Insight with Chris Van Vliet Mark Nash: WWE's Newest Ring Announcer, "Never Seen 17", John Cena, Cody Rhodes
14 snips
Sep 23, 2025 Mark Chinook, known as Mark Nash, is a professional ring announcer and in-arena host for the Las Vegas Golden Knights. He shares his fascinating journey from Broadway, notably playing Timon in The Lion King, to wrestling. Mark discusses how he transitioned to WWE, including announcing for legends like John Cena and Cody Rhodes, and the creative process behind his iconic introductions. He also highlights his emotional experience winning the Stanley Cup and his ambitious plans for a mental health center through his community initiative, The Space.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Broadway Break Changed His Path
- Mark Chinook recounts leaving hockey ambitions to pursue acting and landing Timon in The Lion King on Broadway.
- He performed that role for three years and credits it with launching his entertainment career.
From Rock Musical To Stanley Cup
- Mark describes moving to Vegas for Rock of Ages and joining the Vegas hockey campaign that led to a job with the Golden Knights.
- He later hoisted the Stanley Cup on the ice and received a ring commemorating the win.
Golden Knights Opened Doors To Boxing
- Working as the Golden Knights in-arena host led Todd DeBuff of Top Rank to notice Mark and invite him into boxing.
- That boxing work with Top Rank and ESPN opened doors to larger ring-announcing opportunities.
