Second WWE superstar 'released' in 24 hours during brutal cuts and fans are furious
A second WWE superstar has confirmed their imminent departure from the company less than 24 hours after the beloved R-Truth stunned fans by announcing his release.
Truth, real name Ron Killings, recently faced John Cena for the undisputed WWE championship at Saturday Night's Main Event but shocked the wrestling world on Sunday when he revealed he had just been released by the company after a 17-year run.
The 53-year-old debuted with WWE 26 years ago and was one of the most entertaining performers to step inside the ring.
In a statement on his official X account, Truth thanked WWE for "the ride" and expressed his gratitude to the fans for "the love, support, and appreciation" as wrestlers aplenty reacted to the news.
Advert
But just hours later, it emerged that Truth wasn't the only outgoing from WWE. Former United States champion Carlito confirmed that he is on his way out and he will leave in two weeks when his contract expires.
Debuting by defeating Cena in 2004, Carlito was released back in 2010 and spent 13 years away before making a thunderous return at Backlash in his native Puerto Rico in 2023 and signing a full-time deal off the back of it.
WWE star issues statement confirming departure
The 46-year-old became part of the villainous Judgment Day faction and was primarily involved in backstage segments during his last run.
On social media, Carlito announced his exit with a light-hearted post where he said WWE were demanding he pay them back for "stealing money" and that he would be back again in 13 years.
"My contract is up in 2 weeks. It will not be renewed," Carlito wrote.
"On top of that, WWE is demanding I pay back the $ they paid me for apparently “stealing money” from the company. I’ve had my lawyers look into it and after reviewing my footage on Netflix for the past months they suggested I pay them back the money.
"All jokes aside, gracias WWE & especially the WWE universe. Los quiero mucho! PS…I’ll reappear again in another 13yrs Dios me los bendiga!"
Another entertaining wrestler is leaving the company.
According to a list compiled by the Smackdown Hotel, Carlito and Truth's exits sees WWE releases come to 38 in 2025 as part of a major overhaul in multiple departments.
Reacting to the latest, one fan said: "Even on your way out, you drop a humorous post on your situation. Many of the new talents could have learned a lot from you.
Another on X slammed the decision, writing: "Tko are going to make wrestling as boring as a football or basketball game."
A third fumed: "lf those high ticket prices double Saudi shows and they can’t renew contracts of 2 of the most loving individuals on the roster. This is the start of the end of WWE and all cause of TKO."
Why do WWE release wrestlers?
Releases have become a regularly occurence from WWE, particularly in the TKO after the merger with UFC and the need for profits to look strong for shareholders.
Main roster talents, who typically earn a minimum of $350,000-a-year, are required to serve a 90-day no-compete clause but this will not apply to R-Truth or Carlito.
Those not injured and absent from TV are often leading candidates to be given the boot.
But ahead of his official leaving date, Carlito has already won a championship elsewhere. On Saturday, he returned WWC at Summer Madness and became a two-time WWC Puerto Rico heavyweight champion.
Josh Lawless