Wrestling fans have been rocked by R-Truth’s WWE departure are facing news of been news another substantial exit from WWE.
Sunday saw the shock announcement that R-Truth, a veteran of the company and one of its most popular stars, would be let go.
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The company, according to the grappler himself, is opting not to renew the star’s contract despite his status in performing in a headline match against John Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event just over a week ago.
Truth, real name Ron Killings, has spent 17 years under the WWE umbrella in what is his second spell there, but will now exit – seemingly imminently – with news his deal is up.
Tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike who were taken aback by the unexpected news, arguably the most poignant coming from Kevin Owens.
The hard-hitting Canadian, currently sidelined with injury, penned 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.
“[Ron] 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.”
No sooner had the wrestling community digested that difficult news, another long-serving name announced his own departure.
Multi-time former champion Carlito made his WWE debut in 2004 and quickly won the United States Championship in his first match.
The cheeky and charismatic star, who later captured the Intercontinental Championship and also held the WWE Tag Team Titles alongside his brother Primo, left in 2010 but made returns in 2021 and, latterly 2023.
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In recent months been a staple part of The Judgement Day, aiding new Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio to memorable victories among other bad-guy chicanery.
He, too, will be heading for the WWE exit door, however, confirming on X that the company have similarly opted against offering him fresh terms.
“My contract is up in 2 weeks,” he wrote. It will not be renewed.”
Rarely one to avoid the chance to crack a joke, the star went on to brutally quip: “On top of that, WWE is demanding I pay back the $ they paid me for apparently “stealing money” from the company.
“I’ve had my lawyers look into it and after reviewing my footage on Netflix for the past months they suggested I pay them back the money.”
In signing off, the 46-year-old said: “All jokes aside, gracias WWE & especially the WWE universe. Los quiero mucho!
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“PS…I’ll reappear again in another 13yrs. Dios me los bendiga!”
In response, fans were clearly in no doubt about what they’d miss most about the apple-spitting sensation.
“Man! Gonna miss your funny one-liners, wish we could have gotten more,” one retorted. “Hopefully we see you again soon!!”
Another added: “Super glad we got another Carlito run! Thanks for all the sacrifices over the years!”
WWE will power ahead into the future armed with a litany of remaining big-name stars but, undoubtedly, they will be a few smiles lighter with the departures of Truth and Carlito.
