A beloved WWE star is no longer with the company.
WWE has released veteran wrestler R-Truth, he announced on social media.
‘I’m sorry to inform you all. I just got released from WWE,’ he said Sunday. ‘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.’
The departure ends R-Truth’s second stint in the company, which began in 2008. He had a two-year stint in WWE from 1999-2001, but he became a prominent star during his time with TNA Wrestling from 2002-07.
Although he never won the WWE Championship, it was a memorable 17-year run for R-Truth. While he first connected with fans as he rapped his entrance music with the ‘what’s up?’ chant, he was known for being one of the best comedic wrestlers in the business, constantly bringing laughter to segments and making fellow talent break character on-air.
He had his time with ‘Little Jimmy,’ an imaginary friend that he would consistently bring to life, confusing wrestlers with his presence. He also would get confused, such as when he cut a promo about being in the Money in the Bank match when he wasn’t. In 2020, he went viral when he made Brock Lesnar laugh when he called out Paul Heyman. Other people he made break character include Roman Reigns, Dolph Ziggler and Randy Orton.
His recent R-Truth’s bit was getting wrestlers confused and trying to get himself in the good graces of others. In 2024, he tried to work his way into The Judgment Day despite pushback from the group. He even joined in on the group’s celebration after WrestleMania 40.
During that time, he would mistake people for other wrestlers, such as the continuous mixup between Tommaso Ciampa and Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque. There also was the all-time mixup of when he tried to enter the 2024 women’s Royal Rumble match.
Recently, he was involved in a storyline with his ‘childhood hero’ John Cena, even though he’s older than the WWE Champion. The 53-year-old faced Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24, and he again had fun when he copied Cena’s look and entrance. Cena defeated him, and R-Truth had his final match May 30 on SmackDown with JC Mateo.
R-Truth was a two-time United States Champion, two-time Hardcore Champion and two-time Tag Team Champion. However, the title he’s most commonly associated with is the infamous 24/7 Championship, which could be challenged for in any setting. Whether it was during WWE shows or in segments posted on social media in several settings, he won and lost the title several times. He was a 53-time 24/7 Champion.
The news of his departure comes after WWE released 10 stars in February and more in May.
WWE stars speak on R-Truth’s release
Several wrestlers shared their sadness over the announcement, including Rhea Ripley, who worked with him during The Judgment Day storyline.
‘In all seriousness, this is literally so heartbreaking… Thank you Truth,’ she posted on social media.
Damian Priest also shared a photo from the viral celebration of The Judgment Day.
The Miz called R-Truth “one in a lifetime” in a post celebrating him. The two formed The Awesome Truth throughout their time in the company and won tag team gold at WrestleMania 40.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
