WWE has announced the removal of two of its experienced performers, Carlito and R-Truth, in a move that has shocked the wrestling community. Both wrestlers have made a lasting impact on the WWE landscape and are well-known for their charm, skill in the ring, and important contributions to the company.
R-Truth: The Entertainer Extraordinaire
For 17 years, Ronnie Killings—better known by his ring the name, R-Truth—has been a mainstay in the WWE. At 53, he continued to be a favorite among fans of all ages due to his unmatched energy and hilarious timing. After his contract ended and WWE decided not to renew it, his exit was officially announced. Given his previous participation in high-profile fights, like as a fight against John Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24, 2025, and a follow-up match on SmackDown versus JC Matteo, this choice shocked many.
Throughout his illustrious career, R-Truth achieved numerous accolades:
- Two-time United States Champion
- Two-time Tag Team Champion
- Record-setting 54-time WWE 24/7 Champion
Before his WWE tenure, Killings made history in TNA as the first recognized Black NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
The wrestling world reacted with an outpouring of support. WWE stars like Kevin Owens, The Miz, and Natalya Neidhart praised his contributions, with Owens calling him an “incredible, timeless performer” and The Miz reminiscing about their time as “The Awesome Truth.”
Carlito: The Cool Caribbean
Following WWE’s decision to not extend his contract, Carlos Colón Jr., popularly known as Carlito, also faced release. In 2023, Carlito—a former U.S., Intercontinental, and Tag Team Champion—joined the Judgment Day stable after a brief absence.
Carlito added a distinctive flair to the ring with his easygoing manner and trademark apple-spitting taunt. Fans and peers alike were shocked and disappointed by his release, just as they were by R-Truth’s. On social media, Carlito made amusing comments regarding WWE’s choice and thanked fans, hinting to a potential comeback in the far future.
Fan and Industry Reaction
Not everyone has overlooked the simultaneous release of these two adored characters. Supporting and outraged messages were sent on social media by fans. Another WWE superstar, Naomi, expressed her disappointment by saying, “I hate this so much,” echoing the feelings of many in the wrestling world.
There have also been opinions from industry insiders. The decision to release R-Truth was greeted by “shock and disbelief” among WWE superstars, according to wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp, who highlighted the significant influence he had on his peers.
Final Thoughts: End of an Era, Start of New Chapters
R-Truth and Carlito’s releases signal the end of WWE’s multigenerational traditions. R-Truth’s 17-year run, which included several on-screen reimagining, demonstrated flexibility in a field that is characterized by change. Carlito’s roots in his father’s Puerto Rican wrestling family gave his time in the WWE a vintage feel in a contemporary setting.
Despite the end of their WWE careers, both athletes leave behind a wealth of memories—laughs, unforgettable fights, and championship gold. Fans can only hope for future appearances, cross-promotional returns, or even legends’ WrestleManias comebacks as Carlito’s “cool” swagger takes his act elsewhere and R-Truth’s “Little Jimmy” enjoys a world without constant chaos.
For now, WWE bids farewell to two icons whose contributions shaped a generation. Their departures underscore WWE’s evolving roster and business strategy, yet their legacies remain eternally etched in sports-entertainment history.
For a glimpse into R-Truth and Carlito’s dynamic in the ring, watch this highlight from SmackDown: