WWE News: Update on Smackdown Announcer Mauro Ranallo for WrestleMania

Following his third straight absence of SmackDown Live commentary, Mauro Ranallo issued a statement on Twitter addressing his situation while also indirectly stating that he probably will not be present at this Sunday’s WrestleMania 33. Check out the tweet below:

https://twitter.com/mauroranallo/status/847187197002268672

For those unaware, Mauro Ranallo is referencing his battle with severe depression that he has struggled with since he was a teenager. It’s also worth noting that his friend Bas Rutten stated on The Luke Thomas Show podcast:

Yeah, he’s doing OK. As everybody knows, he’s very vocal about it but Mauro is bi-polar and sometimes, a few times a year, things are going too fast and he needs to just simply slow down. But he’s doing good and I talked to him… he’s sending me funny video clips, he just sent me something… It’s all in good spirits, I think he will be back to normal very soon.

In this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it was also noted by Dave Meltzer that part of the reason for Ranallo’s anxiety was due to broadcast partner John Bradshaw Layfield needling him on the air, a WWE Network “Bring it to the Table” show and on social media. It appeared as thought that stuff was done in character, but it may have caused a rift between them as well.

Rob’s Hot-Take:

Depression and mental health are very real and serious concerns, so even though I will miss his presence, I am glad that Mauro is taking his time and relaxing, doing whatever he needs to do in order to return to a better state of mind. It’s an unfortunate situation (especially around the granddaddy of them all, WrestleMania), and one that WWE thankfully understands. Remember, Vince McMahon is a guy that legitimately thinks that sneezing is a sign of weakness, so it’s a good thing that he and everyone in the upper echelon of WWE management are treating his condition with the respect it deserves. Hopefully, Mauro can return to work soon. Mama Mia!!!!