R Truth released: WWE veteran leaves company, alongside Carlito of Judgement Day
WWE veteran Ron Killings, widely known as R-Truth, has announced his departure from the company after nearly 20 years of on-and-off tenure. It comes on the heels of Carlito, member of the Judgement Day, also announcing his contract won't be renewed.
The 53-year-old performer confirmed the news on social media Sunday, saying he had been released from his contract.
'I want to thank WWE for the ride,' R-Truth wrote on X, 'but MOSTLY I want to thank each and EVERYONE OF YOU who was along for the ride.'
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
Killings' announcement comes shortly after fellow veteran Carlito reportedly informed the promotion of his exit as well, marking the end of an era for two fan-favourite performers known for their charisma and versatility in the ring.
R-Truth's departure follows a brief yet headline-grabbing storyline with John Cena, part of the latter's ongoing farewell tour.
The feud culminated in a press conference brawl and an in-ring defeat for R-Truth at the hands of Cena. More recently, R-Truth suffered a televised loss to JC Mateo on Friday Night SmackDown.
A two-time United States Champion and multiple-time tag titleholder, R-Truth is best known for his comedic timing and record-breaking reign as WWE 24/7 Champion—having won the belt an astonishing 54 times.
He first joined WWE in 1999 under the name K-Kwik and returned in 2008 after a stint in TNA Wrestling.
Carlito, who had also returned to WWE in recent years after a long hiatus, also announced that his contract won't be renewed by WWE.
My contract is up in 2 weeks. It will not be renewed. 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… pic.twitter.com/H7depyZt5g — carlito (@Litocolon279) June 1, 2025
He had been an active member of the Judgement Day, appearing weekly on Monday Night Raw.
Both exits come at a time of transition within WWE, as the promotion continues to reshape its roster following WrestleMania 41.
R-Truth's next move remains unknown. At 53, he remains one of the sport's most enduring entertainers, with fans and colleagues expressing widespread admiration across social media following his announcement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Cate Blanchett shocks fans with Squid Game season 3 cameo
Cate Blanchett makes a surprise cameo in the final moments of Squid Game Season 3, which was released globally on June 27, 2025. She plays a mysterious recruiter in what appears to be a US based extension of the deadly game. The scene is set in Los Angeles, where Blanchett's character engages in a game of ddakji with a man on the street mirroring the original recruitment method from Season 1. After delivering a slap and handing over the familiar invitation card, she walks away, while the Front Man observes the interaction from a distance. The brief yet impactful appearance has led to immediate speculation about a potential American spin-off of the series. Show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk confirmed Blanchett's involvement was kept under wraps and praised her for filming the scene in a single take. He noted her charisma and precision made her an ideal fit for the teaser-style role. Though Netflix has not officially confirmed an American version of Squid Game, industry reports suggest development discussions are underway. Blanchett's cameo is being interpreted by fans and critics as a strategic setup for a global franchise expansion. Season 3 continued Seong Gi-hun's journey and expanded on the international scope of the Squid Game operations. Reviews have been mostly positive, praising the show's sustained tension, thematic complexity, and the unexpected twist in its closing moments. Blanchett's role, brief but symbolically loaded adds a new layer to the series' evolving universe, possibly positioning her as a central figure in future installments beyond South Korea.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
'Squid Game' recap: Everything to remember ahead of Season 3 launch
Netflix's global hit Squid Game returns for its third and final season today. Ahead of the highly anticipated release, here are the key developments from Season 2 that fans need to remember, which expanded the story beyond the original deadly contest. Season 2 followed Seong Gi-hun as he launched his own search for the game's architect, sending henchmen to locate the mysterious Recruiter. A tense face-off ended with the Recruiter's death in a rigged game of Russian roulette, revealing deeper corruption in the system. Meanwhile, detective Jun-ho resumed his investigation, uncovering Gi-hun's headquarters and chasing fresh leads on the island's location. The series also introduced new perspectives. Kang No-eul, a North Korean defector, entered the games disguised as a guard in hopes of finding her daughter. A crypto scammer, a shaman, and a mother-son duo were among the desperate contestants caught in a web of betrayal and shifting alliances. Games like the Six-Legged Pentathlon initially fostered cooperation, but the structure quickly collapsed under pressure, with non-game violence escalating tensions. An attempted rebellion by Gi-hun and allies inside the dormitory was short-lived, culminating in the Front Man infiltrating their ranks and killing Jung-bae. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has teased a 'hopeful' but emotionally intense finale. As viewers prepare for the concluding chapter, Season 2's expanding narrative and psychological complexity set the stage for what may be the series' most dramatic turn yet. Squid Game Season 3 premieres on Netflix at 12 am PT / 3 am ET.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Court issues new orders against Liver King following release after Joe Rogan threats
Brian Johnson, known as the "Liver King," has been released from jail after posting a $20,000 bond following his arrest on charges of making terroristic threats against podcaster Joe Rogan. Johnson, 47, was arrested on June 24 in Austin, Texas, after police contacted Rogan, who expressed concern over Johnson's online posts, which he believed were threatening. Johnson's arrest took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, where he was booked for a terroristic threat causing fear of imminent bodily harm. In addition to posting bond, Johnson is subject to a restraining order that requires him to stay at least 200 yards away from Rogan and his family members. The court also mandated that Johnson undergo a mental health evaluation within a week of his release (Travis County Court records). Despite the legal trouble, Johnson resumed posting on Instagram, where he has 3 million followers, and continued to claim that he wanted to fight Rogan. In one video, Johnson said, 'We came here to pick a fight, and we're gonna do it,' further addressing Rogan with, 'I would love to man-to-man challenge you to a fucking fight. No one's going to die. But I hope we'll both get hurt.' Johnson even made a joke about his conflict being with actor Seth Rogen, while also revealing that he was wearing an ankle bracelet and had a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. The situation stems from comments Rogan made on his podcast, 'The Joe Rogan Experience,' where he criticized Johnson's steroid use and mocked his 'ancestral diet.' Despite this, Rogan told the police he had never interacted with Johnson before, and it's unclear what motivated Johnson's public feud. Johnson's controversy further escalated with the release of Netflix's documentary, "Untold: The Liver King," which exposed his steroid use after promoting an all-natural, ancestral lifestyle online.
