Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Newsweek is reporting that former Smackdown announcer Mauro Ranallo has confirmed to them that he has parted ways with WWE. The story states that despite rampant speculation by many on the internet, him leaving WWE had nothing to do with claims of bullying by his announce partner JBL.
In a statement that they reported Ranallo emailed to them, they quote him as saying:
"WWE and I have mutually agreed to part ways. It has nothing to do with JBL.” Newsweek spoke with WWE and they confirmed Ranallo's exit from the company and stated he remained under contract until August 12, 2017.
They noted that speculation began online after the March 13 episode of Bring it to the Table, where JBL admonished Ranallo for acknowledging the results of a fan poll that voted him Announcer Of The Year. They noted that March 7 was Ranallo's last Smackdown broadcast, which helped feed into online speculation.
Newsweek asked JBL about the uproar that came his way afterward, with some crowds chanting "Fire JBL". JBL responded, "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.”
Ranallo did not say why he left the company, but you have to take him at his word as to what the reason wasn't.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
