Did WWE release R-Truth and Carlito? Wrestling world reacts to contractual status updates of veteran wrestlers

Gilbert McGregor

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Did WWE release R-Truth and Carlito? Wrestling world reacts to contractual status updates of veteran wrestlers image

Sunday, two posts sent shockwaves throughout the WWE and wrestling community.

It began when WWE veteran R-Truth posted on X (formerly Twitter) to share that he had been released by WWE, causing many to wonder if his account had been compromised. Hours later, Carlito posted similar news, drawing a similar reaction, though the earlier news had made Carlito's release feel more believable.

The timing was surprising as the company recently released several wrestlers, as WWE has often done shortly after WrestleMania most years. With those releases in the rearview mirror, many thought the rest of the roster was relatively safe. As the dust begins to settle from each announcement, fans are now working to decipher what's real, what isn't and what's next.

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The Sporting News peels back a layer from the news, exploring the details behind each reported departure, including relevant details about R-Truth and Carlito's history in the industry.

Did WWE release R-Truth?

R-Truth technically was not released, but he will be parting ways with WWE. The sports entertainment juggernaut has decided not to renew R-Truth's contract when it expires this year, as confirmed by Fightful.com's Sean Ross Sapp.

R-Truth took to X on Sunday, June 1, to share the news with his followers, posting that "I just got released from WWE. 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."

R-Truth debuted with WWE all the way back in 1998 under the name K-Kwik and was paired with current WWE writer and former D-X member "Road Dogg" Jesse James. He was released in 2002, but WWE brought him back in 2008 where he will remain until his current contract runs out. 

While R-Truth was mostly used in a comedic role at this stage of his career, it was a role that he exceled at. His work with Judgment Day was a highlight of Raw every week. His interactions with Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Finn Balor and "Dirty" Dominick Mysterio captured the attention of a whole new generation of fans. 

Even though he was utilized primarily in a comedic role, the news comes on the heels of him facing off against WWE legend John Cena on NBC's nationally broadcast Saturday Night's Main Event. While he predictably came up short against the future Hall of Famer in the midst of his retirement tour, his impending departure from the company was a shock. By all reports, he was universally loved and respected backstage. 

How old is R-Truth?

R-Truth is 53 years old. He was born on Jan. 19, 1972, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

What is R-Truth's real name?

R-Truth's real name is Ron Killings. He uses his real name on social media handles, which is where he shared the news.

Reactions to R-Truth leaving WWE

There have been widespread reactions to R-Truth's departure.

Did WWE release Carlito?

Like with R-Truth, technically WWE did not release Carlito. Instead, Carlito announced himself that his contract was also going to run out and not be renewed by the company. 

Carlito is another long-time veteran of sports entertainment and has had multiple runs with WWE. He burst on to the WWE scene as Carlito Caribbean Cool and defeated John Cena for the United States Championship in his debut match. He signed with WWE in 2003 before getting called up the main roster in 2004. Spouting his famous catchphrase, "I spit in the face of people who don't want to be cool," Carlito would take a bite out of his trademark apple and after a few chews, spit the pieces into his adversary's face. 

Carlito was a prominent figure in the company for several years but was released in 2010 after a violation of the WWE Wellness Program. Carlito was absent from WWE programming for quite some time after his release, but he made a surprise appearance at the 2021 Royal Rumble. Despite looking to be in phenomenal shape and garnering a huge reaction, after a match on Raw the next night, he was gone once again. 

He returned once again to help recording artist Bad Bunny defeat Damian Priest in his native Puerto Rico. Later that year he resurfaced and before long ended up joining the Judgment Day faction. Like R-Truth, Carlito was used sparingly in actual matches, but his comedic timing provided plenty of laughs for WWE fans. 

How old is Carlito?

Carlito is 46 years old. He was born on Feb. 21, 1979, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

What is Carlito's real name?

Carlito's real name is Carlos Colón Coates Jr. 

Reactions to Carlito leaving WWE

Carlito shared the news with a post to X, writing, "My contract is up in 2 weeks. It will not be renewed." Following the announcement, an outpouring of reactions started coming from the wrestling community.

WWE releases 2025

R-Truth and Carlito are the latest two in a long list of WWE releases and departures in 2025. Here is an updated look:

  • Duke Hudson
  • Blair Davenport
  • Luke Gallows
  • Karl Anderson
  • Cedric Alexander
  • Giovanni Vinci
  • The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar)
  • Paul Ellering
  • Sonya Deville
  • Isla Dawn
  • Elektra Lopez
  • Braun Strowman
  • Dakota Kai
  • Shayna Baszler
  • Katana Chance
  • Kayden Carter
  • Cora Jade
  • Jakara Jackson
  • Oro Mensah
  • Javier Bernal
  • Riley Osborne
  • Gigi Dolin
  • Shotzi
  • Gallus
  • Dani Palmer
  • Eddy Thorpe
  • R-Truth
  • Carlito
  • Valhalla (formerly Sara Logan)

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.