Huge update on former US Champion's future after WWE departure

A major update has emerged regarding the next move of a former WWE mainstay following his exit from the Stamford-based company.

R-Truth (real name Ron Killings) officially announced his departure from WWE on June 1, 2025. The long-time fan favorite confirmed the news in a heartfelt message on X/Twitter, thanking everyone who was "along for the ride.” The former US Champion's last WWE match took place on SmackDown against JC Mateo last month.

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Now, speculation is building around where he could land next. According to Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com, both TNA Wrestling and AEW are in the conversation.

"Those in TNA have already said that they want to make him an offer," Meltzer said, adding that if he joins the promotion, "He’ll come in fairly hot."

As for AEW, the situation appears less certain as Meltzer stated:

"I don’t know that AEW would or wouldn’t take him. Really, it comes down to if Tony Khan wants a comedy character and they come to a price agreement." [H/T: Nodq.com]

Meltzer also noted that even though the financial prospects could be limited, R-Truth could also explore opportunities in Japanese independent promotions.

While there is still no concrete confirmation on R-Truth's next steps, sources suggest he is expected to attract strong interest for autograph signings and appearances in the independent circuit.

Tony Khan urged to bring departing WWE star to AEW

Veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter has publicly urged AEW President Tony Khan to sign the departing WWE star, R-Truth.

Speaking during a WrestleVotes Q&A on Sportskeeda WrestleBinge, Apter said:

It'd shock everybody if AEW booked him. I don't know when his contract is up and I'm assuming that there's no codicil or anything that he can go somewhere right away. I mean, if I was Tony Khan, and I wanted to get somebody hot, really good in there, I'd go right to R-Truth cause all his fans are gonna go over with him." [18:55 onwards]

Check out his comments in the video below:

Only time will tell what is next for the talented 53-year-old.

Do you think Tony Khan will bring R Truth to AEW? How would he book him? Hit the discuss button and sound off!

About the author

Karan Raj is a senior writer in Sportskeeda's AEW division. He holds an engineering degree from Manipal University, but his passion for sports motivated him to pursue an MSc in Sports Business from the University of Liverpool. Karan has been in the sports marketing industry for the past seven years.

As a lifelong WWE fan and enthusiast of wrestling entertainment, he has always been drawn to the industry's unique blend of sports and storytelling. Karan was introduced to the business by his elder sister when he was 10 years old.

Before assuming his current role at Sportskeeda, Karan worked for several reputable organizations, such as Ting Works LLP and Sportz Interactive, wearing different hats. He also wrote the anthem of UP Rudras, a hockey team that played in the Hockey India League. Karan conducts thorough research while writing articles and only relies on credible sources for information.

Karan's favorite pro wrestler is Seth Rollins. He admires The Visionary's versatility as a performer and his ability to play both heel and babyface characters to perfection. Besides Rollins, Karan looks up to Roman Reigns for his storytelling skills and ability to captivate audiences.

In AEW, he enjoys watching Will Ospreay compete inside the ring. Karan loves The Aerial Assassin's technical in-ring ability and athleticism. If Karan could go back to the Attitude Era, he would combine forces with Jericho and promise to elevate his career to the same level as The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.When not writing about pro wrestling, Karan loves to play and watch football. It is a huge part of his life.

He is also a massive fan of tennis and is learning to play the sport. Apart from sports, he also knows how to play the ukulele.

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Edited by Sayantan Niyogi

Huge update on former US Champion's future after WWE departure - Reports

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