After a couple of weeks away from the spotlight, WWE and NXT fans will be delighted to learn that Mauro Ranallo is on his way back to Full Sail University for this week’s yellow brand offering of WWE television on USA.
The news was broke by Ryan Satin on Monday evening, and the news was greeted by fans far and wide. He will slot back into his spot on the announce table, which was filled by Tom Phillips in his absence last week.
Graves Controversy
The announcement that Ranallo would be missing last week’s NXT, as well as Survivor Series, came after a controversial tweet was sent out by Graves.
The post was met with widespread condemnation of Graves’ views following the well-documented mental health problems that Ranallo has had to overcome. Ranallo was reportedly in ‘rough shape’ according to Wrestling Observer Radio.
Graves was quick to comment on his weekly podcast. In a lengthy apology, he said: “This past Saturday, during the Takeover: WarGames event, I sent out a tweet.
“It was an unpopular opinion, as I often do with the intention of just stirring up a little controversy, maybe have something fun to talk about on TV or hear on the show. It was maybe not the most professional way to go about things, but it was never meant to offend or disrespect anybody.
“That was not my intention. I would never intentionally cause anybody undue stress, especially a co-worker. So, I apologise.”
Graves Reasoning Behind Tweet
Graves was quick to allude to the circumstances that led to him posting the Tweet, as there was reportedly set to be an angle involving Ranallo at Survivor Series on the Sunday. However, it is still unknown whether Ranallo has accepted the apology.
The commentator for NXT deactivated his social media accounts, shortly after TakeOver finished on the Saturday evening.
Ranallo obviously brings with him a high-quality of commentating ability and the NXT product is somewhat weaker when he isn’t there. His ability to call the biggest matches has been unrecognised by the WWE in the grand scheme as he has been able to call some of the biggest UFC and boxing events over the years.
His popularity among the fan base at NXT, and WWE, in general, ensures that he will be welcomed back into the fold with open arms on Wednesday night as he takes his rightful place alongside Nigel McGuinness and Beth Phoenix to call the high-quality action on the yellow brand.
