Mauro Ranallo Hints He Could Be Open To Joining AEW Announce Team
Christopher Snyder
Updated on September 22, 2026
While he says he's not at all interested in going back to WWE, is it possible that former NXT announcer and fan favorite Mauro Ranallo winds up in AEW at some point? Apparently, the animated match caller isn't closing the door on that being a possibility.
This is not to suggest AEW has even offered Ranallo a job or that he's reached out. They have a pretty full announce crew with Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone and Excalibur. But, it might be hard for AEW to pass on an announcer that is considered one of the best in the business and really knows how to sell the in-ring action, something AEW wants to be known for.
Ranallo spoke to PostWrestling.com, recently and commented on possibly announcing pro-wrestling announcing again. He said, “Will I go back to pro wrestling? It definitely has to be on my terms." Noting that he didn't want to come across as a prima donna, it was more a matter of working with people who respected him and trust his ability to do his job and his levels of experience.
Ranallo added, "I’m as easy to work with as anyone else, but at this stage of my life, I need to be happy and comfortable." He said, "Pro wrestling, at the best of times, is taxing on your mental health, and it’s just the nature of the business."
That was certainly the case with WWE where speculation was that he left the company because of backstage politics and the job being too much of a grind for him. He all-but confirmed those rumors when he said, "I’m not interested in going back to that kind of rigorous schedule [with WWE]."
What About A Company Like AEW?
Ranallo said he would still love to call professional wrestling and is glad that there are so many choices for announcers and fans these days. He noted, "I mean, AEW has been a win-win-win for them. Like the Monday Night Wars, I believe competition in every sense of the word should bring out the best in anyone."
Does that mean he'd like to join the promotion? He didn't really elaborate on that, but did say, "I’m just grateful there’s that many more paying opportunities for the workers. So, never say never, John."
h/t to WrestlingInc.com for the quotes
Next: SmackDown Winners and Losers: Carmella Has Her Own Bubbly Party