Announcer Mauro Ranallo returns to WWE, joins NXT broadcasting team

June 23 (UPI) -- The former voice of Smackdown Live Mauro Ranallo is returning to the WWE after an extended absence to commentate for the company's developmental brand, NXT.

"THE NXT CHAPTER BEGINS! WWE and I mutually agreed to end my responsibilities on SmackDown having nothing to do with rumors about disputes," Ranallo wrote on Instagram Thursday alongside a promotional photo for NXT.

"As I remained under contract with WWE, we discussed a variety of options. Despite originally agreeing to part ways, there was always a desire to continue working together," he continued. "We have come to terms on a new agreement that benefits both WWE and me, and I am thrilled to announce I will now be part of the NXT broadcasting team."

A veteran combat sports analyst who commentates for Showtime's Championship Boxing -- he will announce the upcoming boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor on Aug. 26 -- Ranallo led the Smackdown Live announce time until he missed a March 14 episode of WWE's blue brand due to bad weather.

Ranallo missed the following week of Smackdown Live with WWE stating that his absence was due to illness. The 47-year-old was not seen on WWE again and announced that he parted ways with the company in April.

Rumors swirled at the time that Ranallo, who has dealt with bi-polar disorder for most of his career, had been engaged in an off-air battle with fellow Smackdown Live commentator John 'Bradshaw' Layfield which led to his absence.