Corey Graves apologizes to Mauro Ranallo.
Opening the latest edition of the "After The Bell" podcast, Graves said he never meant to disrespect Ranallo with a pair of tweets that he put out in the middle of NXT TakeOver: WarGames on November 23 criticizing Ranallo for overshadowing fellow broadcast partners Beth Phoenix and Nigel McGuinness. After those tweets were sent, Ranallo not only deleted his Twitter account but also missed Survivor Series.
“What is up everybody? Welcome to After The Bell, I am Corey Graves. A ton to get to this week as we do every week, but before we go any further, on a personal note, I need to address something. This past Saturday, during the TakeOver: WarGames event, I sent out a tweet. It was an unpopular opinion, as I often do, with the intention of just stirring up a little controversy, maybe have something fun to talk about on TV or here on the show. It was maybe not the most professional way to go about things and it was never meant to offend or disrespect or disparage anybody. That was never my intention. If it was taken as such, I apologize deeply. That was not my intention. I would never intentionally cause anybody any undue stress, especially a co-worker. So, I apologize,” Graves said.
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.
— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) November 24, 2019
I’d imagine they have a lot to offer.
--#NXTTakeoverWarGames
Far, far too many.
— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) November 24, 2019
Although Michael Cole said on Survivor Series that Ranallo, who didn't call the show, would be back to call NXT later today, but a report from John Pollock of POST Wrestling stated that Ranallo will miss NXT. It is unknown if NXT will utilize a two-person booth or if Ranallo will be replaced for the week.
Pro Wrestling Sheet has issued an update, stating that Graves' plan was to play things up the following night on commentary, citing the "brand supremacy" angle that persisted. Fightful can confirm that Graves reached out to Frank Shamrock, who was said to be receptive, until Graves asked how Mauro was doing.
The full podcast can be heard at this link.
