Ron 'R-Truth' Killings Initially IGNORED WWE's Calls To Return - More Backstage Details (WWE News)
Ron 'R-Truth' Killings returned at WWE Money In The Bank, but there were twists along the way
More details have emerged regarding R-Truth’s surprise return to WWE at Saturday's Money In The Bank Premium Live Event, and it turns out the road back wasn't as straightforward as audiences might have initially believed.
According to a new report from Fightful Select, Ron Killings initially ignored WWE's attempts to bring him back. Sources within the company told the outlet that that "early conversations were met with indifference", and "it wasn’t until WWE CEO Nick Khan personally stepped in that real negotiations began". It was noted that this detail was significant because Khan rarely gets directly involved in talent discussions - highlighting just how important R-Truth’s return was viewed internally.
As should be evident by the above and various other aspects of the story that have filtered out over the weekend, Truth’s release and subsequent comeback were not some elaborate work or storyline sleight of hand either, despite Triple H's seeming attempt at teasing that in the Money In The Bank post-show press conference. Per the report; "When Ron Killings (Truth) and WWE brass have been asked directly by talent about the situation, they also stated it wasn't a work".
The report went on to add that those closest to him were left in the dark beyond that, with them later telling others that the deal came together late in the week. Per the Fightful source; "Truth being brought back was something that they viewed as a good sign that the roster and fan response being listened to overcame everything else. As one would expect, the roster is ecstatic about Truth being back with WWE".
Another interesting tidbit concerns the use of his real name in the aftermath of the bombshell return. Based on early indicators, he will go by Ron Killings, and while "there's no concrete word on how WWE plans to book him going forward", one source noted that Killings "wanted to have at least more of a serious run in-ring before ending his career". The first relaunched merchandise since the axing of his "Ron Cena" shirt was one initially released in March that is now being sold as Killings merch rather than with the R-Truth moniker.
It's unknown exactly how long the new deal will run for, though Fightful also noted how GCW and TNA had both shown interest in snapping Killings up before re-signing.