Just days after stepping into the ring with his “childhood hero” John Cena on WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, Ron “R-Truth” Killings confirmed what many fans quietly feared: his storied run with WWE will soon come to an end. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Killings wrote, “I’m 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.” According to Fightful Select, Killings will remain on the roster until his current contract expires, but WWE has elected not to renew his deal—a fate that has befallen other longtime talents such as Shotzi Blackheart and Sonya Deville.
Few performers in WWE over the past two decades have claimed moments as memorable—or as downright hilarious—as R-Truth. Yet before he became synonymous with impromptu 24/7 Championship roll-ups and viral dance breaks, Killings first arrived in WWE back in 1999 under the high-octane persona of K-Kwik. Teaming alongside WWE Hall of Famer Brian “Road Dogg” James, he cut an electrifying figure in the tag division before pivoting to the Hardcore Championship scene. Despite a promising start, Killings departed WWE in the summer of 2001 and took his talents north to the newly formed NWA: TNA. There, he captured the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice—establishing his bona fides as more than just a comedic act.
When Killings returned to WWE in 2008 as R-Truth, few could have anticipated how transformative this reunion would be. He briefly held the United States Championship, but it was his irreverent 24/7 Championship antics that truly cemented his place in WWE lore. Over the years, Truth amassed an astonishing 53 reigns with the 24/7 title, each one often ending in a burst of laughter as unsuspecting superstars—sometimes even wrestling legends—were ambushed with a roll-up pin. In a testament to his staying power and popularity, R-Truth earned fans’ adoration not just through championship gold, but through an everyman charm that made him equally at home sharing the ring with icons like John Cena or cracking up the locker room backstage.
By the time of his final televised outing—an upset loss to freshly signed JC Mateo on the May 30 episode of SmackDown—R-Truth had racked up an eclectic résumé: United States Champion, multiple Tag Team Championship runs (including memorable tandem appearances with Kofi Kingston), and an unprecedented 24/7 record that will likely stand the test of time. Even as WWE’s landscape shifted around him, he adapted from the edgier era of late ’90s and early 2000s to today’s high-production sports-entertainment world, all the while remaining unmistakably himself.
While the exact date of his contract’s expiration remains undisclosed, the reaction from colleagues and fans was swift. On social media, past opponents and partners posted tributes to the “man who could make you laugh and root for him every single time he stepped through the ropes.” Many remarked on how few talents in WWE history have earned genuine fan affection in quite the same way. Whether he was donning his signature hat, serenading Alexa Bliss in a one-of-a-kind “Little Jimmy” rap, or springing surprises in backstage segments, R-Truth always felt like a true friend rather than a distant superstar.
What comes next for Killings is anyone’s guess. His versatility—proven world-champion pedigree in TNA, comedic genius, and in-ring adaptability—suggests he won’t be off the radar for long. Some have speculated a return to a rebranded TNA (now Impact Wrestling), while others wonder if he might opt for an indie run or even explore opportunities outside the squared circle. For now, though, the wrestling world pauses to reflect on a 26-year journey that began as a fresh-faced newcomer and culminates in the departure of one of WWE’s most beloved fixtures.
Regardless of where the next chapter unfolds, one thing is clear: every championship, every viral backstage moment, and every late-night Twitter post reinforced R-Truth’s unique ability to blend humor and heart. And while WWE will no longer be his home, fans worldwide will surely keep the “What’s up, Truth?” chant echoing in arenas for years to come.