Was R-Truth's shocking WWE return a work or real? Exploring what happened

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Was R-Truth's shocking WWE return a work or real? Exploring what happened
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When it comes to R-Truth, WWE fans want the truth.
The wrestling world is still buzzing from the main event of Money in the Bank 2025, when a masked man who attacked John Cena turned out to be R-Truth, drawing rousing reactions inside the arena and fans watching around the world. It capped off what was a turbulent week surrounding the veteran star after he said on June 1 his contract was ending after 17 years with WWE. Fans voiced their displeasure with the announcement at shows following the news, but a week later, he was back in the ring, signaling he's once again with the company.
The quick timing of it all has raised questions as to whether R-Truth was actually released, or if it was a work − part of the storyline. The line has been blurred between reality and fiction, and there's been plenty of material to suggest both sides of the argument are correct. So, what really is the truth?
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Why R-Truth saga could have been a work
The suspicion of it being a storyline came in the Money in the Bank postshow. WWE chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque briefly mentioned it during his opening statement, and a USA TODAY Sports reporter asked him whether R-Truth was actually released, and if so, how much did the fan response play a role in it. Levesque smirked and gave a blunt answer.
"I love the question. Enjoying the show?" Levesque said. "All part of the show man."
While not much said, Levesque's comment heavily implied all of it led to stunning moment at Money in the Bank. Perhaps R-Truth's announcement was fake and was meant to draw heat. Fans were upset and wanting him back, so when he did come back, the crowd would go wild and feel pleased.
Why R-Truth's contract expiration, return was likely real
Levesque's comment drew plenty of criticism online, with fans claiming he was trying to cover himself and the company from the decision to let R-Truth's contract expire, leading to why there's strong belief all of it was real.
Several WWE stars voiced their sadness with R-Truth's departure after the announcement, from Rhea Ripley, Damian Priest, The Miz and Kevin Owens. Ripley even posted a picture of her wearing one of his shirts during Raw. The reaction from stars also indicated how stunned yet pleased with R-Truth's comeback. Commentator Cathy Kelly was emotional when discussing it on the post show, and Cody Rhodes said the fans let it be known he had to come back
"You guys wanted R-Truth, and it's always our job, everybody here, Triple H, Nick Khan, to give you what you want, so thank you guys for letting us know," he said.
Plus, the man himself let it be known how the fan response led to his return. On social media, R-Truth said "no work" in response to someone claiming fans got fooled, and in another comment, mentioned how much fans helped bring him back.
Several reports also indicate none of it was fake. Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp reported people within the company didn't believe it was a work, and PWInsider.com reported a deal between R-Truth and WWE came together within 72 hours prior to Money in the Bank. Ross also added R-Truth ignored WWE's attempts throughout the week to reconnect, and WWE president Nick Khan was instrumental in getting a new deal done. R-Truth's son, Christopher Killings, posted on Instagram "congrats on the new deal dad."
The complete truth likely won't be revealed for some time, but it appears WWE realized the mistake it made in not coming up with a new contract for someone beloved by fans and fellow wrestlers. The company heard its fans. The outrage that ensued made the company realize how much of an asset he was, and now the 53-year-old is back for potentially one grand last run in WWE.
It may be a new version of R-Truth appearing as well. The attack on Cena was far from the comedic, outgoing person he had been known to be, and WWE Shop addressed him on social media as his real name, Ron Killings. Regardless of what happens next, the wrestling world is ecstatic to see him back.
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