WWE Fans in Outrage After Superstar Reveals He Has Been Released After 26 Years as Naomi Slams ‘I Hate This So Much’
WWE fans are reeling from the shocking announcement that veteran superstar Ron Killings, best known as R-Truth, has been released by the company after an astonishing 26 years of service. The 53-year-old comedy icon, who first signed with WWE (then WWF) in 1999, confirmed the news on social media, sparking widespread backlash and tributes. Fellow WWE star Naomi, a longtime colleague and friend, expressed her heartbreak with the poignant statement, “I hate this so much,” amplifying the emotional outpouring from the wrestling community.
The Announcement: R-Truth’s Heartfelt Farewell After a Legendary Career
Ron Killings, performing under the ring name R-Truth, took to Instagram on September 8, 2025, to share the news of his departure from WWE. In a emotional post, he reflected on his journey, stating, “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. Thank you for all the love, support, and appreciation you have given me over the years.” The post included highlights from his career, from his early days as K-Kwik to his iconic 24/7 Championship reigns and tag team success with The Miz.
Killings’ tenure with WWE spans multiple eras, beginning with a developmental contract in 1999. He debuted on the main roster in 2001 as K-Kwik, later evolving into R-Truth, a character known for his hilarious segments and unexpected title pursuits. His longevity—26 years—makes him one of the longest-tenured performers in WWE history, with memorable moments like winning the RAW Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania XL in 2024 alongside The Miz, marking his first WrestleMania victory.
The release comes amid WWE’s ongoing roster adjustments under Triple H’s creative direction, though specifics on the decision remain undisclosed. Reports indicate WWE talent representatives contacted Killings over the weekend, catching many by surprise given his popularity and recent contributions.
Naomi’s Reaction: ‘I Hate This So Much’ Echoes Fan Sentiment
Naomi, whose real name is Trinity Fatu and who is married to Jimmy Uso (R-Truth’s nephew through the Anoa’i family), was quick to voice her dismay. On her Instagram story, she reshared a throwback TikTok video of herself and R-Truth, captioning it with the simple yet powerful words: “I hate this so much.” This reaction, posted shortly after the announcement, has resonated deeply with fans, highlighting the personal connections within WWE’s extended family.
Naomi, a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion and former Women’s World Champion, has shared a long history with R-Truth, including joint appearances and storylines. Her emotional response underscores the human side of WWE’s business decisions, especially as she navigates her own maternity leave after announcing her pregnancy in August 2025 and vacating the Women’s World Championship. Fans have praised Naomi for her authenticity, with many interpreting her words as a broader frustration with WWE’s release patterns.
Background: R-Truth’s Storied WWE Legacy and Recent Context
R-Truth’s career is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Starting as a rapper under the K-Kwik gimmick, he transitioned into a comedic powerhouse, captivating audiences with his oblivious antics, such as mistaking John Cena for “Little Jimmy” or chasing the 24/7 Championship in absurd scenarios. His accolades include multiple tag team titles, a United States Championship, and a reputation as one of WWE’s most entertaining performers.
The release follows a pattern of WWE cuts in 2025, including high-profile departures like Braun Strowman and Shayna Baszler earlier in the year, which also drew Naomi’s public upset. Despite his age and injury history, R-Truth remained active, competing in tag matches and providing levity to RAW episodes. Insiders speculate the decision may stem from budget reallocations ahead of WWE’s expansion plans, but fans argue his value as a veteran mentor and draw outweighs any cost-saving measures.
Killings’ exit comes at a poignant time, just months after his WrestleMania triumph and amid family milestones like Naomi’s pregnancy, which he celebrated as part of the “Bloodline” extension.
Fan Outrage and Tributes: Social Media Erupts in Support
WWE fans have flooded social media with outrage and heartfelt tributes, trending #ThankYouRTruth and #SaveRTruth worldwide. On X (formerly Twitter), posts lamented the loss of a “comedy king,” with one viral thread stating, “26 years? WWE, what are you doing? R-Truth is irreplaceable!” garnering over 100,000 likes. Reddit’s r/SquaredCircle subreddit saw threads explode with discussions, fans sharing clips of his funniest moments and calling the release “tone-deaf” amid WWE’s record profits.
Many highlighted R-Truth’s role in elevating younger talent and his crossover appeal, including appearances in movies and music. Petitions for his return have circulated, while memes juxtapose his “What’s up?” catchphrase with the shocking news. The backlash echoes reactions to past releases, but R-Truth’s longevity has intensified the fury, with some accusing WWE of undervaluing its legends.
Wrestling personalities like The Miz and John Cena have also chimed in, with Cena posting a video tribute praising Killings as “the heart of WWE entertainment.”
Impact on WWE Fans and the Wrestling Landscape
For U.S. wrestling enthusiasts, R-Truth’s release feels like the end of an era, depriving fans of his unique brand of humor that bridged generations. Economically, it could affect WWE’s merchandise sales and event attendance, as R-Truth was a consistent draw for family-friendly content. Lifestyle-wise, it prompts reflection on the transient nature of pro wrestling careers, encouraging fans to cherish live shows while advocating for better veteran support.
Politically neutral, the story ties into broader tech and media discussions on content creation, as R-Truth’s social media savvy amplified his reach. For sports entertainment fans, it underscores WWE’s shift toward younger talent, potentially opening doors for independents but at the cost of nostalgia. With Naomi’s reaction adding emotional weight, this could spark internal conversations on roster management.
Conclusion: A Bitter End to a Golden Run
The release of R-Truth after 26 years has ignited a firestorm of outrage among WWE fans, with Naomi’s raw “I hate this so much” capturing the collective heartbreak. As one of wrestling’s most beloved entertainers bids farewell, the wrestling world pauses to honor his contributions—from K-Kwik to 24/7 chaos king.
Looking ahead, R-Truth’s future may lie in independent promotions, acting, or even a potential return if fan pressure mounts. For WWE, this serves as a reminder of the loyalty long-term stars command. Fans, hold onto the laughs and “Wooos”—Truth’s legacy endures, even if his WWE chapter closes.