Mauro Ranallo On Possibly Working WrestleMania 32, Going From MMA To WWE, Feedback He's Received
- WWE SmackDown announcer Mauro Ranallo recently spoke with Fansided. The full interview can be found at this link. Below are highlights:
The response from WWE fans has been more than positive on social media regarding your spot as the play-by-play announcer for Smackdown. How has the adjustment been for you going from combat sports to sports entertainment?
It fits like a glove, unlike OJ Simpson. I started my career in the wrestling business at the age of 16 and started watching it at the age of five. I always wanted to be a broadcaster in the sports entertainment business. I have to thank Michael Cole for contacting me about this job and letting me be me. Michael oversees the entire on-air talent and they have made me so at home. They wanted the guy that was doing the boxing and NJPW. They wanted a different direction and it's kind of the old school feel with the names of Jim Ross and Joey Styles that ring a bell. At the same time, I'm me and being unique as I can be. I am a fan first and foremost and I love getting to know the individuals that enter the ring and their backstories. It's been a life-long love affair.
The transition from me coming into the booth has been amazing. Working with Jerry Lawler and Brian Saxton has been great and they welcomed me. But I have to thank Michael Cole, Triple H, and Vince McMahon for allowing me to live out a childhood dream and allowed me to bring my style to the WWE.
The feedback I've been getting has been outstanding. I have been flattered and honored to do this job and hopefully, I can continue to have those positives remarks come in each and every day.
There has been chatter of you possibly having a role at WrestleMania either during the broadcast or for the pre-show. Joining the company only a few months ago, what would it be like to join the biggest event of the year for the WWE?
It would be an incredible moment for me for sure. Honestly, at this point, I will be there along with my two brothers and I let the WWE know I am willing to do anything they need. I understand there is a pecking order involved and Michael Cole, JBL and Brian Saxton are the PPV team and deserve to be there.
If I'm not involved and only there to watch believe me, I would be grateful as anyone. I am looking forward to my first WrestleMania as a member of the WWE family and if I can call a match or two all the better. It's up to them to decide and what do they say "what's best for business."
Check out the full interview with Mauro at this link.
Source: Fansided