It’s a story that has dominated mainstream media over the last few weeks, and it shows no signs of slowing down either.Although many claim it was common knowledge anyway, WWE fans are making a strong case for the company to release current SmackDown LIVE commentator, John Bradshaw Layfield.
BULLYING CLAIMS
Stories about his apparent bullying have been circulating online for years but now it seems as if fans are determined that WWE takes action, mainly because of the situation surrounding Mauro Ranallo.
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Sources such as the Wrestling Observer have claimed that JBL’s comments towards Ranallo – who suffers from bipolar disorder – triggered a bout of depression, and it’s why we haven’t seen him on WWE television for a few weeks now, and probably won’t as his contract expires in August.
Although nothing factual has emerged about that, he hasn;t exactly shot down those claims, so what else are people supposed to believe?
Many are starting to believe that is the case because of some incidents former WWE writer Justin Roberts shared in his new book, and JBL has also started to take action on Twitter on the whole matter.
He’s blocking anybody that criticises him over the Mauro situation, while he’s also blocking that anyone that follows them both along with those that have tweeted support to Ranallo.
While all of this is going on, Mauro himself hasn’t spoken out about the rumours and confirmed what’s going on, although it’s clear by his tweets that he’s aware of what’s circulating – but there’s apparently a reason why he hasn’t spoken out yet.
KEEPING MAURO QUIET
According to F4WOnline, WWE is supposedly paying Mauro to keep quiet about the ongoing fiasco involving JBL, although an official settlement hasn’t been agreed at this point.
Dave Meltzer went on to note that the company is actively working on a settlement which will include a clause that will prevent Mauro from talking about the issues publicly – and his current contract with the organisation doesn’t allow him to participate in unauthorised interviews.
It’s a shame WWE has decided to take this stance rather than take appropriate action, with Jerry Lawler believing JBL will keep his job.
They even decided to escort a fan out of the arena on SmackDown this week as he held up a ‘JBL bullied me’ sign, so it’s almost as if they are turning a blind eye to it, and that doesn’t look good on them or their Be A Star initiative, which supposedly promotes anti-bullying.
It was quite convenient this week, though, that JBL toned down comments he makes to guys like Byron Saxton and James Ellsworth.
Fans won’t stop showing their support to Mauro - who will be commentating at the RIZIN MMA event this weekend - and this is a situation WWE probably won’t be able to brush under the carpet quickly.
What do you make of WWE reportedly paying Mauro Ranallo to not talk about the JBL situation? Have YOUR say in the comments section below.
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