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.
