JBL Says He Wishes Mauro Ranallo The Best, More Details On Jim Ross’ New WWE Deal

Mauro Ranallo hasn’t been seen on WWE programming in weeks, and he’s reportedly dealing with depression. JBL has a reputation for being a bully backstage in WWE, and it’s been rumored that JBL’s antics might have had a negative impact on Ranallo’s mental health.

A few weeks ago Mauro Ranallo posted a picture of a Wrestling Observer poll on Instagram. Fans voted Mauro in as the best announcer as part of the poll, and apparently JBL didn’t like the fact that Ranallo shared the picture on social media.

JBL took a shot at Mauro on a recent episode of Bring It To The Table, but it wasn’t quite clear if it was genuine or in character. JBL also criticized Mauro Ranallo on Twitter for missing an episode of SmackDown Live a few weeks ago, but he has since deleted the tweet.

A fan asked JBL about the Mauro Ranallo rumors, and he responded by saying he’s a heel commentator, and he wishes Mauro nothing but the best.

@JoeCroninJCS No Joe, and I won't-I shouldn't commenting on Internet stuff. I play a heel. I sincerely wish Mauro nothing but the absolute best.

— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) April 7, 2017

Legendary announcer Jim Ross recently returned to WWE during WrestleMania 33, and he has signed a new two year deal with the company. JR recently spoke to the AV Club, and he noted that his new deal will see him work 30-40 dates in the first 12 months.

“I think I’m going to do 30-40 dates in my first 12 months of my deal. Those dates are to be determined. There’s nothing they can assign me that I haven’t done before. How many wrestling matches you think I’ve called in my lifetime—100,000? If they want me to do U.K. or NXT or Main Event, I don’t care. It’s all good to me. My days of being the lead guy, the No. 1 voice—all that is way yesterday. Guys who’ve had those issues like I have had in my career, they have self-esteem and confidence issues. I have both those. Totally happy to admit it, but I ain’t got them no more. I’m 65 years old. I feel great, I just lost my wife, I’m trying to get back on my feet here, and I’ve said this and I truly mean it: I’m happy to get my jersey back. I’m happy to re-sign with my old team. Whatever role I need to play, I’m fine with.”