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R-Truth Once Pitched Wild Idea For John Cena Feud

R-Truth Once Pitched Wild Idea For John Cena Feud

Newsweeka day ago
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
WWE veteran R-Truth has revealed a fascinating, scrapped creative pitch that would have involved the current Undisputed WWE Champion, John Cena, in his recent character transformation. On a new podcast appearance, Truth explained his original idea for the memorable moment when he cut off his iconic dreadlocks.
Speaking on The Ringer Wrestling Show, R-Truth (Ron Killings) said that he wanted his former hero, John Cena, to be the one to do the haircut. The moment would have been a powerful display of villainy from the newly-heel Cena.
A Scrapped Moment of Villainy
R-Truth explained his thought process behind the pitch. He felt that having the man his character had idolized for years be the one to shear his dreadlocks would have been a hugely impactful story.
"(I was) actually trying to get (John) Cena to cut my hair. For real," Truth said. He acknowledged that the idea ultimately was not going to happen, but it was his initial pitch for the segment.
A Bizarre and Beloved History
The pitch was rooted in years of on-screen history between R-Truth and John Cena. During his popular "Little Jimmy" era, R-Truth's character viewed John Cena as his childhood hero. This one-sided admiration was a long-running and beloved part of Truth's comedic persona.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 06: R-Truth and The Miz react after winning a six-pack tag team ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship during Night One of WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field...
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 06: R-Truth and The Miz react after winning a six-pack tag team ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship during Night One of WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field on April 06, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More
Alex BierensFor the now-vicious heel John Cena to have been the one to destroy a signature part of his biggest fan's identity would have been the ultimate act of betrayal and villainy. It would have generated incredible heat for Cena and immense sympathy for the new, more serious R-Truth.
More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match
A Fan-Fueled Comeback
R-Truth was given the opportunity for this character reinvention after a whirlwind month. In June, it was reported that his WWE contract was not being renewed. The news was met with a massive outcry from both fans and his fellow WWE superstars, which led to the company reversing its decision and bringing him back at the Money in the Bank premium live event.
Upon his return, he cut his dreadlocks and debuted a more serious demeanor, signaling a new chapter in his long career. While the company ultimately chose to have him cut his hair himself, his revelation about the original pitch provides a fascinating "what if" scenario and a glimpse into the kind of deep, character-driven storytelling that was considered.
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For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
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