Mauro Ranallo
Mauro Ranallo | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 21, 1969 Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Sports commentator, announcer, mental health advocate |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Known for | Play-by-play commentator for Bellator MMA, WWE (SmackDown, NXT), Showtime Championship Boxing, Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling |
Mauro Domenico Ranallo (born December 21, 1969) is a Canadian sports commentator, announcer, and advocate for mental health awareness. Presently, he serves as a play-by-play announcer for the mixed martial arts promotion Bellator and also provides play-by-play commentary for Showtime and the professional wrestling organization Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling (MLP). Ranallo is widely recognized for his contributions to WWE programming, particularly on the NXT and SmackDown shows. His career encompasses a broad range of sports including Canadian football, ice hockey, professional wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts.
His commentary portfolio includes work with Pride FC, Elite XC, Strikeforce, Showtime Championship Boxing, New Japan Pro-Wrestling broadcasts on AXS TV, and RIZIN. In January 2016, Ranallo joined WWE as the principal play-by-play voice for SmackDown, coinciding with the show's debut on the USA Network. He also lent his voice to the WWE Cruiserweight Classic tournament and became part of the NXT commentary team starting June 22, 2017.
Notably, in 2015, Ranallo made history as the first sports broadcaster to provide commentary for boxing, kickboxing, MMA, and professional wrestling on national television in the United States.
Early life
Born in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Ranallo is the eldest of three brothers and comes from an Italian heritage. He developed an interest in professional wrestling at age five and completed his education at W. J. Mouat Secondary School in Abbotsford.
Early career
At just 16 years old, Ranallo embarked on his announcing and managerial career with All-Star Wrestling, a nationally broadcast Canadian wrestling program based in Vancouver. Following the promotion’s closure in 1989, he transitioned to radio as a disc jockey at CFVR in Abbotsford, British Columbia (now known as CKQC-FM). Between 1999 and 2000, he provided commentary for Stampede Wrestling in Calgary alongside the late Bad News Allen. Additionally, from 2005 to 2006, Ranallo was the primary commentator for most episodes of Top Ranked Wrestling aired on KVOS-TV.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2015–2016)
In 2015, Ranallo re-entered professional wrestling as the American play-by-play announcer for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, working alongside MMA icon and former NJPW athlete Josh Barnett.
SmackDown commentator (2015–2017)
On December 15, 2015, Ranallo signed with WWE to become the lead play-by-play commentator for SmackDown. He made his debut during the show’s premiere on the USA Network on January 7, 2016, quickly earning the moniker "The Voice of SmackDown". Throughout his tenure, he collaborated with several commentary partners such as Jerry Lawler, Byron Saxton, Michael Cole, Tom Phillips, David Otunga, and John "Bradshaw" Layfield. From July through September 2016, Ranallo also provided commentary for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic, alongside former wrestler Daniel Bryan. Later that year, starting November 29, he continued as part of the cruiserweight division's weekly show 205 Live, teaming with commentators like Corey Graves and Austin Aries.
Regarding WWE pay-per-view events, Ranallo handled pre-show commentary duties at April’s WrestleMania 32. He further contributed by calling main card matches on SmackDown or cruiserweight contests during major events such as the 2016 editions of SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and the 2017 Royal Rumble. His commentary was also featured on SmackDown-branded events including 2016's Backlash and No Mercy, as well as the 2017 Elimination Chamber.
Commentary absence (2017)
Mauro Ranallo ceased appearing on WWE commentary beginning with the March 14, 2017 edition of SmackDown Live, also missing WrestleMania 33. WWE initially attributed his absence to travel disruptions caused by the March 2017 North American blizzard and subsequently to illness. Nevertheless, reports surfaced suggesting Ranallo was sidelined due to depression, reportedly connected to bullying by fellow commentator John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL), a claim supported by Ranallo’s close associate Bas Rutten.
JBL had openly ridiculed Ranallo after he tweeted about receiving the "Best Announcer" award from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. On March 24, Ranallo expressed gratitude for the support he received but mentioned that his physician had advised him to refrain from social media use. In April, sources indicated that Ranallo was unlikely to return to WWE programming, although his contract remained active until August 12, 2017. WWE removed mentions of Ranallo from their social media platforms, and in turn, Ranallo deleted WWE references from his Twitter account.
This situation provoked a strong fan reaction demanding JBL’s dismissal and led some subscribers to cancel their WWE Network memberships. The controversy intensified following ring announcer Justin Roberts’ disclosures about backstage harassment, sparking a wider debate concerning WWE’s approach to workplace bullying. On April 22, Newsweek reported that Ranallo and WWE had mutually agreed to part ways; Ranallo clarified that his departure was not related to JBL.
NXT commentary role (2017–2020)
On June 22, 2017, Ranallo returned to NXT as the lead commentator after signing a new multi-year contract with WWE. This agreement included coverage of all NXT tapings and NXT TakeOver events. Concurrently, he maintained his position with Bellator MMA, commentating on their UK-based events while fulfilling duties for NXT. On August 31, 2020, Ranallo announced his exit from WWE, which was soon confirmed officially by the company.
Impact Wrestling involvement (2021)
On April 15, 2021, FITE TV revealed that Ranallo would serve as guest commentator for Impact Wrestling’s Rebellion main event—a title vs. title showdown between Impact World Champion Rich Swann and AEW World Champion Kenny Omega.
Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling role (2024–present)
On August 22, 2024, Ranallo was appointed as "The Voice" of Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, taking charge of announcing responsibilities along with promotional vignettes, commercials, and match previews.
Martial arts and boxing
Ranallo has established himself as a leading commentator in combat sports such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and mixed martial arts. He earned prominence as the voice of Pride Fighting Championships pay-per-view broadcasts across North America from 2003 through 2006—initially alongside MMA icon Bas Rutten before being succeeded by Frank Trigg. Following this, he joined the broadcast teams for EliteXC and ShoXC until their closure in 2008. Subsequently, he became a primary commentator for Strikeforce on Showtime, continuing until its acquisition by the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2013. Additionally, Ranallo provided commentary for the Muay Thai Premier League.
Currently, he collaborates with Showtime Networks as a commentator for prominent combat sports including Showtime Championship Boxing (until its conclusion in 2023), Glory Kickboxing, and Invicta Fighting Championships MMA.
Television and radio hosting career
In 2006, Ranallo served as the primary news anchor for the Canadian Fight Network and was featured on "Fight Network Radio" broadcast through Sirius Hardcore Sports Radio Channel 98. Between 2009 and 2011, he led the weekly program The MMA Show on The Score, which was also distributed as a podcast. Additionally, he provided analysis on The Score's wrestling program Right After Wrestling (later renamed Aftermath), which aired immediately following WWE broadcasts.
On March 9, 2016, AXS TV revealed that Ranallo would co-host Inside MMA alongside Bas Rutten beginning March 25. The series wrapped up its run on September 30, 2016.
In other media
Ranallo is featured in the 2010 documentary Bret Hart: Survival of the Hitman, where he shares insights about Bret Hart’s professional journey.
The 2018 Showtime documentary titled Bipolar Rock 'N Roller profiles Ranallo’s career achievements, emphasizing his involvement in major pay-per-view events and his determination to fulfill a lifelong ambition despite obstacles. It also provides an intimate look at his daily life managing bipolar affective disorder.
Personal life
Ranallo was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 19, following the loss of a close friend. He has been candid about experiencing mood fluctuations and suicidal ideation, using his platform to combat the stigma associated with mental health conditions.
Awards and accomplishments
- CBS Sports
- Wrestling Commentator of the Year - (NXT) (2018, 2019)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Best Television Announcer (2015–2017)
External links
- Pages with script errors
- Articles with short description
- Articles with hCards
- No local image but image on Wikidata
- 1969 births
- Boxing commentators
- Canadian colour commentators
- Canadian people of Italian descent
- Canadian podcasters
- Kickboxing commentators
- Living people
- Mixed martial arts broadcasters
- People from Abbotsford, British Columbia
- People with bipolar disorder
- Pride Fighting Championships
- Professional wrestling announcers
- Professional wrestling managers and valets
- Strikeforce (mixed martial arts)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter award winners