Booker T weighs in on the Corey Graves-Mauro Ranallo situation.
At NXT TakeOver: WarGames III, Corey Graves took to social media to criticize the commentary stylings of Mauro Ranallo. Graves wrote, "Just for the record guys, I know you wouldn?t know it, but there?s actually a WWE Hall of Famer AND a former Ring of Honor Champion on commentary. I?d imagine they have a lot to offer." He also noted Ranallo was using too many Chicago rap references on commentary.
Shortly after Graves' tweets, Ranallo deleted his Twitter account. Ranallo also missed WWE Survivor Series and Wednesday's NXT. The on-screen reason for him missing the shows was that he "blew his voice out" at NXT TakeOver.
Speaking on his Hall of Fame radio show, WWE Backstage co-host Booker T gave his thoughts on the situation between Ranallo and Graves.
"People don't understand the power of those characters and photos. You can't be just saying anything in 2019 and expect for it to be swept under the rug. I really don't know what happened. I know Corey Graves put out an apology to Mauro. I don't know what really sparked it or what is really going on behind the scenes. I'll be at the pay-per-view in three weeks and I'll be like Peter Parker."
He continued, "Mauro Ranallo, get yourself together. Big ups to everything you do because I know how hard you work. The angle thing, back in the day, I hated getting ribbed. If they ribbed me, no one would tell me whoever did it. I would always say, 'You can rib me if you want, but if I find out who did it, you're gonna be in a fight. Just letting you know.' Don't play with me like that, because I'm not to be played with. Shoutout to Mauro, get yourself together, get back on the horse. Get your ass back to work, bro. Don't let somebody stop you from doing what you do. That's just word."
Ranallo's battle with mental illness has been well documented. In 2018, Showtime released a documentary titled "Bipolar Rock N Roller" focusing on Ranallo and his mental health struggles. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer noted Ranallo was in "rough shape" following the incident. Graves apologized and hinted at trying to work an angle as the two were reportedly scheduled to call a match together at WWE Survivor Series.
It is unknown when Ranallo will return to the booth.
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