JBL comments on the return of Ron Killings to WWE.
For about one week, it was believed that WWE wrestling fans had seen the last of R-Truth in WWE. Truth shared on June 1 that his WWE contract would not be renewed, but after a week of support and love from not only wrestling fans but also his peers, Truth returned at WWE Money in the Bank, attacking John Cena in the main event.
John Bradshaw Layfield had previously called Truth's departure a bizarre decision by WWE, and now, on the latest episode of Something to Wrestle, JBL is reflecting on how happy he is to see him back.
"I was very surprised to see it, but I was very happy to see it. I don't know what happened. People are debating whether the whole thing was a work or not. It sounds like it wasn't. I couldn't care less. I know it's fun to debate, is it a work? Did they have the whole thing planned? I really don't care. I think it's fun. You know, he was gone. Fans said they wanted him back. He comes back, gets this huge ovation. I'm glad he's back. Sounds like he signed a great deal. I'm very happy for him. He belongs there. I mean, he's one of the best characters WWE has had in the last 30 years," he said.
During a press conference following WWE Money in the Bank, Triple H said that Truth's return was "all part of the show." JBL says he appreciates that Triple H tried to keep some of the intrigue and mystery alive. However, he ultimately feels that the press conferences are a no-win situation because of the constant shifting back and forth between in-character responses and those based in reality.
"I think those press conferences are horrible. I hate them because there's no way to win with those things, because you want to either stay in character or not stay in character. It's hard to do both. It's hard to work and then also shoot on those things. I don't get the press conferences."
Ultimately, JBL is pleased that Ron Killings is receiving his recognition and the opportunity to understand how much he means to the wrestling industry while he is still an active competitor.
"This is the 17th year [Killings has consistently been a WWE roster member]. You wonder, 'Do people like my character? Is it worth it?' All of a sudden, something happens, and the whole world comes out and vouches for you, and the fans are chanting, 'We want Truth.' I mean, that's pretty cool to have that happen. Not many guys get to understand how much they are loved and appreciated while they're doing the job. Truth got that. That's pretty cool."
R-Truth appeared on the June 9 episode of WWE Raw and officially declared that he would be using his real name moving forward. He also cut off his hair, which had been a signature look of the character for years. Learn more here.
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