Mauro Ranallo on his work at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans

Mauro Ranallo’s commentary has been somewhat divisive among fans. Some feel that he can overdo it with his enthusiasm, while others believe that the voice of NXT brings real emotion to the matches he calls, comparing him to Hall of Famer Jim Ross.

Ranallo’s work at TakeOver: New Orleans was a highlight of the show, so much so that the WWE posted a video highlighting his commentary with a camera showing his live reactions to the event.

Ranallo spoke about that night in a recent interview with Cageside Seats, reminiscing about, what some believe to be, the best TakeOver in NXT history.

On the brutal non-sanctioned fight between Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa:

It was just a combination of something that is why we watch everything – why we watch all sports. The storytelling, that visceral, palpable energy in that crowd and how firmly behind the ultimate babyface Johnny Gargano [they were]. And Tommaso Ciampa, right now – other than Samoa Joe – there’s no better heel in the business, because he completely embraces his role and it’s 24/7.

On a compliment he received from the Psycho Killer:

Tommaso Ciampa, as one of the best heels…it meant a lot to me for him to tell me what JR did for Stone Cold in the 90s, he feels I’m doing for him now. It doesn’t get any better than that as an announcer.

You can read the rest of the interview on Cageside Seats here. Ranallo also spoke about mental health and how special a moment it was when the fans chanted “Mama Mia.” Ranallo was also the subject matter of a documentary called “Bipolar Rock ‘N Roller,” which aired on Showtime on May 25th.

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