The Wrestling Observer has reported more information regarding the issues between former Smackdown Live Lead Play by Play announcer Mauro Ranallo and his former colleagues during his brief run with WWE. As recently reported, there were definitely issues behind the scenes between Smackdown Live Color Commentator JBL.
Apparently, the Wrestling God was not the only member of the locker room who took shots at Ranallo.
During the brief time that Mauro was working at the desk with WWE Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler, would occasionally use the nickname "M.R." for Ranallo. To today's ears, one would think that this is just a nod to Lawler's former partner "JR" Jim Ross. WON brought attention to the fact that M.R. was a short term for "mental retard" years ago and the term has not been frequently used since the 70's. This was addressed behind the scenes to Lawler and the nickname was not heard of again.
There were people in the production room who were "emotionally still in high school" and deemed Mauro as the butt of the joke. There were jabs about his appearance and about him being different. JBL was apparently not the only one involved in throwing these personal jabs
The addition of a 4th announcer in Tom Phillips to the Smackdown Live announce desk was a public sign of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon's displeasure and frustration with Mauro's announcing style.
The "Bring it to the Table" episode that JBL seemed to sound off on Ranallo was spoken about ahead of time and was not just Layfield ranting on his own. It was a booked segment on the show and there was a discussion of what should and should not be said.
Follow us on X @WNSource
Follow us on Instagram & THREADS
LIKE us on Facebook
⚡ News tip? Email ben@wrestlingnewssource.com