Per Dave Melzer of The Wrestling Observer, Mauro Ranallo has finished up with World Wrestling Entertainment. Meltzer broke the story in question earlier this evening via Twitter, citing details forthcoming. In a follow-up column, Meltzer expanded on the story. It has been said that this departure was not under negative circumstances. Rather, this was done to provide Ranallo with more time to pursue other opportunities in life and spend time with his family. Those that have been watching NXT may have noticed that he had been absent from prior shows. This was done to give him time to travel and be in British Columbia, where his mother was hospitalized. WWE later confirmed the story.
“I appreciate the opportunity I had to realize my childhood dream of working in sports entertainment, and I wish WWE well in the future,” said Ranallo. “Now I want to direct my focus and devote my time to my other projects and to my mental health charitable activities and the well-being of my mother and myself.”
WWE and Mauro Ranallo have mutually and amicably agreed to part ways. Mauro’s passion and enthusiasm left an indelible and exciting mark with WWE and its fans, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors. https://t.co/9y99UhfRhl
— WWE (@WWE) September 1, 2020
In Ranallo’s absence, NXT has been utilizing other announcers. Most recently, Wade Barrett made his return to WWE programming to work behind the desk. The five-time WWE Intercontinental Champion returned on last week’s NXT, commentating with Vic Joseph and WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix. Previously, Barrett was part of NWA‘s commentary team as Stu Bennett, calling events alongside play-by-play announcer Joe Galli.
Prior to joining WWE as a commentator, Mauro Ranallo became known as the voice for various mixed martial arts and combat sports promotions. These included Pride Fighting Championships and Showtime Championship Boxing. In terms of pre-WWE wrestling commentary, he had short stints with Stampede Wrestling between 1999 and 2000 and New Japan Pro Wrestling on AXS TV in 2015. He originally joined WWE in 2015, calling SmackDown and even the Cruiserweight Classic. However, in 2017, it was announced that Ranallo parted ways with the company. He would make his return to the company in due time, this time for NXT, where he remained until his second departure.
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