WWE Smackdown announcer Mauro Ranallo recently spoke with Justin Barrasso for Sports Illustrated Extra Mustard‘s Week In Wrestling, talking about the WWE brand split, making Smackdown a better show, critiques from Vince McMahon, and more. You can read some highlights below:
Mauro Ranallo talks about the WWE brand split:
“I don’t know what’s going to happen. I don’t even know if the announcers are going to be part of the draft. I love working with Byron Saxton and Jerry Lawler, and I hope I continue to do so. To be honest, I would love to stay with Smackdown. Michael Cole is the voice of WWE and the voice of Raw. But when we go live, I want to help Smackdown become an ‘A’ show.”
Ranallo says he’s up for the challenge of calling Smackdown live:
“I’m very much looking forward to the challenge. I’m glad that they’re looking at distinct rosters, and distinct writing teams, and distinct announcers. We’re going to be in competition with Raw, and I’m looking forward to it. I’m actually looking forward to wrestling Michael Cole at WrestleMania–wait, no, I’m not. This is going to be a huge opportunity for everyone on the roster–I can’t wait for July 19.”
Ranallo shares critiques and advice Vince McMahon has given him:
“I thank my lucky stars–the two critiques I’ve received from Vince are it isn’t radio–and I’m aware of that, even in all my other sports. It’s like Doc [Mike] Emrick–I love him and think he’s one of the greatest announcers ever. A lot of my friends don’t feel the same way because he never stops talking, but I just think he’s so creative and brings the action to life, and that’s what I try to do with my storytelling. Vince said lay off just a little bit on the play-by-play.”
“At first Vince thought, ‘Not everything is WrestleMania,’ but I think he’s learned that’s just me.Everything is WrestleMania to me. I go into calling any match, any fight–I don’t care if it’s the main event or the opener–that these guys have put in their work, they’re here for a reason, and there’s a reason I’m calling this fight, so I do want to give it as much attention and respect and energy as I would the main event or a championship fight.”
