Latest news with #Killings
National Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- National Post
WWE mainstay receives overwhelming show of support after shocking release from company
After his nearly two-decade run with World Wrestling Entertainment came to a shocking end over the weekend, the testament to Ron Killings' legacy isn't his in-ring work, his promos or his character changes over the years. Article content Article content It's not his title history. Not the catchphrases. Not the humorous, unforgettable and original material he left fans in stitches with. Not the fact that he was the oldest (53 years old) WWE talent on the roster yet appeared ageless. Not his character's obsession with John Cena. Not the fact that he was among the longest-serving and most loyal employees in company history. Article content Article content But rather, it was the rare, universal outpouring of love for a man who just seemed to love and appreciate what he had been given and what he continued to earn. Article content Killings, known to wrestling fans as the lovable R Truth, stunned the wrestling world with a simple Tweet on Sunday. Article content 'I'm sorry to inform you all. I just got released from WWE,' he wrote. Article content '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' Article content 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 Article content Article content At first, fans weren't sure what they'd read was even real. Given Killings' unique and creative sense of humour, many suggested it was a 'work,' lingo for wrestling storyline. But soon, the tributes began to pour in Killings. Article content In my nearly 30-year career covering WWE, not a soul has ever uttered anything but love and respect for Killings., who broke into the business in the late 1990s as K-Kwik. Article content Killings' former tag-team partner, The Miz, was among those who paid homage to Killings on X following his departure. Article content 'Forming Awesome Truth with you was one of the best runs of my career. No one made me laugh harder. Your energy, heart, and smile lit up every room…and every arena. You're not one of a kind, you're one in a lifetime. Love you, Truth. Keep shining.' Article content Forming Awesome Truth with you was one of the best runs of my career. No one made me laugh harder. Your energy, heart, and smile lit up every room…and every arena. You're not one of a kind, you're one in a lifetime. Love you, Truth. Keep shining. ❤️ — The Miz (@mikethemiz) June 1, 2025
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
WWE fans in outrage after superstar reveals he has been RELEASED after 26 years as Naomi slams ‘I hate this so much'
WRESTLING legend Ron Killings - best known as R-Truth - has been released by the WWE in an unexpected move. The 53-year-old confirmed on Sunday he has left the organization after 17 years. 2 R-Truth has been released by the WWE in a surprise move Credit: Getty 2 The decision has been met with shock by WWE stars and fans alike Credit: Getty - Contributor Killings, known by his stage name He became a huge fan favorite in the WWE after joining from Total Nonstop Action, headlining multiple PPV events in the 2010s. But fans were devastated after the Charlotte native revealed he had been let go in "devastating" cuts. "I'm sorry to inform you all. I just got released from WWE," Killings wrote on X. READ MORE ON 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." The post was quickly viewed almost 18 million times. Devastated wrestling fans called for the decision to be reversed, with current WWE stars also weighing in. Most read in Sport "I hate this so much," replied ex-WWE Diva "In all seriousness, this is literally so heartbreaking… Thank you Truth," added WWE star Cathy Kelley turns head in 'mind blowing' bikini and stuns in latest outfit "You're an amazing talent and an even better person. Go enjoy your life unc!" added AEW star Ricochet. "Thank you R-Truth. Your character can never be imitated," said wrestling legend CM Punk. "Embarrassing how they treat a legend," raged one fan. "This is the worse news I've ever heard. Hopefully they are bringing you back to take over for Triple H," added a second. 🏅 Follow all our latest news & stories on WWE. He was informed that his current contract with the organization would not be renewed. The decision "was not due to any misconduct or backstage issues", the outlet adds, citing insider sources. R-Truth was a two-time holder of the United States Championship. He also holds the record for the most reigns of the WWE 24/7 Championship at 54 .
New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
R-Truth receives outpouring of support from WWE stars after stunning release: ‘Immeasurable' void
Ron 'R-Truth' Killings, a fixture in WWE programming for nearly two decades, announced Sunday that he has officially been released from the company. Killings posted on his official X account: '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.' The announcement quickly prompted an outpouring of messages from fellow wrestlers, many of whom reflected on Killings' contributions and legacy as a respected performer in WWE for 17 years. Advertisement 3 R-Truth speaks to the audience during an in-ring promo during SmackDown at First Horizon Center on May 23, 2025. WWE Kevin Owens led the tributes, writing on X: 'I've said many times that there are a few people in this industry for whom I have unlimited respect, love and admiration for. @RonKillings is at the very top of that list. An incredible, timeless performer with an unmatched ability to entertain and bring a smile to anyone he encounters, be it the fans or every single person lucky enough to have had the privilege to work alongside him. His kindness, humility and infectious good nature makes him one of the most beloved people I've met in this industry and the void that his absence will leave in our locker room is immeasurable. I love you, dude.' The Miz, who teamed with Killings as part of 'The Awesome Truth' during a memorable run in 2011, posted to X: 'Forming Awesome Truth with you was one of the best runs of my career. No one made me laugh harder. Your energy, heart, and smile lit up every room…and every arena. You're not one of a kind, you're one in a lifetime. Love you, Truth. Keep shining.' Advertisement Natalya Neidhart added her own tribute, writing: 'You are a class act @RonKillings. You were amazing to me since day one when I met you doing my first independent wrestling show in the U.S. Last week I loved seeing how excited you were for the championship match against John Cena. You remind everyone around the world to never give up on their dreams.' 3 R-Truth celebrates his win during Monday Night RAW at Angel of the Winds Arena on December 2, 2024. WWE via Getty Images Many other tributes poured in from his peers, including Rhea Ripley and Pat McAfee. Other wrestlers who replied to his tweet include Alexa Bliss, Scarlett Bordeaux, Jade Cargill and Trinity Fatu who noted, 'I hate this so much.' Advertisement 'Thank you Truth. For everything. Everything you are as a performer but also everything you are as a person,' wrote Zelina Vega, the women's United States champion. 'You always have an ear and a hug for everyone, you were always so kind to me whether it was an extra just coming in looking to you for advice or as a co-worker getting to laugh with you every week. You're forever a star, a genius, a pro and someone who's presence will always be felt. You're cemented in history as one of the BEST. Love you!!' 3 R-Truth in action against JC Mateo during SmackDown at First Horizon Center on May 30, 2025. WWE via Getty Images Killings' WWE career was notable inside the ring, too. He held the United States Championship twice and was a two-time WWE tag champ — once with Kofi Kingston and once with Miz. Advertisement He also became synonymous with the chaotic 24/7 Championship, claiming the title a record-setting 54 times. Killings recently headlined 'Saturday Night's Main Event' against Cena. Before his WWE resurgence, Killings made history in TNA as the first recognized black NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WWE Releases Unexpected Superstar After John Cena Match
WWE Releases Unexpected Superstar After John Cena Match originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The WWE has released veteran superstar R-Truth on Sunday, according to Fightful reporter Sean Ross Sapp. Advertisement R-Truth, also known as Ron Killings outside of the squared circle, is one of the company's oldest wrestlers at 53. In a post on X from Sunday, he thanked the promotion and its fans, who adored his character for 17 years. 'I'm sorry to inform you all,' Killings wrote. 'I just got released from WWE." He continued, 'I want to thank WWE for the ride, but mostly, I want to thank each and every one 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.' Killings had just competed in a match against the Undisputed WWE champion and his idol, John Cena, at Saturday Night Main Event on May 24 in Tampa, Florida. Cena easily defeated him by way of pinfall before laying out Killings in the middle of the ring. Advertisement Killings is considered a fan-favorite superstar because of his hilarious and sometimes delusional character. He has never won a world championship but captured the United States title twice in 2010 and 2019. John Cena during a Men's Royal Rumble match during the WWE Royal Camporeale-Imagn Images Killings is also the most famous 24/7 champion because he won the belt 53 times during its three-year lifetime from 2019-2022. He also teamed with fellow veteran wrestlers the Miz and Kofi Kingston to win the Tag Team Championships in 2012 and 2024. It is unclear if Killings plans to continue his wrestling career following the departure, but he could sign with rival promotion AEW to join its roster. Advertisement Related: WWE Announce North American Championship Match Set for Tuesday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
WWE dumping beloved R-Truth in shocker
R-Truth is done at WWE. He himself reported on Sunday that he was being 'released,' which stunned many in wrestling, and has since been verified by wrestling reporter Sean Ross Sapp on X, who says Truth will be out of the company when his current deal expires. The 53-year-old, whose real name is Ron Killings, concludes a tenure that spanned over 17 years, much longer than his first stint at the company, which ran from 1999-2001. Advertisement 4 R-Truth is leaving WWE when his contract expires. WWE via Getty Images 4 R-Truth makes his entrance during SmackDown at First Horizon Center on May 30, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. WWE via Getty Images In a heartfelt message shared on X, Killings expressed his gratitude: '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,' he wrote. 'Thank you for all the love, support, and appreciation you have given me over the years. Thank you.' Advertisement There is 'a lot of shock and disbelief within the WWE roster' over Truth being let go, according to Sapp. Killings' departure follows his recent storyline involvement with current WWE Undisputed champion John Cena. At WWE's Saturday Night's Main Event on May 24, Killings faced Cena in a match that ended with Cena cheating to win, marking Killings' final high-profile televised appearance with the company to date. Advertisement He also just wrestled JC Mateo in a match on 'SmackDown' this past Friday. 4 John Cena addresses R-Truth during the WWE Backlash Press Conference at Enterprise Center on May 10, 2025 in St Louis, Missouri. WWE via Getty Images The wrestling community in and out of WWE has responded to Killings' announcement with an outpouring of support. Fellow competitors, including Rhea Ripley and Pat McAfee, took to social media to share their appreciation for Killings' contributions to the company. Advertisement 'In all seriousness, this is literally so heartbreaking… Thank you Truth,' Ripley posted in a reply to Killings' tweet. McAfee added in a separate post, 'I love @RonKillings It's guaranteed joy when he's a part of a segment.. He's also my dad's favorite WWE Superstar of all time. The McAfees are bummed aht but we all know R Truth will continue to bless the world with his BIG ass brain,' he wrote, then adding, 'THANK YOU TRUTH.' 4 R-Truth (l.) and The Miz (r.) celebrate winning the tag team championships at WrestleMania 40. Getty Images Throughout his career, Killings achieved numerous accolades. He is a two-time WWE United States champion, a two-time WWE Tag Team champion, once with Kofi Kingston and another with The Miz, and he holds the record for the most reigns as WWE 24/7 champion, with 54 title wins. Killings has also challenged for the WWE title on multiple occasions. Before his WWE tenure, Killings made history in Total Nonstop Action (TNA) by becoming the first recognized Black NWA World Heavyweight champion, a title he held twice. Advertisement He was also a three-time Tag Team champion in TNA, including once with former NFL cornerback Adam 'Pacman' Jones while the latter was suspended one year from the league in 2007. Killings is most known for his comedic segments and providing levity to various forms of WWE programming, which is now being lamented on social media with the news of his release.
