AEW Talks With Mauro Ranallo Confirmed

NXT favourite Mauro Ranallo hasn't been full-time in wrestling since leaving WWE in 2020.

by Andy H Murray
Mauro Ranallo AEW
AEW/WWE

All Elite Wrestling held talks with former NXT commentator Mauro Ranallo at some point in the past.

The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer confirmed as much on Thursday. Meltzer had been asked if AEW had ever spoken with legendary WCW and IMPACT Wrestling announcer Mike Tenay, responding that the only communication had taken place prior to AEW's launch (and was never followed up on). Then, when asked about Ranallo, Meltzer tweeted:-

Ranallo's experience in broadcasting and combat sports commentary goes back decades, with the 52-year-old getting his pro wrestling start through Vancouver's All-Star Wrestling in 1989. Sports entertainment fans know him best for his WWE stint, however. Joining the market leaders in December 2015, Ranallo initially worked on SmackDown before taking some time off due to depression in March 2017. He then re-emerged through NXT that June, sticking with the developmental brand until his WWE departure in August 2020.

IMPACT hosted Mauro's last high-profile wrestling commentary gig, allowing him to call its Rebellion 2021 main event in April 2021. Currently, Ranallo calls boxing, MMA, and kickboxing events for Showtime Networks.

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AEW possesses a vast, revolving door of full-time commentators, including Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, Jim Ross, Taz, Mark Henry, and Paul Wight.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.