WWE brutally cuts ties with wrestling legend who took on John Cena just days ago

R-Truth stunned WWE fans on Sunday when he announced his near-20-year run with the company was over after being released just days on from taking on John Cena.

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event

R-Truth has been released by WWE (Image: Getty)

WWE fans have been left devastated after beloved superstar R-Truth announced he had been released by the company.

His last match under the banner was at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Tampa, Florida, just eight days ago, taking on WWE champion John Cena in a non-title match.

The 53-year-old, whose real name is Ron Killings, debuted in WWE under the name K-Kwik in 1999. He first parted ways with the company in 2001 and had a run with TNA before returning to the WWE fold in 2008, and he has remained with the company since.

R-Truth has long been a fan favorite thanks not only to his skills in the ring but also his sense of humor, which made his character among the most colorful on the WWE roster.

Although he has spent much of his career as a mid-card performer, Killings is no stranger to the spotlight. He held the United States, hardcore, and tag-team titles twice, respectively, across his two runs in WWE.

WrestleMania 40

R-Truth won the tag-team titles with The Miz at Wrestlemania 40 last year (Image: Getty)

“I’m sorry to inform you all. I just got released from WWE,” he posted on social media on Sunday. “I want to thank WWE for the ride, but mostly I want to thank each and every one of you who was along for the ride, Thank you for all the love, support, and appreciation you have given me over the years. Thank you.”

Former NFL All-Pro turned ‘Monday Night Raw’ announcer Pat McAfee took to social media to share his disappointment. He wrote: “I love Ron Killings. 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. Thank you Truth.”

DON'T MISS

Wrestling legend Brian James, who performed as Road Dogg in the 1990s and 2000s, said: “I am heartbroken. It’s the nature of the beast; the part of business that no one likes but the bean counters. I love Ron ‘The Truth’ Killings and I don’t care who knows it. What a run!”

Two-time WWE women’s champion Rhea Ripley wrote: “In all seriousness, this is literally so heartbreaking. Thank you Truth.”

Ex-NXT champion Carmelo Hayes said: “Thank you for everything you’ve done for the business, the doors you opened and being a real O.G. to the whole locker room. Taught me a lot about the game and how to navigate this business. Ron Killings is timeless!”

Former WWE star Richochet, who now competes in AEW, added: “You're an amazing talent and an even better person. Go enjoy your life unc!”