'Heartbreaking': R-Truth announces shocking split with WWE after 17-year run
R-Truth has been a consistent presence on the WWE roster since 2008. (Michael Owens/WWE via Getty Images)
Ron Killings, best known under his WWE ring name R-Truth, is parting ways with the company he's called home for nearly two decades.
Killings announced the shocking news Sunday on social media:
"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."
Sean Ross Sapp subsequently reported that Killings' contract is set to expire without a planned renewal, rather than WWE releasing him outright.
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Killings, 53, made his final WWE appearance this past Friday on "WWE SmackDown," when he lost a short match to JC Mateo. The match came after Killings performed in his highest-profile WWE spot in several years, wrestling the current Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena on May 25 at Saturday Night's Main Event.
The news of Killings' departure quickly sent shockwaves throughout the WWE roster, eliciting several responses from major WWE superstars like Rhea Ripley, Kevin Owens and Big E.
Killings enjoyed a brief first stint with WWE from 1999 to 2001 before leaving and becoming a notable name in NWA and TNA. In NWA, he was a two-time world champion and two-time tag-team champion. He also held tag-team gold in TNA.
Sunday's stunning announcement ends a 17-year run with WWE for Killings, which saw him become a fan-favorite and capture the U.S. Championship twice, in addition to having two separate tag-team title reigns with The Miz and Kofi Kingston. Most of all, Killings was known for his incredible comedy work, which ultimately saw WWE create an entire title concept for him, the 24/7 Championship, from 2019-22. He held the title 54 times.
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