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Real Locker Room Reaction To R-Truth’s WWE “Release” Revealed

By Sridhar Krishnan • Published Jan 20, 2026 13:48 EST

R-Truth was shockingly let go by WWE in June 2025.

On June 1, the veteran wrestler tweeted that the company had released him, thanking everyone who supported him during his decades-long, multiple-stint journey.

The tweet gained traction immediately, with fans and wrestlers flooding the comments section with messages of support.

Over the next few days, multiple reports speculated on the reason, although neither of the two involved parties released a subsequent statement.

Truth’s second stint in the company started in 2008, where he won the United States Championship as well as the Tag Team Championship. During this time, he also became the 54-time 24/7 Champion.

Episode 2 of WWE: Unreal Season 2 sheds light on what went on behind the scenes with R-Truth’s contract.

A brief segment from 19:31 shows the locker room’s reaction to his release, as narrated by Rhea Ripley and Cody Rhodes.

Rhea Ripley: When we first heard that he wasn’t gonna be at work anymore, we were all, like, confused. “This isn’t real.” Like, “What are you talking about?” It was just like a wave of sadness kind of took over everyone here in the WWE.

Cody Rhodes: There’s things that’s, “No.” That’s a no. Can’t touch him. So, I don’t care if we’re paying him…I don’t care. We need R-Truth.

R-Truth Returned At Money In The Bank

WWE’s Money in the Bank PLE in 2025 took place six days after R-Truth’s release on June 7.

In the main even, John Cena teamed up with Logan Paul to take on Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso.

While the referee was distracted in the latter stage of the bout, Cena brought the Undisputed WWE Championship and hit Rhodes with it.

At that point, a hooded figure ran into the ring and attacked Cena by throwing a flurry of punches before nailing him with the title. The individual revealed himself to be Truth as the fans cheered.

Truth had made a sudden impact, as Rhodes hit Cena with a Cross Rhodes for the win. The 54-year-old briefly wrestled under his own name Ron Killings before reverting to R-Truth.