Confirming reports that have been doing the rounds tonight, both Mauro Ranallo and WWE have released separate statements making the NXT commentator's WWE departure official.
Ranallo had been doing commentary for NXT remotely from home during the pandemic, but the fact that he did not call the recent TakeOver: XXX led to speculation that he might be taking some time off. Unfortunately, it looks like his absence may be permanent.
Mauro shared the following to his Facebook page:
“I appreciate the opportunity I had to realize my childhood dream of working in sports entertainment, and I wish WWE well in the future. Now I want to direct my focus and devote my time to my other projects and to my mental health charitable activities and the well-being of my mother and myself.”
WWE then followed that up with a statement of their own:
“WWE and Mauro Ranallo have mutually and amicably agreed to part ways. Mauro’s passion and enthusiasm left an indelible and exciting mark with WWE and its fans, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Former Superstar Wade Barrett recently sat in on commentary for the weekly show, and is expected to join the NXT announce team on a permanent basis.