R-Truth hit ‘pinnacle’ of his career during WWE release that came after goosebumps John Cena moment

R-Truth’s year got a little bit sweeter.

The 25-year WWE veteran was briefly released by the company on June 1 at the conclusion of his contract, days after wrestling the first of two matches against his “childhood hero” John Cena as part of the 17-time world champion’s retirement tour. It included an epic impersonation of babyface John Cena or “Ron Cena” while the true iteration was in the middle of a heel run. 

The 53-year-old Truth was quickly rehired and returned at Money in the Bank six days later after a swell of support from his peers and fans, creating a moment that blurred the lines between reality and storyline.

He wrestled Cena again later in the month on SmackDown as Ron Killings for the first time in WWE. After the match, Cena dropped his version of the “Pipebomb” on CM Punk, further solidifying Truth’s importance to the legend’s final year in the company.