R-Truth Defends WWE Creative for Getting Rid of His Ron Killings Persona After John Cena’s Babyface Turn
R-Truth recently talked about WWE quickly reverting back to his comedic persona from the more serious Ron Killings who faced John Cena.

John Cena and R-Truth (via WWE)
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When John Cena turned heel at Elimination Chamber earlier this year, fans were excited about the potential for memorable segments and storylines. However, few would have predicted that one of the most prominent angles would involve R-Truth. Known for his comedic skits and longevity, the former NWA World Champion has been around much longer than many realize.
Debuting in 2000, Truth’s biggest moment came 25 years later when he returned at Money in the Bank and attacked a heelish Cena during his tag team match against Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso. This shocking moment came shortly after Truth had been released, following WWE’s decision not to renew his contract.
The WWE Universe, along with fellow wrestlers, reacted strongly and demanded his return. Truth then appeared on Raw, cutting his hair short and adopting the name Ron Killings. He showcased a much more serious and vicious side, a sharp contrast to his comedic persona.
However, when Cena reverted to his babyface role at SummerSlam, Killings also returned to being R-Truth, even sharing a humorous segment with Cena on the August 8th episode of SmackDown. While some fans felt this was justified, others disagreed.
In a recent interview with CBS Sports, Truth addressed both the topic and the criticism WWE creative received for dropping the gimmick after only two months.
I had the world watching me. That was the perfect moment, dog. I seized a moment in time. It went where it was supposed to. Ron Killings created R-Truth. Those hundreds of millions of fans who spoke and up-roared. They wanted R-Truth back. Ron Killings was the rebellious one who spoke up for R-Truth.
R-Truth via CBS Sports
R-Truth responds to criticism of WWE dropping the Ron Killings character:
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) October 16, 2025
"It went where it was supposed to. Ron Killings created R-Truth. Those hundreds of millions of fans who spoke and up-roared. They wanted R-Truth back. Ron Killings was the rebellious one who spoke up for… pic.twitter.com/Zd6opFpE32
R-Truth explained that Ron ‘The Truth’ Killings, an extension of himself that he portrayed before returning to WWE in 2008, never garnered the same fandom as R-Truth.
Ron Killings has been around for years, but people had never come together in lockstep like that. They did that for R-Truth. You feel me? I wanted Ron Killings to go where he was supposed to go. He made a statement; he had eyes on him. When John Cena came back, R-Truth came back. Ron Killings was the cavalry.
R-Truth via CBS Sports
He went even further, suggesting that continuing with the Killings persona would have been a selfish move. After all, it was R-Truth that fans passionately rallied behind following his brief WWE exit in June.
R-Truth talks about the mystery song he recorded with John Cena years ago
One thing John Cena and R-Truth have in common is their love for rap. Both men have showcased their musical talents over the years, and in R-Truth’s case, he is still sitting on what could be an exclusive treasure. As of now, Cena hasn’t released any new music in nearly a decade, with his last appearance being on the WWE 2K15 soundtrack alongside Wiz Khalifa.

But interestingly, R-Truth recently revealed that the two actually recorded a rap song together years ago, one that fans will likely never get to hear. In a new interview with Bleacher Report, Truth shared that he and Cena collaborated on an unreleased track during their time traveling together on the road.
We never had a rap battle, but we used to do this thing on the tour bus, it was myself, Cena, and The Usos, we would always have a cypher on tour buses. But me and Cena did a song like years ago, he came to my house, and we recorded it in my studio upstairs. It will never see the light of day, but there is a song with me and Cena on it.
R-Truth via Bleacher Report
R-Truth says he and John Cena recorded a song together years ago which will never see the light of day:
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) October 16, 2025
"Me and Cena did a song like years ago, he came to my house, and we recorded it in my studio upstairs.
"It will never see the light of day, but there is a song with me and… pic.twitter.com/od0lnDHwn6
When asked why he hasn’t released the song, the 53-year-old compared it to “not knowing what’s in David Copperfield’s hat,” suggesting that it’s something special and mysterious that he prefers to keep private. He explained that the track, titled ‘The Jumpoff,’ was recorded years ago and remains something unique to him.
He even added that while he wouldn’t completely rule out releasing it someday, for now, it’s something he wants to hold on to. While R-Truth recently played a part in Cena’s retirement tour, time is quickly running out for the 17-time world champion.
After his classic match with AJ Styles at Crown Jewel, Cena reportedly has just four appearances left, with the next one taking place on Monday Night Raw in his hometown of Boston.
Gunther will reportedly be John Cena's final opponent.
— Cultaholic Wrestling (@Cultaholic) October 7, 2025
WWE is reportedly planning a tournament with the winning prize being John Cena's final opponent.
(Source: Wrestling Observer) pic.twitter.com/jXU41uxu5g
Rumors suggest he could face Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship at Survivor Series next month, while Gunther is being discussed as a potential final opponent for Cena’s farewell match on December 13.
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