UPDATE x 2: As we reported earlier tonight here on eWn, Mauro Ranallo and WWE have mutually agreed to part ways. According to reports, Ranallo finished up with the company at some point within the past several weeks, with one source believing it happened around NXT Takeover XXX. Of course, Corey Graves called that event and Wade Barrett then called last week’s NXT broadcast. Barrett will be back on the booth during this Tuesday night’s NXT broadcast and likely going forward now that Ranallo is gone.
There were rumors internally over the past week that Ranallo was leaving or had already left. He had been with WWE since 2015 and was the SmackDown lead announcer before moving over to NXT. While working for WWE, Ranallo was still announcing boxing and MMA as an independent contractor. He is also an advocate for mental health issues. He is expected to continue working for Showtime Boxing and Bellator MMA. He is also looking to spend more time on his advocacy for mental health, voiceover work, and other projects.
As noted, Ranallo’s WWE departure is amicable and there is no negativity from either side.
UPDATE: WWE.com issued the following statement, confirming Mauro Ranallo’s departure:
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.
ORIGINAL: According to a report from the Wrestling Observer, Mauro Ranallo and WWE agreed to part ways today and an official announcement is expected to be made shortly.
The two sides are ending on good terms. As many of you know by now, Ranallo missed the last few WWE NXT TV tapings due to going back to British Columbia to take care of his mother who has been hospitalized. Prior to that happening, he was looking for a less stressful schedule even though WWE did accommodate him as best they could. He’s been calling the WWE NXT broadcasts from his home in Santa Monica, California. Ranallo told the Observer the following:
“I appreciate the opportunity I had to realize my childhood dream of working in sports entertainment, and I wish WWE well in the future. 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.”
The news of Ranallo’s departure comes after reports earlier today that Wade Barrett has been in talks with WWE about signing a contract to become a full-time commentator. For now, he’ll be working alongside Vic Joseph and Beth Phoenix on the NXT brand.
