The conflict between the recently returned Ron Killings and John Cena escalated on the June 13 edition of SmackDown, resulting in a match being scheduled between the two veterans. During the broadcast, Killings assaulted Cena on two separate occasions, prompting SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis to intervene and make the bout official for the following week’s show.
This confrontation follows Killings’ surprise appearance at the Money in the Bank event on June 8. After a week of speculation following the confirmation that his WWE contract had expired, he emerged in a mask and ambushed Cena during the main event.
In the days following his return, the performer has undergone a significant character transformation. On WWE RAW, he announced the end of the “R-Truth” persona and symbolically cut off his signature braids in the ring, stating he will now compete under his real name, Ron Killings. This change was reportedly a condition of his new contract.
The brief departure was the result of a legitimate contract release on June 1. According to reports, Killings declined a lowball offer from the company, leading to his temporary exit. The decision was met with substantial disappointment from both fans and talent within the WWE locker room, leading to a social media movement supporting his return.
In response to the widespread support, WWE management re-entered negotiations and finalized a new agreement with Killings just days before his Money in the Bank appearance. The new deal is expected to facilitate a final, more serious in-ring run for the veteran before his eventual retirement.
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