WWE via Getty WWE star R-Truth said he's been "released" by the company in a statement on X The longtime wrestler apologized to fans as he made the announcement His departure comes amid a feud with wrestling great John Cena WWE star R-Truth, whose real name is Ron Killings, said he's been "released" by the company after nearly two decades. Killings, 53, made the announcement via social media on Sunday, June 1. The popular wrestlerwrote, "I'm sorry to inform you all. I just got released from WWE. I want to thank WWE for the ride, but MOSTLY I want to thank each and EVERYONE OF YOU who was along for the ride," in a post on X. "Thank you for all the love, support, and appreciation you have given me over the years. Thank you," he concluded the message to fans. The announcement inspired a flood of tribute posts honoring R-Truth's career in the WWE. Wrestler Nattie Neidhartsharedphotos with her fellow WWE star and wrote, "You are a class act@RonKillings. You were amazing to me since day one when I met you doing my first independent wrestling show in the U.S." Bradlee Rutledge/WWE via Getty Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Neidhardt, 43, added, "Last week I loved seeing how excited you were for the championship match againstJohn Cena. You remind everyone around the world to never lose that childlike wonder. I'm so proud to call you a friend for life!" Carmelo Hayessaid, "Thank you for everything you've done for the business, the doors you opened and being a real OG to the whole locker room. Taught me a lot about the game and how to navigate this business. Ron Killings is timeless!" ESPN's Pat McAfee paid tribute to the wrestler's career as well, writing, "I love@RonKillings. It's guaranteed joy when he's a part of a segment.. He's also my dad's favorite WWE Superstar of all time. The McAfees are bummed aht but we all know R Truth will continue to bless the world with his BIG ass brain." Before his "release" from the company, R-Truth had been feuding with WWE starJohn Cenaamid the wrestler-turned-actor's farewell tour. The dispute began at WWE Backlash 2025 when R-Truth intervened during Cena's match against Randy Orton. In avideoshared by Bleacher Report, Cena puts R-Truth through a table during a heated press conference. But after R-Truth announced his release, Cena paid his respects to the longtime WWE star on social media. Cena didn't add a caption to his post, but heshareda photo of R-Truth on Instagram one day after the news that R-Truth was leaving the company. Read the original article onPeople
