As we reported last night, Michael Cole filled in for Maruo Ranallo at this week’s SmackDown taping. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported today that Ranallo was in fact backstage at the show, and was sick with the flu.
He appeared sick enough that WWE reportedly made the decision to send Ranallo home right away. Cole is usually backstage at SmackDown anyways, so WWE had him work as play-by-play announcer, with Jerry Lawler at Bryon Saxton on color commentary.
Related: WWE SmackDown SPOILERS for February 18th, 2016
Ranallo started as the lead announcer for SmackDown in January, when the show moved to the USA Network. He’s expected to be back at next week’s taping.
https://twitter.com/mauroranallo/status/700035042844618752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw