WWE Backstage Reaction To R-Truth's Release

A new report has shed light on the backstage reaction to the news that WWE star R-Truth has been released.

Fans were shocked at the news that the 53-year-old was being let go, since many assumed the veteran was set to be a WWE lifer.

Fightful Select reported that a number of talent spoke to Truth after he was informed by a talent relations employee that his contract would not be renewed once it expires. They noted that the talent who spoke to him were confused by the decision to release him, as was Truth himself.

Truth was reportedly told that he hadn't done anything wrong and it wasn't a case of him being in trouble. On the contrary, he had just worked a programme with WWE Champion John Cena and had one of the bestselling t-shirts of recent weeks with his 'Ron Cena' shirt.

Fightful's report revealed that Truth's departure was met with complete shock and disbelief, with one top talent calling the decision "nonsense", while another branded the current WWE regime as "ruthless". It was by far the most criticised and universally disliked WWE departure that Fightful have covered in its near 10-year existence.

PWInsider reiterated that there was a widespread feeling of disbelief within WWE when the news broke, with some initially believing he had been hacked or was playing a joke. A few people wondered whether he had been given an ambassador-type role, similar to the one Titus O'Neil has, and if not, why not?

One talent commented that Truth's release made them feel as if nothing is guaranteed, while another noted that it made them want to get their next WWE contract locked down well in advance.

Truth could potentially use the name Ron "The Truth" Killings outside of WWE, as he did in previous years when working for TNA and other promotions. There was immediate interest from top indies in booking the former WWE United States Champion, though it's unclear when his WWE deal officially expires.

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