Vince Russo Criticizes WWE’s Handling of R-Truth Reinvention – R-Truth’s transformation into his old persona, Ron Killings, has sparked interest among longtime fans, but not everyone is sold on how WWE is managing his return. Former WWE head writer Vince Russo voiced strong criticism on his BroDown podcast, arguing that WWE is failing to capitalize on a golden storytelling opportunity.
“They’re missing with R-Truth,” Russo said. “Triple H should have been honest and said, ‘Look, we had to make budget cuts. The guy’s been here 19 years… and he’s 53 years old.’”
Russo feels WWE is ignoring a powerful narrative angle—R-Truth’s age and longevity. Rather than shy away from Killings being 53, Russo suggests WWE should lean into it, letting fans rally behind an aging veteran still competing at a high level.
“Bro, lean into Truth being 53, man,” Russo continued. “The shape he’s in? That alone will get fans behind him. People will be like, ‘Holy crap, this guy is 53!’ I just don’t get why everything has to be so cookie-cutter. There’s no creativity. They don’t dress anything up.”
Russo has long been a vocal critic of modern wrestling’s approach to storytelling, often pointing to missed opportunities and a lack of emotional stakes in character development. In this case, he believes R-Truth’s real-life journey—two decades with the company, still physically impressive at over 50—is a built-in story WWE should be using to generate sympathy and inspiration among viewers.
R-Truth, now once again appearing under his Ron Killings moniker, is set for a major in-ring return on the June 20 episode of WWE SmackDown. He’ll take on Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena in what could be the start of a serious push—or a short-lived nostalgia pop, depending on how WWE handles it.
As for Russo, he’s made it clear: the story of Ron Killings writes itself—if WWE is willing to tell it.
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Vince Russo Criticizes WWE’s Handling of R-Truth Reinvention
