Entertainment
Ex-WWE commentator Mauro Ranallo joins IMPACT Wrestling for historic Rebellion main event
Mauro Ranallo will join IMPACT Wrestling for commentary for the historic main event between Rich Swann and Kenny Omega at Rebellion on April 25.
The veteran sports broadcaster – who spent time with WWE on both its SmackDown and NXT brands between 2015 and 2020 – will be back on a pro wrestling show later this month to call the special match pitting IMPACT and AEW’s world champions against each other in a title versus title bout.
He said: ‘Swann versus Omega, champion versus champion, title versus title – this match represents everything I love about professional wrestling.
‘I have been fortunate to call these two superstar’s matches in the past and I’m very excited to be part of this historic encounter.’
For IMPACT Wrestling president Scott D’Amore, it was a no-brainer bringing in Mauro for such a prestigious event.
He added: ‘This once in a generation title vs. title showdown deserves to be called by the once in a generation play-by-play announcer.
‘I’ve known Mauro for over two decades. There are very few people in the world who are as passionate about or know their wrestling history as well as Mauro.
‘This is an historic main event, the world champions of two major organizations putting everything on the line.
‘I’m thrilled that April 25th, at Rebellion, fans will have Mauro’s legendary voice proving the soundtrack to history!’
The self-professed Bipolar Rock ‘N Roller has lent his voice and enthusiasm to the biggest events in combat sports history, including the huge PPV fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor, as well as appearances for PRIDE Fighting Championships and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Mauro is also the first person to call boxing, MMA, pro wrestling and kickboxing on American network television.
He confirmed his WWE exit back in September last year, and revealed plans to continue his work as an advocate for mental health and ‘other projects’.
He said at the time: ‘I appreciate the opportunity I had to realise 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. (sic)’
*IMPACT Wrestling brings Rebellion to FITE TV on April 25.
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MORE : Mauro Ranallo leaves WWE as NXT commentator focuses on mental health work
