After someone on social media applauded WWE by saying that “we all got worked” over R-Truth’s return at Money in the Bank, Truth clarified on social media that his brief WWE depature wasn’t a storyline.
During the post-show press confrence, a reporter from USA Today asked Triple H about what led to R-Truth’s return and if he really was released. Triple H replied: “I love the question. Did you enjoy the show? All part of the show, man,” suggesting that what had happened in the last week was all a storyline.
R-Truth made his return to WWE during Saturday’s main event, laying out John Cena with a spear. He then exited into the crowd as Cody Rhodes pinned Cena, giving the win to him and Jey Uso.
Triple H gave a simple, blunt answer in regards to R-Truth’s WWE departure and quick return.
During the Money in the Bank press conference, a reporter from USA Today brought up R-Truth’s return at Money in the Bank and asked if he was actually released from the company and how much support from the fans played a part in his return on Saturday.
“I love the question. Did you enjoy the show?,” Triple H asked. “All part of the show, man.”
— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) June 8, 2025
R-Truth tweeted on June 1 that he had been released from the WWE, with his contract not being renewed. The news lead to messages of support not only from fans but other WWE wrestlers including Kevin Owens and Rhea Ripley. On both Raw and SmackDown this week, WWE fans in the crowd could be heard chanting “we want Truth.”
In the main event of Money in the Bank, a hooded figure entered the ring and laid out John Cena with a spear, unmasking to reveal himself as R-Truth, leading to a massive reaction from the crowd in Los Angeles.
The only other notable question to WWE’s CCO was someone asking if Cardi B would wrestle at SummerSlam, where she is scheduled to host. Triple H said that he didn’t know if anyone could control Cardi B, whatever she does is whatever she does. He said she’s been fun to work with and is excited for the upcoming two-night event.
During his comments leading to the Q&A portion of his segment, Triple H mentioned that the all-time arena gate at the Intuit Dome had been broken, the previous record being on the Netflix premiere of Raw on January 6. He also brought up John Cena, saying he has been having fun during his farewell tour and has earned the right to leave the way he wants to.
Becky Lynch also briefly took questions from the crowd, remaining in character and focused her attention both on Lyra Valkyria laying her out and Naomi, who won the Money in the Bank briefcase.
After Paul had taken out Uso with an Asai moonsault on an announce table, Cena and Rhodes were left in the ring. With the referee tending to Paul and Uso, Cena took the opportunity to grab his WWE title belt and hit Rhodes in the head with it.
A man disguised in a black hoodie then jumped into the ring and took Cena down with a double leg, pounded him, and then revealed himself to a massive reaction. He then hit Cena with the title belt and ran through the crowd.
Rhodes then pinned Cena to pick up the victory.
It’s unclear if WWE and Truth worked out a new deal following the backlash to the news of his non-renewal, but they already released a new “Ron Killings” t-shirt after the event. It’s assumed everything will be discussed during the post-event press conference with Paul “Triple H” Levesque.
Cena defeated Truth in a singles match as part of last month’s Saturday Night’s Main Event.
After the June 2 episode of WWE Raw went off the air, CM Punk took a moment to acknowledge the “We Want Truth” chants that were heard during the night.
Fans attending Raw in Tulsa, Oklahoma voiced their displeasure over Truth’s WWE departure by chanting for him at multiple points during Monday night’s broadcast. That included the main event, where El Grande Americano (Chad Gable) defeated Punk and AJ Styles to qualify for Money in the Bank.
Babyfaces Punk, Sami Zayn, and Jey Uso then interacted with the crowd after the show went off the air. Punk joked with the fans about their Truth chants, referencing how people would chant for Punk during the time he was gone from WWE.
“Let the record state that I said, ‘How dare you chant for somebody that’s not here.’ Think about it, you’ll get it on your way home,” Punk said.
The 53-year-old Truth (Ron Killings) revealed on Sunday that he’s been informed his WWE contract will not be renewed when it expires. WWE’s decision has drawn a significant amount of criticism from fans on social media, and members of the roster have also expressed their disappointment that Truth is being let go after a 17-year run with the company.
Carlito and Valhalla (the former Sarah Logan) are also set to depart WWE with their contracts not being renewed.
– Bryan and I will be back tonight talking about the WWE departures of R-Truth and Carlito, weekend TV, Best of the Super Juniors and the UFC main event that didn’t happen.
– Regarding the departures of Carlito and R-Truth, which are contracts expiring and not being renewed, ultimately when there are additions coming from NXT, there will be subtractions. Older undercard guys or guys not being used are always the ones at the most risk. With R-Truth, I could see him getting a ton of indie work and TNA, maybe even AAA. But if he wants to continue, he’ll have plenty of opportunities. Carlito knows the indie scene and worked on it for years. It is interesting the number of WWE folks who had so much positive to say about R-Truth compared to most who get cut.
– Kosei Fujita beat Yoh to win Best of the Super Juniors earlier today at a sold out Ota Ward Gym. We were told this was a match of the year contender. They went 28:05 before Fujita won using thrill ride.
– I don’t know that Collision will be a great ratings show after the first 45 minutes given the late start, particularly Mascara Dorada vs. Hechicero starting at about 1:30 a.m. But there was a lot of great wrestling on the show and they built the Wednesday night show hard.
– Independent wrestler Jeff Cannonball has been diagnosed with ALS. Cannonball was a regular for a number of Northeast independents. He is 38 and was just diagnosed with the disease a week ago but it progressed very rapidly.
– B.J. Penn was arrested for the third time in a week on Friday for failing to appear in court. He claimed he missed his hearing because he was sick with COVID, but obviously the judge wasn’t buying this. He was released again on another $2,000 bond. His attempt to get a restraining order against his mother, Lorraine Shin, was denied. She still has a restraining order against him.
– Maycee Barber not only missed weight for her fight last night with Erin Blanchfield, which headlined the UFC show at the Apex, but just as a video package playing for the fight finished, it was announced Barber wasn’t medically cleared to compete. Blanchfield said she’s not going to agree to a match at this point with Barber. Blanchfield said she was in the doorway about to come out when she was told they were delaying the fight six minutes. Then Hunter Campbell came in and told Blanchfield that Barber was having a seizure and the fight was off.
– UFC Noche which was scheduled for 9/13 at Arena Guadalajara has been moved to San Antonio. It was not announced as a PPV show but originally it was. Arena Guadalajara, which hasn’t opened yet, was thought to be touch-and-go if it would even be ready to open by that date. The big question is with this no longer on PPV, does that mean Dana White will be back working with Turki Alalsheikh in promoting Canelo Alvarez vs. Terrence Crawford that night as the debut of TKO boxing. Everything has remained secretive on that front since Alalshikh announced SELA as the promoter and didn’t announce TKO, Dana White or Nick Khan.
– Announced for Raw tomorrow night are MITB qualifiers with CM Punk vs. AJ Styles vs. Grande Americano and Stephanie Vaquer vs. Liv Morgan vs. Ivy Nile.
– Matches announced for Fyter Fest, a four-hour AEW special on TNT, on Wednesday at 8 p.m. are Kenny Omega vs. Mascara Dorada vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Brody King for the International title, Jon Moxley vs. Mark Briscoe non-title, Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa vs. Julia Hart & Skye Blue, FTR vs. Atlantis Jr. & Templario, Rush & Dralistico & Mortos vs. Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight & Komander plus Thekla will have her in-ring debut and The Hurt Business with MJF appear.
– The movie “The Pickup,” starring Eddie Murphy and with Roman Reigns having a role will be released on Prime Video on 8/6.
– AAA obviously went through with plans and El Hijo del Vikingo beat Alberto El Patron to win the AAA Mega title. WWE advertised this coming Saturday’s Vikingo vs. Chad Gable match as being for the title even before Vikingo won the title. Vikingo’s father, who Alberto attacked on a television show a few days earlier, interfered and hit Alberto with a guitar shot to set up the win.
– Carlito beat longtime rival Ray Gonzalez last night in Bayamon,PR, to win the Puerto Rican title for the WWC promotion.
– Bear Bronson joins Mariah May and Abadon as those who were announced as being finished with AEW, but those decisions were all months ago and none have been used since May had her blow-off match at Revolution on March 1 with Toni Storm.
– In the English language TV show category, this was where Friday’s SmackDown placed on the day of airing in various countries:
4. Australia
3. India
4. New Zealand
2. Saudi Arabia
2. U.K.
3. Canada
1. Mexico
– For Google trends, R-Truth was at 100,000 as last checking and last night’s UFC show was at 57.000
– Jun Saito retained the All Japan Triple Crown beating brother Rei Saito in Sendai, where both grew up. They played this up as a big deal, including having someone sing the Japanese national anthem and a video package of them growing up, playing high school football in the U.S., and during their sumo days.
– Pro Wrestling Revolver announced that Myron Reed took a nasty spill and was knocked out in a match last night. The match was stopped immediately. He was taken to the hospital where he has since been released and he did not have any serious injuries according to the doctor.
– United Wrestling Coalition on Saturday night in New Egypt, NJ at the American Legion at 7 p.m.
Many people from around the wrestling world have reacted to the news that R-Truth is exiting WWE.
The 53-year-old announced via social media on Sunday that he has been released from his contract, although Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp later reported that Truth’s contract is simply not being renewed upon expiration.
Kevin Owens, Rhea Ripley, Pat McAfee and more have responded to the news.
The Miz wrote:
Forming Awesome Truth with you was one of the best runs of my career. No one made me laugh harder. Your energy, heart, and smile lit up every room…and every arena. You’re not one of a kind, you’re one in a lifetime. Love you, Truth. Keep shining. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RU6UaDXGSx
I’ve said many times that there are a few people in this industry for whom I have unlimited respect, love and admiration for. @RonKillings is at the very top of that list.
An incredible, timeless performer with an unmatched ability to entertain and bring a smile to anyone he…
Pat McAfee wrote, “I love @RonKillings It’s guaranteed joy when he’s a part of a segment.. He’s also my dad’s favorite WWE Superstar of all time. The McAfees are bummed aht but we all know RTruth will continue to bless the world with his BIG ass brain THANK YOU TRUTH“
Zelina Vega wrote, “Thank you Truth. For everything. Everything you are as a performer but also everything you are as a person. You always have an ear and a hug for everyone, you were always so kind to me whether it was an extra just coming in looking to you for advice or as a co-worker getting to laugh with you every week. You’re forever a star, a genius, a pro and someone who’s presence will always be felt. You’re cemented in history as one of the BEST. Love you!!”
Chelsea Green wrote, “@RonKillings walked so I could run. Funniest man in wrestling. I can’t wait to see what you do next.”
Natalya wrote, “You are a class act @RonKillings. You were amazing to me since day one when I met you doing my first independent wrestling show in the U.S. Last week I loved seeing how excited you were for the championship match against John Cena. You remind everyone around the world to never lose that childlike wonder. I’m so proud to call you a friend for life!”
Ricochet responded to Truth’s post with, “You’re an amazing talent and an even better person. Go enjoy your life unc!”
Adam Pearce wrote, “Thank you, @RonKillings. I will ALWAYS appreciate you. TVL will have a lot less laughter coming from it.”
Sidney Akeem wrote, “@RonKillings bro we had some great times dawg. I learned a lot, as this period was my introduction into the business. You are genuinely one of the funniest and coolest people I know. Until we meet again my brother”
Despite just being involved in a significant program, R-Truth is departing WWE.
The 53-year-old Truth (Ron Killings) sent out a tweet today saying that he’s been released from WWE. He thanked the company for his time there and the fans for all of the love and support they’ve given him.
“Im sorry to inform you all. I just got released from WWE,” Truth wrote. “I want to thank WWE for the ride, but MOSTLY I want to thank each and EVERYONE OF YOU who was along for the ride, Thank you for all the love, support, and appreciation you have given me over the years. Thank you”
Fightful confirmed that Truth will be departing WWE when his contract expires. Technically, that means his contract isn’t being renewed rather than an outright release.
The news comes just over a week after Truth was an opponent for Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena during Cena’s ongoing retirement tour. After an angle between the two at Backlash, Cena defeated Truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24.
Truth was also in action on SmackDown this past Friday, losing to JC Mateo.
After an initial stint with WWE in the early 2000s, R-Truth returned to the company in 2008 for what ended up being a 17-year run. He played a comedic character for much of that time and was a fan-favorite with WWE audiences.
Road Dogg, the co-lead writer of SmackDown, tweeted that he’s “heartbroken” over Truth’s contract not being renewed. The two were tag team partners during Truth’s early WWE career.
“I am heartbroken,” Road Dogg wrote in a post that has since been deleted. “It’s the nature of the beast; the part of business that no one likes but the bean counters. I love Ron the Truth Killings and I don’t care who knows it. WHAT A RUN!”
It was made official on SmackDown that John Cena will face R-Truth in a non-title match. During this past weekend’s Backlash post-show press conference, Cena attacked Truth by putting him through a table, even after Truth’s interference helped him retain the WWE title against Randy Orton just minutes earlier.
In a sit-down interview with Wade Barrett that aired on SmackDown, Truth said that Cena won the match on his own and the Cena he knows wouldn’t turn his back on the people that believed in him. He said he didn’t want to beat Cena, but if he had to beat some sense into him, that’s what he’d have to do.
“If I have to beat him back to his senses, then I'll do it”
During a video package that aired on Friday, Damian Priest said he wanted to settle his unfinished business with Drew McIntyre, saying both have been involved in each other’s business and is mad at himself for getting into McIntyre’s vortex. He challenged McIntyre to a steel cage match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
McIntyre responded by coming out for a promo and accepting the challenge for next Saturday, saying only one of them will walk out of the cage as the other will leave on a stretcher.
The abbreviated press conference that took place after Backlash ended with an angle.
As Triple H was answering a question about celebrity usage in the company, John Cena interrupted and took over the press conference, saying he was going to commit to answering questions after previously refusing to do so in previously. As he was about to answer the first question, R-Truth interrupted and congratulated Cena, saying he was proud of him even if people were saying he sucked and couldn’t wrestle.
Cena got up and calmly told R-Truth if he said another word he would get laid out. R-Truth tried to explain but Cena grabbed R-Truth and gave him an AA through the table, ending the segment.
In recent weeks, R-Truth has been defending his “childhood hero” Cena despite Jimmy Uso and others being skeptical. Truth was also part of the finish to Backlash, coming out to prevent Orton from getting the win. Truth’s distraction allowed Cena to low blow Orton and bash him with the WWE title, allowing him to remain champion.
Only two people took questions from the media following Backlash: Jacob Fatu and Triple H. During his portion of the conference, Triple H said that Drew McIntyre was “a little banged up” but fine following his United States title match. He also said that John Cena and Randy Orton’s careers were very important to WWE and is proud of the stars they’ve become, and told the press that he considered Logan Paul a regular as opposed to a part-time celebrity.
A big new issue of the Observer up on the site. Special note that we’ve had a lot of people contact us both about the Rey Misterio Sr. and Tijuana wrestling story and the breakdown of every PPV this year and how they did. Highlights of the issue:
WWE expanding television in 2025 and the biggest unanswered questions
A look at international deals with WWE’s move to Netflix. What countries will still have TV deals, where Raw won’t be on Netflix, and what this means to AEW and TNA and the scoreboard of who has gotten what. And what is potentially the biggest international deal and when it will be open.
The Auditorio in Tijuana and Rey Misterio Sr., a look at the biggest matches in a building that should be on the list as a major wrestling arena that nobody ever talks about, plus how did Rey Mysterio, Konnan, Psicosis and others get their start and looking back at the biggest matches in Rey Misterio Sr.’s career
Drawing money and a look at how every PPV show in 2024 did, to see what does and doesn’t work as far as being a PPV headliner, covering WWE, AEW and TNA and every show so far this year.
The Battle of Orlando and where things stand for Worlds End.
Full coverage of ROH Final Battle
WWE’s holiday special in MSG and a look back at how the show has done since 2010.
Death of Jax Dane
The most detailed look at the TV ratings for all the major shows,including placings, competition, segment-by-segment and more.
The Gran Alternative tournament and its history at picking future stars
Stardom’s big show the week of the Tokyo Dome.
NOAH preparing for Budokan Hall show.
More news on the Tokyo Dome shows.
New Japan notes for San Jose.
St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame
RevPro show notes
Notes on upcoming North American stadium shows.
Lots of thoughts on booking
Upcoming ticket sales for WWE & AEW events
More on Lee Fitting.
Why there’s a very real chance the Janel Grant lawsuit will be thrown out and why, and what it will take for that not to happen.
McIntyre makes fun of Punk
This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue
On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, R-Truth said he thinks Road Dogg should probably be the person to induct him if Truth gets into the WWE Hall of Fame one day.
R-Truth said he’d love to turn heel in WWE but doesn’t think he would be able to get heel heat:
The selfish part of me would love to turn heel and be a heel, but the majority of me is like, I could never be a heel. People would think it’s cool if I did something bad, if I did something heelish, they would think it’s cool. I smoked a cigarette, and they thought that was the coolest thing on TV. To be a heel you have to get that real, genuine hatred heel heat. Mine would be more of like, they will want me to bash somebody’s head in. Selfishly, I would love to see it one time, but I don’t have to.
WWE Vault uploaded a new Retrospective video with John Cena, Mick Foley, R-Truth, Big E, and more looking back at some of their greatest Raw moments.
Screen Rant asked Adam Copeland if he’s had any conversations with John Cena about what it’s like to retire:
No, we had talked briefly when he came back there and I was with WWE. He said, ‘How are you doing this, man? You’re having half an hour matches and stuff.’ But we haven’t talked about retiring or anything like that. But John is a very – he’s thought this through. And he’s thought of every scenario and every conceivable direction and all of those things. He’s an intelligent man, so I’m sure he’s already come to terms, and I think he’s been coming to terms with it for a long time. I think it’ll be harder for the fanbase to come to terms, which usually ends up being the case.
A representative for AXS TV issued a statement to Post Wrestling confirming that NJPW will no longer air on the station, which Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio earlier this week: “We will not be airing New Japan Pro Wrestling for the foreseeable future. Our agreement expired at the end of 2024. And we do not comment on the state of current or future agreements.”
El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. discussed his upcoming departure from Pro Wrestling NOAH: “The match at Korakuen on January 11th will be my last match for NOAH. I think now is the time to go back to Mexico, recharge my batteries & become even stronger. Please come to Korakuen Hall to watch Hijo de Dr Wagner Jr’s final fight!”
Megan Bayne vs. Atticus Cogar has been added to the card for GCW’s show at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on Sunday, January 19. Plus, it’s been announced that Richard Holliday will take on Charles Mason in a steel cage match at the show.
Bobby Fish will face Ariel Dominguez on the TV taping portion of MLW’s Kings of Colosseum event in North Richland Hills, Texas on Saturday, January 11.
Indi Hartwell has been announced for one of her first post-WWE appearances. She is set to appear at the WrestleCon Indianapolis convention on Saturday, February 1: “Making her first Convention appearance in years, please welcome @indi_hartwell appearing EXCLUSIVELY Saturday”
In a digital exclusive WWE posted on Tuesday, Dunne confronts R-Truth and blames him for people still calling him Butch. He then challenges Truth to a match on the December 2 episode of WWE Raw.
“Listen, because of you, I’ve had the week from hell. Everywhere I go, I hear the name Butch,” Dunne says in the video. “We need to settle this properly. Pete Dunne, R-Truth in that ring.”
Before leaving, Dunne told Truth he would talk to Adam Pearce about making the match official.
The backstage scene began with Truth telling Katana Chance, Kayden Carter, and Lyra Valkyria that he is excited to enter the upcoming tournament to crown a first-ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
“I’m excited about this tournament. I got number 24 last time,” Truth said, confusing the tournament with a Royal Rumble match. Chance, Carter, and Valkyria attempted to explain to him why he could not enter the tournament, but Truth didn’t seem to understand.
WWE Raw is scheduled for The Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington, next week. The show will also feature a 10th anniversary celebration for New Day.
During a tag team match against AOP on Raw, R-Truth was looking to give a hot tag to The Miz. Once Miz was in, he promptly kicked R-Truth in the face and left the ring, allowing AOP to hit their finish on Truth for the win.
In the last few weeks, Karrion Kross has been getting to the mind of The Miz, telling him on last week’s Raw that he wants Miz to be the guy who does whatever it takes to win. Once the Miz attacked Truth, Kross could be seen laughing at ringside.
Miz’s match against Bronson Reed last week ended up not taking place as Bron Strowman attacked Reed, causing the two to brawl all around the arena. Before Monday’s match, Miz attempted to talk to Strowman about interfering in his match. That led to the return of R-Truth, telling Miz that he got them a match against AOP.
Awesome Truth reunited as a team earlier this year when they joined forces to feud with The Judgment Day, who ultimately rejected R-Truth despite his willingness to be part of the group. At WrestleMania 40, the two won the Raw Tag Team titles that later became the World Tag Team titles. They ended up losing the titles to Finn Balor and JD McDonagh on June 24.
R-Truth has commented on Swerve Strickland winning the AEW World Championship.
During an appearance on the Battleground podcast, Truth was asked about being the first Black wrestler to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and the influence he’s had on stars such as Swerve Strickland and Trick Williams.
“I get emotional. It’s such a prestige and honor to have,” Truth said.
“Let me say this, I want to congratulate Swerve. Definitely got to congratulate him on his achievement, his accomplishment. I meant to call you, I’m sorry I haven’t called you yet. I’m going to text you.”
“He’s been killing it for a while,” Truth continued to say of Strickland. “He’s so talented, so humble, so well-deserving of what he’s doing now and you’re just seeing the beginning of him.”
Truth then continued to talk about Black wrestlers in NXT who have won titles, such as Trick Williams, Oba Femi, and Carmello Hayes.
“Trick, Oba, Carmello, these guys, man, it’s such a good time to be a part of this. It’s such a good time to see these guys give me my flowers. Strickland has always talked good about me and it’s just, again, it’s a real moment for me to be in the position that I’m in.”
Earlier in the conversation, Truth spoke about his friendship with The Miz and his experience winning the tag titles at WrestleMania 40.
“I love Miz to death. I think he’s underrated. Me and Miz are friends outside of the business. And when he came up the ladder, he said, ‘Bro, this is your moment. Do you hear that? These people are cheering for you, you deserve it, I love you.’ And that was a genuine hug we did there and we both savored the rest of that moment.”
