Mauro Ranallo’s run with WWE has come to an end. Ranallo told Newsweek.com that his exit had nothing to do with broadcast team member JBL (John Layfield). “WWE and I have mutually agreed to part ways,” Ranallo said in a statement. “It has nothing to do with JBL.”
JBL also issued a statement to Newsday. “Admittedly, I took part in locker room pranks that existed within the industry years ago,” Layfield said. “WWE addressed my behavior and I responded accordingly, yet my past is being brought up because of recent unfounded rumors. I apologize if anything I said playing ‘the bad guy’ on a TV show was misconstrued.” Read the full story at Newsweek.com.
Powell’s POV: Ranallo will remain under contract with WWE through August 12, but there are no plans to bring him back to television. The announcement feels highly orchestrated. I have stated repeatedly that it is important to get the full story on this particular matter before passing judgement on JBL rather than assuming guilt based on his track record. However, these statements don’t tell the full story either. For what it’s worth, Newsweek piece also includes a quote from WWE indicating that the company investigated the matter despite no formal complaint being filed.
So was the story from Newsday or Newsweek. Does anyone proofread reporting anymore?