per View entitled Border Wars. Jimmy was heralded by fans chanting "Thank you, Jimmy" when he entered the ring.
Personal life
editAfter leaving WWE, Korderas began spending more time with his wife and family, as well as taking classes inbroadcasting.[1]
After meetingArda Ocal,then ofSportsnet 360,Ocal brought him on as an analyst on "Right After Wrestling" on SIRIUS Radio, and also secured him a spot on the Aftermath Television Program, which Korderas appeared on until the show's cancellation in 2021.
Korderas published a book on his life and career, called "The Three Count - my life in stripes as a WWE referee" The foreword was written byAdam Copeland(Edge) and was released on April 1, 2013 byECW Press.
Awards and accomplishments
edit- Canadian Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Class of 2021[5]
- New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Class of 2015
Notes
edit- ^abcdKapur, Bob (March 26, 2010)."Korderas offers advice on reffing, Mania".SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013.Retrieved2010-03-27.
{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^abcd"Jim Korderas".World Wrestling Entertainment.Retrieved2008-06-15.
- ^Markazi, Arash (2006-03-26)."Bret Hart opens up Thoughts on Owen, McMahon, rough times and more".CNN Sports Illustrated.Archived fromthe originalon April 8, 2006.Retrieved2008-11-27.
- ^Powell, John."Hart tragedy overshadows Taker's win".SLAM! Wrestling.Canadian Online Explorer.Archived from the original on 2012-05-30.Retrieved2008-01-05.
{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^"2021 Class".Canadian Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame.Archivedfrom the original on January 27, 2023.RetrievedNovember 29,2023.
External links
edit
- Profile at onlineworldofwrestling
- SLAM! Wrestling Canadian Hall of Fame[usurped]
- Jimmy Korderas's profile atCagematch.net,Internet Wrestling Database
- Jimmy Korderas's profile atCagematch.net,Internet Wrestling Database