6 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown (15 Aug - Results & Review)
5. R-Truth Or Ron Killings?
Last week, this very writer blasted WWE for reverting to type with R-Truth and having him act like a comedic fanboy to John Cena all over again, but his work here piqued interest. Truth turned into “Mr. Killings” real quick when Aleister Black got right in his face and spoke about Damian Priest. “Your other friend” triggered Ron.
His switch from goofy Truth to serious Killings was excellent, and more of this characterisation has potential. You've got to call ‘em how you see ‘em and rank individual segments on their own merits, and it’s interesting to think that Truth/Killings has split personalities that come to the fore depending on what he’s doing or who he happens to be talking to at any particular time.
With babyface Cena, he's fun-loving and happy. When confronted by somebody like Aleister, he shifts into a darker, more violent and menacing character. That could be further nuanced if Killings keeps switching his demeanour week to week. The way he quickly put his cap on backwards when Black showed up to play wind up was a neat touch.
It was like he was trying to convince himself that being tough is the only way to deal with Aleister's threat. Meanwhile, he can afford to keep laidback and silly around Cena again. No, it isn't ideal that Truth has gone from red hot comeback king to afterthought, but he deserves praise for how he handled this skit.
It'd be nice to see more of these in the future, and for Truth to turn into Killings mid-match.