The Real Reason Mauro Ranallo Missed NXT TakeOver: XXX
Triple H confirms details of announcer's absence.
Mauro Ranallo missing NXT TakeOver: XXX was only a one-off in order for the commentator to be with family, as per all original reports.
Triple H succinctly summed up the story during a post-show media call. Vic Joseph anchored the show alongside regular colour analyst Beth Pheonix and special guest Corey Graves. The 'Saviour Of Misbehaviour' was on the call for the original TakeOver in 2014, and was a fixture in the black-and-gold booth before his call-up to the main roster in 2016.
Speaking on the changes at the desk, Hunter said: "Mauro just wasn't available tonight...since we announced 'TakeOver: XXX', Corey Graves did commentary on the first one (TakeOver), and he'd been wearing me out on doing commentary for this one since we first mentioned it, and Mauro's not available. And here we are. I thought he did a phenomenal job. I thought he, Vic and Beth did an amazing job. I thank him for being here, and thank him for wanting to be here because, like I said, he did the first one. It was so meaningful to him. Just him getting done last night and big day tomorrow."