R-Truth surprised the wrestling community today by revealing that WWE decided not to renew his contract, ending his nearly 17-year tenure with the company. Just days before the announcement, he had a prominent match against the highly regarded WWE Champion John Cena.
The news has left both fans and WWE insiders puzzled. Sources within WWE described the release of this well-liked locker room veteran as bewildering. One source labeled the situation as “complete nonsense,” while another described it as “ruthless.” The reaction inside WWE was notably different from previous releases, with a strong sense of disbelief among staff.
Adding to the confusion, R-Truth’s recent “Loncina” shirt, which he wore during the build-up of his feud with his “childhood idol” John Cena, was one of the company’s best sellers. Additionally, there are suggestions that R-Truth may own the rights to his signature theme song “What’s Up,” originally created for his TNA run from 2002 to 2007.
The exact end date of R-Truth’s contract or any non-compete clauses remain undisclosed. Unlike typical releases that include a 90-day non-compete period, it’s possible R-Truth’s contract simply expired, allowing him to pursue other opportunities right away. Similar instances have occurred before, such as former WWE NXT star Shotzi Blackheart being able to sign with MLW shortly after her contract expiration.
Fan Take: R-Truth’s departure is a significant moment in WWE history, given his longstanding role and popularity. For fans, it marks the end of an era, and for the sport, it opens up questions about WWE’s future direction and roster strategy.
