R-Truth is back with WWE before he ever technically left, and no it's not a work.
R-Truth appeared at the end of WWE Money in the Bank, attacking John Cena. A week prior, he announced his "release," from the company, which WWE clarified to Fightful at the time was actually a contract expiration that was occurring. His contract had not actually expired, but sources close to Ron "R-Truth" Killings did claim he has a new deal. His son has seemingly confirmed as much on social media.
Over the week that followed, wrestling companies, promoters and reps reached out to Ron Killings/R-Truth and were hopeful that they could book him for upcoming shows. A number of talent noted to Fightful that they spoke with R-Truth, and specified repeatedly that the situation was not a work. We're told that there were "many tears" over Killings' departure, and he was flooded with phone calls and messages, and that Killings seemed "shocked and kind of disgusted, as we all were."
Specifically, one talent noted that Truth was cut "in a very cold and impersonal way" with a talent relations employee informing him, instead of "top brass" in the company.
We're told that Killings actually ignored many of WWE's approaches during the week, until Nick Khan took over and called Killings to work out a new deal. We're told that the deal was a "meeting halfway" situation.
One talent that Killings worked with for over a decade stated to Fightful "Ronnie wouldn't do that. If he had to maintain a work like that, he'd just ask us not to say anything. He would never lie to us about that. I think that Paul (Levesque) also knows that lying to or working the locker room is horrible taste."
In response to Triple H claiming R-Truth's departure and appearance was part of the show, a number of talent reached out to outright claim the opposite. Truth's son, Christopher Killings, also posted a "cap" in response to the claims of it being "a part of the show." Another talent saw Killings' son calling "cap (lie)" on Triple H's comments and said "See? You can't control all of these conversations."
Another veteran responded to the situation saying "I can tell Hunter doesn't like it. He doesn't like the fans hijacking creative," before elaborating their disbelief of it being an elaborate plan in a very colorful manner.
Throughout the week, one of Killings' friends in the company said "it's hard to feel good when we fired Santa Claus."
Obviously the mood was much different, with everyone excited that Truth made a return.
PWinsider.com reports that the deal came together in the last 72 hours.
Midway through the show, Fightful Select reported that there was a surprise planned for the end of the show, but at that time we didn't know what it was. Staff, talent and the majority of WWE was kept completely in the dark until before the match, with a few people and talent in the know. The return was kept very close to the vest for obvious reasons.
