Mauro Ranallo Takes A Shot At JBL On Twitter

The absence of Smackdown's lead commentator, Mauro Ranallo, has been one of the biggest stories [...]

By Brandon Gnetz

The absence of Smackdown's lead commentator, Mauro Ranallo, has been one of the biggest stories brewing behind the scenes in the WWE. While it was reported Ranallo was dealing with a crippling bout of depression, it is now widely believed that Ranallo's Smackdown commentating partner could have been the one to push him to effectively quitting the company.

The SmackDown Live commentator has not been seen on TV since March 14th. WWE released a statement to CBS Sports noting that Ranallo is under contract with the company until August 12, 2017, but it is believed that he won't be returning to the commentary desk and that a conflict with JBL is to blame.

In an episode of the WWE Network show Bring It To The Table, JBL discussed having an issue with Ranallo as a result of him tweeting out the results of the Wrestling Observer Announcer of the Year Awards, which he won, with JBL not making it into the top ten. Ranallo, who is bipolar and has struggled with depression in the past, pulled out of a number of shows in order to focus upon his mental health, including WrestleMania 33.

An avid user on social media, Ranallo had deleted all references to WWE on his Twitter account during his absence. Today, however, Ranallo seemed to give some validity to the rumors of his problems with the WWE Hall of Famer.

Someone sent Ranallo a video of Bart Gunn KO'ng JBL during WWE's infamous Brawl for All and the former voice of Smackdown couldn't help but let his feelings be known.

JBL responded to the rumors by saying he wouldn't respond to "internet stuff."

Ranallo wasn't the only one to be wrapped in a JBL bullying story this past week as Justin Roberts' new book, Best Seat in the House: Your Backstage Pass through My WWE alleged to bullying backstage during a recent reddit AMA (ask me anything), Roberts answered a question about some of the stories he told about JBL in his book by saying

"He terrorized guys.

It's funny because people are bringing this up now because of the stuff going on now and the book release, but this was like 2003-2004; it was a long time ago.

He terrorized me, and a lot of guys. He'd make life hell for a lot of guys. He chewed Miz and Morrison out after they won the titles for not celebrating enough.

He was eventually let go back then, and when he came back he was a lot better, but he was mostly only showing up for TV. Even now, it comes across on commentary with how he is with Byron."

Again, not responding to "internet stuff," JBL couldn't help but respond to Roberts rumors by calling him an idiot.

Ranallo was undoubtedly one of the brightest new voices in the WWE, drawing comparisons to Jim Ross and bringing an enthusiasm and validity to commentating that had not been heard in many years.

The WWE has yet to comment on any of JBL's actions.

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