Beloved WWE star released 26 years after debut in ‘heartbreaking’ cuts
Fans are shell shocked by the announcement.
R-Truth has confirmed he is being released by WWE.
The 53-year-old superstar confirmed the shock news in an emotional statement just one week after he faced John Cena in a featured match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
He wrote on X: ‘Im sorry to inform you all. I just got released from WWE.
‘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????????’
He is the latest star to be let go this year, following the departures of Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler and others including former world champion Braun Strowman.
R-Truth, real name Ron Killings, first debuted for WWE as K-Kwik in 1999, before leaving in 2001 and joining TNA Wrestling the following year.
He would return to WWE in 2008, and remained there until the present day, going onto capture countless titles including the United States, Hardcore, tag team and 24/7 Championships.
Im sorry to inform you all. I just got released from WWE. 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 ????????
— Ron Killings (@RonKillings) June 1, 2025 He wrestled John Cena just one week ago (Picture: Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images) The decorated champion was a firm fan favourite (Picture: Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)Truth has remained a constant fixture over the past couple of decades, mainly as comedy relief but always a firm favourite for fans around the world.
His match last weekend saw him lost to Cena in a bout fans had been calling for during the latter’s ongoing retirement run, while he also lost to JC Mateo on Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
It remains to be seen of Truth will continue wrestling, or what his next move will be, while he also didn’t confirm whether he is being cut, or simply not having his contract renewed when it expires.
Every WWE superstar released in 2025 so far Shayna Baszler Braun Strowman Dakota Kai Katana Chance Kayden Carter Cora Jade Gigi Dolin Eddy Thorpe Gallus Riley Osborne Jakara Jackson Ora Mensah Javier Bernal Dani Palmer Carmella Elektra Lopez Giovanni Vinci Isla Dawn Luke Gallows Karl Anderson Blair Davenport Sonya Deville Cedric Alexander Rezar Akam Paul Ellering Duke HudsonFans and colleagues are already paying tribute to him, in disbelief after the shock departure.
As well as holding the 24/7 Title a wild 54 times, Truth also captured the US Championship and Hardcore Title on two occasions for each, plus tag title runs with Kofi Kingston and R-Truth.
WWE executive and Hall of Famer Brian ‘Road Dogg’ Armstrong was among those to comment on the news with a defiant statement.
Truth is high regarded as one of the most entertaining stars in wrestling (Picture: Bradlee Rutledge/WWE via Getty Images) Truth often called Cena, 43, his ‘childhood hero’ in a running joke (Picture: WWE/WWE via Getty Images)He wrote on X: ‘I am heartbroken. 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!’
In all seriousness, this is literally so heartbreaking… Thank you Truth,’ tweeted his former Judgment Day teammate Rhea Ripley, while Ricochet, who left WWE for AEW last summer, said: ‘You’re an amazing talent and an even better person. Go enjoy your life unc!’
WWE broadcaster Cathy Kelley added: ‘One of my favorite and most supportive people I’ve ever gotten to work with. gonna miss you so much Truthy ????’
UK wrestler and YouTuber Simon Miller added: ‘This is one of the craziest decisions for a while in my brain. R Truth is GOAT levels and has entertained me consistently no matter what he was doing.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
