Corey Graves issues apology for Mauro Ranallo tweet
On this week’s edition of his After the Bell podcast, Corey Graves addressed the tweet that he sent about Mauro Ranallo during NXT TakeOver: WarGames.
Graves addressed the tweet at the start of the podcast episode. He said that he never meant to offend, disrespect, or disparage anyone and apologized if it was taken that way:
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 undo stress, especially a co-worker. So, I apologize.
Graves had tweeted during Saturday night’s TakeOver show: “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. #NXTTakeoverWarGames”
Ranallo, who has been open about battling bipolar disorder, didn’t make his scheduled appearance on commentary during Survivor Series. He also deactivated his social media accounts.
As a cover for Ranallo not appearing on the show, Michael Cole claimed during Survivor Series that Ranallo blew out his voice calling TakeOver but would be back on this week’s episode of NXT.
Post Wrestling reported overnight that Ranallo won’t be calling tonight’s NXT. Their report stated that “there has been communication over the past few days between Ranallo and those in the company but the decision was made that he would not be coming to the show this week.”
Post Wrestling also noted that it isn’t known if Ranallo will be back for next week’s NXT episode.