Mauro Ranallo Talks WWE SmackDown, WrestleMania 32, Jerry Lawler and More

One of the best additions to the WWE main roster in 2016 has been commentator extraordinaire Mauro Ranallo, and his impact has been felt already by wrestling fans in the short time since he took over play-by-play duties for SmackDown.

After working as a commentator for combat sports for 30 years, Ranallo finally got his dream job with WWE when he signed a contract at the end of 2015 and made his debut in January 2016.

Not only is he the voice of SmackDown, but he is also the host of Inside MMA on AXS TV beginning Friday, March 25. Now combat sports fans can get their fill of Ranallo talking wrestling and mixed martial arts.

Ranallo sat down with Ring Rust Radio to discuss his unique style and his addition to the SmackDown announce team, the chances that he could be calling a match at WrestleMania 32, the heel turn for partner Jerry “The King” Lawler and much more.

The addition of Ranallo to the SmackDown announce team has made the show much more enjoyable, mostly because of his ability to add excitement to any match he calls. While there have been critics who complain about how excitable Ranallo can be, his enthusiasm is what makes him so special.

When asked about his role with WWE and SmackDown, Ranallo spoke about his approach and his future with the company:

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To me, it’s not about the big-fight feel; it’s giving respect to each one of these competitors. I know you have to pick your spots and it can’t be all one gear. I’ve learned over the years to tone it down a little bit. I know to some, I am always a little over the top, but that’s just who I am, and I’d rather be that way than monotone or less than scintillating in my presentation.

I would love to build a future with WWE. At the same time, I was hired to be the voice of SmackDown, and Michael Cole—who is the voice of WWE and the guy that books the on-air talent—has told me they do have big plans for me and are invested in me, and I am fully committed to them and appreciate everything that my other employers Showtime, Glory Kickboxing and Inside MMA have done in order to facilitate a relationship with WWE.

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While being the voice of SmackDown is a great start for Ranallo, many wrestling fans want to hear more from the veteran. The biggest event of the year for WWE is WrestleMania, and calling the action there is a huge honor.

Ranallo spoke about the rumors that he would be providing play-by-play in some form or fashion during WrestleMania 32:

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100 percent that would be my ultimate goal. I would like to address the rumors, and I know Jerry Lawler has said there has been some talk about a split announce crew, and I get that. It’s a seven-hour show.

Michael Cole and I travel together and talk about that. Michael Cole wants it for me whether it’s this year or next year, and that’s really the truth. I think he has been my biggest supporter and mentor, and I think sometimes people were confused about that. I wouldn’t be in WWE without Michael Cole.

I will be there with my two brothers, and I’m looking forward to my first WrestleMania. I’ve told him I would do whatever they want in whatever capacity, but obviously at the same time respecting the pecking order. Michael Cole, JBL, Byron Saxton and King call the PPVs, and I am supportive of that. If they ask, I am willing and able to go. Whether it’s the kickoff match or any other match on the card, I would be ready to go.

I look forward to having my own selfish WrestleMania moment, as it were.

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Whether Ranallo is part of an announce team during WrestleMania or not, wrestling fans are excited to hear him on the SmackDown commentary team with Jerry Lawler. Instead of being a boring face, Lawler has once again transformed into a heel color commentator similar to the role he played during the Attitude Era.

When asked about Lawler, Ranallo spoke glowingly about his partner on the announce team:

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It is absolutely a blessing and a pleasure to be working with Jerry “The King” Lawler. Lawler and I think it was the perfect time for him to tweak his role, and he wanted to do it. I know Vince was a fan of his work in that role.

I think they wanted me to maintain my standing in combat sports. ... For me, the timing has never been better. For Jerry Lawler, he went to Vince and said, “Obviously, Mauro is the new guy, Byron is the good and nice guy, why not have me turn heel now?” The dynamic so far, judging by the feedback, is one the people have loved.

I have to give credit to Michael Cole and his crew for what they have allowed us to do. I’m concentrating on the match and the wrestling action and the ring, Lawler is telling his story from his perspective and Byron is telling the story from another perspective. I think everyone who's a sports entertainment fan gets what they want. That’s what I thrive to do with my team, and we try to bring them a totally different dynamic than Monday night.

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Regardless of who Ranallo works with at the commentary table, he brings the kind of energy and enthusiasm that can make hardcore and casual wrestling fans alike enjoy the product. With his honesty and candidness, Ranallo is a refreshing personality in the wrestling business.

In his modesty, Ranallo has also brought attention to the need for more focus in the United States on mental health. As a major advocate for mental health awareness, Ranallo is using his celebrity status to bring attention to a subject matter close to his heart.

As long as Ranallo keeps his positive attitude and continues to work as hard as he has throughout his career thus far, he will be a big part of WWE’s future. For wrestling fans who love great commentary, Ranallo provides hope for big things to come.

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics or catch the latest episode in the player above (some language NSFW).