Mauro Ranallo

Early life and career beginnings

Mauro Domenico Ranallo was born on December 21, 1969, in Abbotsford, British Columbia, as the eldest of three sons in an Italian family. His passion for professional wrestling began at the age of five, setting the foundation for his future career. He completed his secondary education at W. J. Mouat Secondary School in his hometown. Ranallo entered the broadcasting world remarkably early, securing a job as an announcer and manager with the nationally televised All-Star Wrestling in Vancouver when he was just 16 years old. After that promotion concluded in 1989, he transitioned to radio, working as a disc jockey for Abbotsford station CFVR, which is now known as CKQC-FM. His early commentary work continued in professional wrestling with roles on Stampede Wrestling's television show from 1999 to 2000, where his colour commentator was the late Bad News Allen. Ranallo also provided commentary for KVOS-TV's Top Ranked Wrestling for much of its run during 2005 and 2006. This period established his distinctive, energetic style and deep knowledge of the sports entertainment industry, preparing him for larger platforms in the years to come.

Professional wrestling commentary

Ranallo's work in professional wrestling has spanned decades and multiple major promotions, making him one of the most recognizable voices in the industry. His return to prominent wrestling commentary came in 2015 when he became the English-language voice for New Japan Pro-Wrestling on AXS TV in the United States, working alongside MMA legend and former NJPW wrestler Josh Barnett. This role reintroduced him to a wide North American audience and demonstrated his ability to adapt his style to the strong-style presentation of Japanese wrestling. In December 2015, Ranallo signed with WWE and debuted on January 7, 2016, as the lead play-by-play commentator for SmackDown during its premiere on the USA Network, earning the moniker 'The Voice of SmackDown'. During his time on SmackDown, his commentary partners included Jerry Lawler, Byron Saxton, Michael Cole, Tom Phillips, David Otunga, and John 'Bradshaw' Layfield. He also called the critically acclaimed Cruiserweight Classic tournament in 2016 alongside Daniel Bryan and continued with the cruiserweight division on the 205 Live program which first aired on November 29, 2016, with partners Corey Graves and Austin Aries.

Ranallo called matches on several WWE pay-per-view events, including SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and the Royal Rumble. For WWE pay-per-view events, Ranallo was initially assigned to the pre-show of WrestleMania 32 in April 2016, but later commentated on the main cards of several events including the SmackDown or cruiserweight matches on 2016's SummerSlam, Survivor Series and 2017's Royal Rumble, and SmackDown-branded events such as 2016's Backlash and No Mercy, and 2017's Elimination Chamber. His tenure on SmackDown was interrupted in March 2017 when he began an absence from commentary, missing WrestleMania 33. While WWE initially cited travel issues from a North American blizzard and later illness, reports indicated his absence was related to depression, with allegations of bullying by fellow commentator JBL contributing to the situation. On WWE's Bring It To The Table show, JBL had mocked Ranallo for tweeting about winning the 'Best Announcer' award from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. On March 24, Ranallo tweeted a thanks to fans for their support but noted his doctor advised him to stay off social media.

Ranallo and WWE mutually agreed to part ways in April 2017, though he stated his departure had 'nothing to do with JBL.' In a surprising turn, Ranallo returned to WWE on June 22, 2017, signing a new multi-year deal to become the lead commentator for the NXT brand, where he called all NXT television tapings and TakeOver specials. He held this position until announcing his departure from WWE on August 31, 2020. Ranallo has since made guest appearances in other wrestling promotions. In April 2021, he served as guest commentator for Impact Wrestling's Rebellion pay-per-view for the title versus title main event between Impact World Champion Rich Swann and AEW World Champion Kenny Omega. Most recently, on August 22, 2024, he was announced as 'The Voice' of the new Canadian promotion Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, handling announcing, promotional vignettes, commercials, and match previews.

Key Wrestling Commentary Roles:

• Stampede Wrestling (1999 to 2000): Television commentator partnered with Bad News Allen.
• KVOS Top Ranked Wrestling (2005 to 2006): Commentator for most of the program's run.
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling on AXS TV (2015 to 2016): Lead English commentator with Josh Barnett.
• WWE SmackDown (2016 to 2017): Lead play-by-play commentator, dubbed 'The Voice of SmackDown'.
• WWE Cruiserweight Classic & 205 Live (2016 to 2017): Commentator for the tournament and weekly show.
• WWE NXT (2017 to 2020): Lead commentator for all tapings and TakeOver specials.
• Impact Wrestling (2021): Guest commentator for the Rebellion pay-per-view main event.
• Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling (2024 to present): Lead voice handling multiple promotional duties.

Martial arts and boxing broadcasting

Mauro Ranallo has built an equally formidable reputation as a broadcaster in mixed martial arts, boxing, and kickboxing. He first gained significant recognition among MMA fans as the voice for Pride Fighting Championships pay-per-view broadcasts in North America from 2003 until the promotion's final event in October 2006, initially paired with his friend and longtime PRIDE commentator Bas Rutten. After Rutten's departure, Frank Trigg joined him in the commentary booth. Ranallo's association with Showtime Networks began in 2006 when he became part of the broadcast team for EliteXC and its ShoXC series, continuing until those promotions closed in October 2008. He then became the mainstay commentator for Strikeforce on Showtime, serving as the lead voice until that organisation's acquisition and eventual merger with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2013.

Ranallo has also been the lead announcer for the Muay Thai Premier League, a global combat sports league, and has provided commentary for Glory Kickboxing and all-female promotion Invicta Fighting Championships. His boxing work has been extensive, as he served as a commentator for Showtime Championship Boxing until its closure at the end of 2023. Ranallo continues his MMA work as a play-by-play announcer for Bellator, a role he maintained even while working for WWE NXT. In a recent high-profile assignment, he worked as lead commentator for the MVP MMA: Rousey vs. Carano event on May 16, 2026. This diverse combat sports portfolio led to a historic achievement in 2015, when Ranallo became the first sports broadcaster to call boxing, kickboxing, MMA, and professional wrestling on U.S. national television. His energetic and knowledgeable style has made him a favourite among hardcore fight fans for his ability to capture the drama and technique of live combat.

Television and radio hosting

Beyond live event commentary, Ranallo has hosted several television and radio programs focused on combat sports. In 2006, he was the lead news anchor for the Canadian specialty channel The Fight Network and featured on 'Fight Network Radio' on Sirius Hardcore Sports Radio Channel 98. From January 2009 until 2011, he hosted 'The MMA Show' weekly on The Score Television Network, with the show also available as a podcast. During this period, he was also one of three analysts on The Score's 'Right After Wrestling' program, later renamed 'Aftermath,' which aired after the network's broadcast of WWE SmackDown and the replay of WWE Raw. On March 25, 2016, Ranallo joined the AXS TV series 'Inside MMA' as co-host alongside Bas Rutten, a role announced on March 9. His tenure on the show lasted until its conclusion on September 30, 2016. These hosting roles allowed him to explore sports analysis and interviews in a structured format, presenting a different aspect of his broadcasting skills beyond the immediacy of play-by-play.

Media appearances and advocacy

Ranallo has appeared in various media projects that highlight both his career and personal journey. He was interviewed for the 2010 documentary Bret Hart: Survival of the Hitman, discussing the legendary wrestler's career. A feature-length documentary about his own life, titled Bipolar Rock 'N Roller, premiered on Showtime on May 25, 2018. The film explores his broadcasting career, including his work on major pay-per-view events, and provides an intimate look at his daily life managing bipolar affective disorder. In a fun crossover moment, he voiced himself in the fictional Dame vs Chavez fight sequence in the 2023 film Creed III. Ranallo's most significant contribution beyond commentary is his mental health advocacy.

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 19 in 1989 following the heart attack death of his close friend Michael Janzen, he has been openly discussing his condition for many years. He has spoken about experiencing unbelievable mood swings and having suicidal thoughts, though he never attempted suicide. Ranallo has stated that the biggest challenge is sometimes feeling like a fraud, but he aims to use his platform to end the stigma attached to mental illness and encourage others to seek help. He has described himself as an advocate who wants to be open about his experiences to help normalize conversations around mental health.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, Mauro Ranallo has received significant recognition from both industry publications and sports media for his commentary excellence. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, a highly respected trade publication, named him Best Television Announcer for three consecutive years from 2015 to 2017. CBS Sports awarded him its Wrestling Commentator of the Year honour for his work on NXT in both 2018 and 2019. These awards reflect his impact and the high regard in which he is held by both critics and fans for his passionate and informed broadcasting style across multiple sports. His historic achievement as the first broadcaster to call four major combat sports on U.S. national television is a unique milestone in the field.

Career timeline and major events

Ranallo's career can be charted through several key phases across different sports. The 2000s saw him rise to prominence in MMA with Pride FC and later with Strikeforce, while also maintaining a presence in wrestling commentary. The 2010s marked his entry into WWE and his return to high-profile wrestling, alongside continued work in boxing and kickboxing. The late 2010s and early 2020s involved his focus on NXT, his documentary release, and his ongoing roles with Bellator and Showtime. His 2024 move to Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling represents a new chapter in his Canadian wrestling roots.

Questions about Mauro Ranallo

What is Mauro Ranallo known for?

Mauro Ranallo is a Canadian sports announcer, commentator, and mental health advocate. He is known for his play-by-play work with Bellator MMA, Showtime for boxing, and Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling. He is also known for his time with WWE on the SmackDown and NXT brands. He has commentated for a wide range of sports including professional wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts.

Where is Mauro Ranallo from?

Mauro Ranallo is from Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. He was born there on December 21, 1969, and is the eldest of three sons in an Italian family. He graduated from W. J. Mouat Secondary School in Abbotsford. He began his career in Vancouver at the age of 16 with All-Star Wrestling.

Why did Mauro Ranallo leave WWE?

Mauro Ranallo and WWE mutually agreed to part ways in April 2017. This followed an absence from commentary where reports linked his absence to depression and alleged bullying by a fellow commentator. Ranallo stated his departure had nothing to do with John Bradshaw Layfield. He later returned to WWE to commentate for NXT from 2017 until his departure from the company in August 2020.

What mental health condition does Mauro Ranallo have?

Mauro Ranallo lives with bipolar disorder, which is also known as bipolar affective disorder. He was diagnosed at the age of 19 in 1989 after the death of a close friend. He has spoken openly about experiencing severe mood swings and suicidal thoughts. Ranallo is an advocate to end the stigma attached to mental illness.

What documentary was made about Mauro Ranallo?

A documentary about Mauro Ranallo entitled Bipolar Rock 'N Roller aired on Showtime on May 25, 2018. The film explores his broadcasting career, including his work on major pay per view events in television history. It specifically exposes Ranallo's daily struggle living with bipolar affective disorder, a condition he was diagnosed with at age 19. The documentary also details his relentless pursuit of a childhood dream despite significant challenges. This project aligns with his personal advocacy to end the stigma attached to mental illness.

What is Mauro Ranallo's role with Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling?

Mauro Ranallo was announced as The Voice of Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling on August 22, 2024. In this role, he handles announcing duties for the professional wrestling promotion, which is one of his current positions. He also performs voiceovers for promotional vignettes, commercials, and match previews for the organization. This work adds to his extensive commentary career in professional wrestling, which includes past roles with WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling. His involvement with Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling represents his continued activity in the sports broadcasting field.

Sources and further reading

• Mauro Ranallo (Wikipedia)
• Mauro Ranallo (wwe.com)
• Mauro Ranallo | Sports Broadcaster, Voice Over, Speaker ... (mauroranallo.com)

Checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-10-30.