The WWE bullying situation has been well-documented to the point it’s practically its own story line. If they would incorporate it into the television programming that would certainly be a ratings boost, we’re almost certain of that. WWE Network recently brought back Bring It To The Table and they were able to sneak in a reference to the recent Mauro Ranallo scandal. Well, in a way.
During the opening moments of the show there was a very light reference to the Mauro Ranallo situation. Host Peter Rosenberg started the show off by bringing to light the fact he had some controversial things to say about Roman Reigns during the last show. Then Corey Graves said he’s received some flack over what he said about the Shane McMahon/AJ Styles match at WrestleMania 33 during their last broadcast.
The camera cut to JBL and he had a rather guilty and sheepish look on his face. It was his turn to talk about what he said on the last episode. But it turned out he swerved us because JBL just said he won $24 playing golf last week.
This was obviously a planned move because the camera cut to JBL at the right moment to make the bit work.
We’re sure a lot of fans watched Bring It To The Table in hopes they would address the bullying situation, but they didn’t. But it’s important to remember while the show presents itself as being a shoot, it is still very tightly controlled. After all, it’s still going on the WWE Network.
This is the first time WWE has intentionally made fans think about the JBL and Mauro Ranallo drama. It was a very vague reference and only fans who are “in the know” would have gotten it. But it was still in there.
Mauro Ranallo hasn’t said anything about the situation. He’s probably under a gag order which would prevent him from speaking about it.
Most people are under the assumption Ranallo is also under some kind of no-compete clause in his contract as well which would prohibit him from announcing any pro wrestling events. As soon as that’s over, who knows if we’ll be hearing Mauro’s masterful play-by-play commentary over wrestling events once more? But he’s still allowed to announce MMA and boxing events for the time being.
