R-Truth is leaving WWE, in a shocking move.
Despite the fact that R-Truth is 53, he was looked at as a "WWE lifer" by many, but doesn't appear to be the case. Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp has confirmed that Truth was contacted by a talent relations employee this weekend and informed that his contract would not be extended as it is expiring. Based on those we spoke to, he was told that he hadn't been in trouble and did nothing wrong. A number of talent spoke with him following the news to check on him, and that everyone seemed confused by the news, including Truth himself.
The reaction from the roster was unlike anything we've covered -- despite covering hundreds of releases and departures. The departure was met with complete shock and disbelief, with one top talent calling it "total nonsense." Another called this regime "ruthless." It's by far the most criticized and universally disliked departure we've covered. Throughout Fightful's 9 years of existence, we've never had a backstage source speak ill, or anything less than glowingly of Truth.
R-Truth also had one of the top selling WWE shirts in recent weeks with the "Ron Cena" shirt.
While the "R-Truth" name has been one used within WWE, he's used Ron "The Truth" Killings outside of WWE when working in NWA and TNA in previous years. An interesting element is that there's a very good chance that Ron Killings owns the rights to his theme song, which was self produced and he actually used for a couple of years in TNA.
There was immediate interest from top indies regarding booking him and when his contract was up. We're still working to find out exactly when that is
Ron "R-Truth" Killings announced today that he had been released by WWE.
PWInsiderElite.com is told he still has some time left on his current contract and when that expires, he will be free and clear to do anything he wants in the wrestling space.
The initial response among some in the company, particularly talents, was that Truth was either hacked or playing some sort of joke as it's 6/1 and the Truth character would be the type to pull an April Fool's Joke three months later, but as word made the rounds that his exit was legitimate, there was absolutely a feeling of disbelief.
Truth was extremely popular across the board in the locker room, so there was shock and a feeling along the lines of "how could the company cut him?", given that Truth's the type of personality who adds levity to the show and could be plugged into any scenario - whether it be a match, a vignette, music or a promotional appearance - and that it was "always going to work" as one talent stated today.
A few wondered if Truth had been offered another role as am ambassador, similar to the role Titus O'Neil fills for the company, and if not, why not, given how beloved the character has been.
Another talent commented that it made them feel as if "nothing is guaranteed."
In keeping with that feeling, a third talent noted that Truth's departure made them want to make sure their next contract with the company was negotiated and locked in "well in advance."
A number of WWE talents and staff have taken to social media to pay tribute to Truth, but we are told far more are singing his praises privately.
