Mauro Ranallo has officially parted ways with the WWE. In an e-mail conversation with Newsweek, Ranallo confirmed his departure from the pro-wrestling promotion, besides denying reports that his exit from WWE has anything to do with his alleged backstage heat with John Bradshaw Layfield.
The 47-year old veteran commentator added that the WWE and he have cordially parted ways. Furthermore, a WWE official has also reportedly confirmed Ranallo’s departure from the company, noting that he won’t be working for the WWE and that his contract runs out on August 12th. Ranallo added,”“WWE and I have mutually agreed to part ways. It has nothing to do with JBL.”
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The Canadian sports personality had joined WWE SmackDown’s commentary team back in 2015 and quickly rose to prominence in the company, being touted by many as the ‘Voice of SmackDown’. He became a staple of the blue brand’s broadcasting booth in the months that followed and last appeared on WWE’s on-screen programming on the March 7th episode of SmackDown Live.
Ranallo’s conspicuous absence from the WWE commentary booth gave rise to speculation amongst professional wrestling as well as MMA fans and pundits regarding the possible reasons behind the same, with Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter claiming JBL’s alleged backstage bullying to be the main reason behind Ranallo’s absence from the WWE.
These claims were amplified when former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts claimed in his newly released autobiography that JBL and the WWE higher-ups encouraged the bullying culture amongst its employees backstage. It’s essential to note that none of the aforementioned accusations levied on JBL have been proved as of yet.
Mauro Ranallo, on his part, has denied the bullying rumours surrounding his departure from the WWE and has bid adieu to the company on what appears to be neutral terms. John Layfield issued the following statement:
“Admittedly, I took part in locker room pranks that existed within the industry years ago. WWE addressed my behavior and I responded accordingly, yet my past is being brought up because of recent unfounded rumors. I apologize if anything I said playing ‘the bad guy’ on a TV show was misconstrued.”
WWE too issued the following statement on JBL’s conduct:
“As part of our commitment to creating an inclusive environment, in April 2011, WWE launched our anti-bullying campaign, Be a STAR, which encourages young people to treat each other with tolerance and respect. “As a publicly traded company, that mantra carries forward in our corporate culture. As such, we fully investigate any allegations of inappropriate behavior including the recent alleged situation with John Layfield (aka JBL), despite no formal complaint having been submitted.”
Sportskeeda wishes the (now former) Voice of SmackDown the best of luck in his future endeavours.
