William Maltais, one of the hardest-working referees in Quebec's independent wrestling scene! William shares his unique journey from aspiring wrestler to in-demand official, including training with WWE legend Mike Chioda! He reveals behind-the-scenes stories, discusses the challenges of refereeing tag team matches, and offers insights into the Quebec wrestling scene. Plus, hear about his experience at a Gabe Sapolsky seminar and how he's working to perfect his craft. A must-watch for any wrestling fan interested in the often-unseen side of the business! Follow us on YouTube and Spotify for more wrestling content! #WilliamMaltais#MikeChioda#QuebecWrestling#MontrealWrestling#IndieWrestling#CanadianWrestling#WrestlingReferee#RefereeTraining#ProWrestling#BehindTheScenes0:00:01 Intro with William Maltais 0:00:39 From Aspiring Wrestler to Referee (Dad's Influence) 0:01:13 Challenges of Finding Wrestling Training in Quebec 0:02:23 Choosing Refereeing to Get Known in the Business 0:03:25 A Busy Schedule: 51/52 Weekends Booked 0:03:59 Goal: A Full-Time Career in Professional Wrestling 0:04:29 The Rarity of Referees Compared to Wrestlers in Quebec 0:04:55 Advantages of Being a Young Referee (17 at Start) 0:06:28 Early Training with Mr. Gibson 0:07:00 Early Wrestling Experiences and School Suspensions 0:14:17 Meeting and Training with Mike Chioda in Florida (36-Hour Drive!) 0:15:18 The Mike Chioda Experience: First Impressions 0:16:28 Mike Chioda's Training Techniques (Card Drills, Cardio) 0:18:09 Dealing with Botched Kicks and Improvisation (Yan Aon Story) 0:26:18 Recognizing False Finishes and Earl Hebner's Style 0:27:18 Mike Chioda's Advice and Career 0:28:55 The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan Match at WrestleMania 0:29:29 More on Mike Chioda's Training (Ref Bumps, The Ref Bump) 0:30:30 The Importance of Realistic Referee Bumps 0:36:46 The Booked Show in Chicago (Black Label Pro & Charity Show) 0:37:20 Driving with No Brakes to Canadian Tire 0:37:57 The Booker's Change of Plans (8-Man Tag) 0:38:24 Staying in Windsor Alone 0:38:57 Mom's Rescue Mission (16-Hour Round Trip) 0:40:01 Breakfast with Dan Pisano 0:40:41 The Bus Trip from Montreal to Windsor (Bus Breakdown in Kingston!) 0:41:20 Stranded in Toronto Overnight 0:44:02 Border Crossing Issues and Denial of Entry 0:44:30 Returning to Montreal and Rethinking Career 0:45:04 The Challenges of Working in the US as a Referee 0:36:46 The Booked Show in Chicago (Black Label Pro & Charity Show) 0:37:20 Driving with No Brakes to Canadian Tire 0:37:57 The Booker's Change of Plans (8-Man Tag) 0:38:57 Mom's Rescue Mission (16-Hour Round Trip) 0:41:58 Sleeping Outside in Downtown Toronto 0:42:31 Charging Phone and Staying Awake 0:43:01 Arriving in Windsor (Finally!) 0:43:34 The Empty House in Windsor 0:43:34 Second Trip to Windsor (Chicago Shows, Border Trouble) 0:44:02 Border Crossing Issues and Denial of Entry 0:45:04 The Challenges of Working in the US as a Referee 0:45:37 Dealing with Border Patrol and Seminar Attendance 0:46:39 Future Border Crossing Strategies 0:47:30 Attending a Seminar with Kevin Nash (House of Glory) 0:48:31 Talking with Speedball Mike Bailey about Border Issues 0:48:59 Sacrifices Made to Be a Referee 0:50:41 Getting a Spot with Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling (Thanks to Dan) 0:51:23 Sleeping in a Walmart Parking Lot 0:51:53 Meeting Wrestlers at Maple Leaf (Jinder Mahal, Jack Evans) 0:52:25 Ring Crew Experience at Maple Leaf (TNA Setup) 0:52:54 Car Trouble (Again!) in Windsor 0:53:27 Meeting Trevor Lee (Truly) 0:54:04 Traveling to Seminars as a Referee