The behind-the-scenes drama WWE is sometimes more interesting than the product on screen. Unscripted things becoming public knowledge can see the world of wrestling exposed in the spotlight. Bullying has been a problem in the past and sometimes in current eras of wrestling. JBL has a bad reputation for being a backstage bully to dozens of wrestlers over the years.
Commentator Mauro Ranallo joined WWE after experience in other combat sports for a huge role on SmackDown with JBL and David Otunga. Various issues existed between JBL and Mauro to become public with various stories leaked. The story has been the subject of much discussion, with fans wanting to know what caused the real-life drama between the two.
UPDATED: 12/30/2024 at 11:00 AM EST BY JOEY HAVERFORD
A lot of time has passed since the controversial Mauro Ranallo vs. JBL clash story. Both men have spent a lot of time outside of wrestling after both leaving their WWE broadcasting duties to end their tenure there. However, both JBL and Mauro have made unique industry comebacks in 2024 to keep their names relevant.
Fans will probably always link them together, because the story of JBL allegedly bullying Ranallo was a big deal and there was never a public resolution beyond the two wishing each other well. They may even work together again, but it’s important to know the history before considering their future.
The problems between JBL and Mauro Ranallo
Maura Ranallo left WWE due to JBL harassment
- JBL used his talk show debate to publicly bury Mauro on the WWE Network.
- Mauro Ranallo being proud of winning a Wrestling Observer award annoyed JBL.
- The timing saw Mauro take some time off before reports revealed JBL’s rant triggered him.
The heat between JBL and Mauro Ranallo existed before they even had face-to-face interactions. JBL started making fun of Ranallo on a WWE Network project sideshow Bring it to the table. WWE had its own version of a sports talk show hosted by Peter Rosenberg with JBL and Corey Graves providing insight into the state of the wrestling industry.
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JBL brought up the fact that Mauro was annoying him by bragging about winning the Wrestler Observer Award for Best Commentator. Ranallo liked to retweet many of his fans’ comments on social media, but JBL found it a bit obnoxious. The talk show saw JBL complaining about Mauro’s commentary style and basically calling him a mark on himself.
WWE having them on the same commentary team for SmackDown showed how problematic this burial could be. Ranallo, subsequently taking time off, saw him disappear from the commentary team for a few weeks before disappearing for good. Reports have been circulating that negative incidents between the two caused Mauro to leave for mental health reasons.
JBL cited talking about Kayfabe as a wrestling character as justification
- JBL claimed he was an on-screen heel character during Mauro’s funeral.
- The comments suggested that JBL would love to work with Mauro again and had no ill will.
- Past stories about JBL being a bully behind the scenes have made it harder for fans to trust him.
The drama between Mauro Ranallo and JBL became a huge story as JBL experienced years of horror stories for being a bully behind the scenes. Wrestlers like Rene Dupree, Paul London and dozens of others have shared their stories of harassment by JBL, themselves or others. There were even visible moments where JBL was working hard or breaking script to physically harm Public Enemy and The Blue Meanie in the ring.
However, JBL claimed he did nothing intentionally to cross the line with Mauro and he regretted the way everything happened saying the following:
“I can tell you, you know, like with Mauro, there was never any malicious intent towards anything I said towards Mauro. Everything I said on camera was totally in character. You know, some of my reputation might be deserved. I’m not trying to rewrite my story, I wasn’t a saint.
“It was just me playing JBL on camera and I think Mauro took that the wrong way. I hope he didn’t. I hope now he realizes it’s something I I did and which corresponded 100% to my character.”
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Ranallo ended up leaving the SmackDown commentary team for good and left WWE for a time, calling boxing instead. WWE brought Mauro back for the NXT brand in a deal brokered by Triple H to make him feel more comfortable outside of the main roster atmosphere.
Mauro Ranallo explained why he left WWE
Mauro Ranallo said WWE travel schedule destroyed him
- Maruo had a documentary that delved into his mental health struggles.
- Ranallo never blamed JBL for being one of the reasons he left WWE.
- JBL and Mauro Ranallo never crossed paths again.
Mauro Ranallo has kept quiet on his part, trying to avoid the public spotlight during a difficult time. The bullying allegations were never confirmed by Mauro and he addressed other issues he was facing. WWE is a tough adjustment for anyone who has to follow that schedule with other endeavors like boxing and kickboxing. Ranallo said the following MMA time on why he had to step away from a major role in WWE several months later:
“The road trip destroyed me. So the rumors and all these other things, what happened, honestly – I had a breakdown at O’Hare Airport in Chicago when I was on my way to Pittsburgh to perform on SmackDown Live… But I had to call them and I said, “I’m done, I can’t do this anymore. And I thought I’m done.” I was done with the whole business.” (h/t Popular culture)
Mauro then released a documentary about bipolar disorder and general mental health issues that he faced throughout his career. Professional experience with JBL certainly played some role, given the timing of Ranallo’s departure and his friends’ public comments about JBL. To his credit, JBL’s bias was also fair, since he thought he was joking in character. The bottom line is that unnecessary drama can lead to horrible results.
Where are JBL and Mauro Ranallo now?
JBL and Mauro Ranallo are both back in wrestling
- JBL is back in wrestling, making appearances for companies outside of WWE like TNA.
- Mauro Ranallo returned to call Scott D’Amore’s Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling shows.
- JBL and Mauro Ranallo’s crossover potential in wrestling has increased.
JBL used 2024 to begin a mysterious return to wrestling that will likely pay off in 2025. TNA is the main company to spotlight JBL in an invasive role attacking other wrestlers without revealing his motives. AAA, MLW and GCW all booked him to appear during their promotions in similar locations, attacking various wrestlers during or after their matches.
Mauro Ranallo also made an unexpected return to wrestling as the lead commentator for Scott D’Amore’s independent promotion Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling as an outside project to his sports gigs. Exciting early shows saw D’Amore wanting to make an impact with respected commentator like Ranallo calling matches involving Josh Alexander, Konosuke Takeshita, Mike Bailey and other relevant names.
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The timing of JBL appearing in smaller promotions and Mauro becoming the commentator for a promotion in that same tier could see them cross paths if Maple Leaf ever books JBL. One positive for both is that fans have evolved and seem more content to focus on each man’s next steps. JBL and Ranallo have remained far apart in their own worlds, but wrestling often puts the former enemies on the same stage.
