During a recent interview with Fansided, WWE SmackDown commentator Mauro Ranallo discussed the support he’s received from fans so far, on being bipolar and more. Here are some highlights:
On the fan response to his role on Smackdown: “It fits like a glove, unlike OJ Simpson. I started my career in the wrestling business at the age of 16 and started watching it at the age of five. I always wanted to be a broadcaster in the sports entertainment business. I have to thank Michael Cole for contacting me about this job and letting me be me. Michael oversees the entire on-air talent and they have made me so at home. They wanted the guy that was doing the boxing and NJPW. They wanted a different direction and it’s kind of the old school feel with the names of Jim Ross and Joey Styles that ring a bell. At the same time, I’m me and being unique as I can be. I am a fan first and foremost and I love getting to know the individuals that enter the ring and their backstories. It’s been a life-long love affair. The transition from me coming into the booth has been amazing. Working with Jerry Lawler and Brian Saxton has been great and they welcomed me. But I have to thank Michael Cole, Triple H, and Vince McMahon for allowing me to live out a childhood dream and allowed me to bring my style to the WWE. The feedback I’ve been getting has been outstanding. I have been flattered and honored to do this job and hopefully, I can continue to have those positives remarks come in each and every day.”
On being bipolar and being an advocate of defeating mental illnesses: “For me, I need to work and I don’t like to have idle time. I am someone who needs to stay busy and even though I find things to do with my idle time, I like to work. Even if it wasn’t my job or what I was doing, I’d still do it. I have the love for people and storytelling. I love challenging myself saying things in certain ways. I knew at a young age I had issues but life is a battle. I was able to get help with my issues when I thought I couldn’t make it. It happened to me because I took the right steps to get better. I mean if it could happen to a simple Canadian like myself it can happen to others who are going through the same things I went through. Mental illness is not a weakness but a sickness. The more we can treat mental health as a health issue the better off we will be. We are losing too many people unnecessarily. If I can get on the soap box and save at least one person, I feel like my duty and legacy was fulfilled.”
On what it would be like to work WrestleMania as a commentator: “It would be an incredible moment for me for sure. Honestly, at this point, I will be there along with my two brothers and I let the WWE know I am willing to do anything they need. I understand there is a pecking order involved and Michael Cole, JBL and Brian Saxton are the PPV team and deserve to be there. If I’m not involved and only there to watch believe me, I would be grateful as anyone. I am looking forward to my first WrestleMania as a member of the WWE family and if I can call a match or two all the better. It’s up to them to decide and what do they say “what’s best for business.””
