R-Truth Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / September 21, 2024
R-Truth Then
Ronnie Aaron Killings, better known by his ring name R-Truth, was born on January 19, 1972, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
His early life was marked by a combination of athletic prowess and a deep passion for music.
Killings attended Harding University High School, where he excelled in both football and track and field.
His athletic talents earned him several college scholarship offers, but he chose to pursue a career in music instead.
During his early 20s, Killings faced financial pressures and turned to selling cocaine as a means to support himself.
This involvement in the drug trade led to multiple arrests, with Killings spending small periods in jail. His criminal activities eventually culminated in a 13-month incarceration.
Despite these setbacks, Killings remained focused on his music career and continued to grapple with the challenges of his lifestyle.
In a candid interview with Lilian Garcia, Killings reflected on his past and his commitment to leaving behind the drug trade.
He expressed a clear resolve to move on from that part of his life and dedicate himself fully to his music and wrestling career.
This turning point marked a significant shift in Killings’ life, steering him away from his previous struggles and setting him on a path toward professional success.
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R-Truth Wrestling Career
After his release from prison, Ronnie Aaron Killings was introduced to Jackie Crockett of the National Wrestling Alliance while at a halfway house.
Crockett saw potential in Killings and encouraged him to pursue a career in professional wrestling. Initially resistant, Killings was focused on his music career.
However, after spending two years working on his music, he decided to explore wrestling, reaching out to Crockett again.
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By this time, Crockett was a senior cameraman for World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and he introduced Killings to various wrestling personalities and events.
Killings made his wrestling debut in 1997 with the Pro Wrestling Federation (PWF), starting as a manager.
Over the next three years, he traveled and trained with veteran wrestler Manny Fernandez.
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In 1999, he began wrestling for NWA Wildside under the ring name K-Krush, where he won the NWA Wildside Television Championship.
His wrestling career continued to gain traction, and he wrestled in Xtreme Pro Wrestling (XPW) as K. Malik Shabaz.
Encouraged by Rick Michaels, Killings sent a promotional videotape to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which led to a two-year developmental contract in 1999.
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Wrestling under the name K-Kwik, he was assigned to Memphis Championship Wrestling, where he won the Southern Heavyweight Championship in a battle royal. He had several reigns with the title before his contract ended in 2002.
Killings’ career took off significantly when he joined the WWF (now WWE) as K-Kwik.
He formed a successful tag team with “Road Dogg” Jesse James, capturing the WWF Hardcore Championship twice.
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After his release from WWE in 2002, Killings joined Jeff Jarrett’s new promotion, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
Wrestling as Ron “The Truth” Killings, he became a prominent figure, headlining numerous pay-per-view events and winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice.
He also formed 3 Live Kru with BG James and Konnan, securing the NWA World Tag Team Championship twice, and later formed Team Pacman with football player Adam Jones, capturing the TNA World Tag Team Championship.
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Killings returned to WWE in 2008, rebranded as R-Truth. During this tenure, he won several championships, including the WWE United States Championship, the WWE Tag Team Championship with Kofi Kingston, and the WWE 24/7 Championship, which he holds the record for with 54 reigns.
He also had notable matches for the WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship.
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In 2019, he won the United States Championship for the second time and later captured the Raw Tag Team Championship with The Miz at WrestleMania XL.
In addition to his wrestling achievements, Killings released two albums: “Invinceable” in 2003 and “Killingit” in 2016.
His career spans various promotions and roles, showcasing his versatility and impact on professional wrestling.
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R-Truth Wrestling Competition
- Pro Wrestling Federation (PWF)
- NWA Wildside
- Xtreme Pro Wrestling (XPW)
- World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE)
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)
- WWE (return in 2008 and beyond)
R-Truth Wife and Children
On April 7, 2011, Ronnie Aaron Killings, professionally known as R-Truth, married Pamela Killings.
The couple’s relationship has been a significant part of his life outside the wrestling ring.
Their union was marked by a commitment to each other and their growing family. The couple welcomed their first child together, a daughter, born on November 15, 2014.
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This addition to their family brought a new dimension to Killings’ personal life, balancing his demanding wrestling career with his responsibilities as a father.
The birth of their daughter has been a source of joy and fulfillment for Killings, further enriching his life beyond his professional accomplishments.
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R-Truth Now
As of now, R-Truth, whose real name is Ronnie Aaron Killings, is 52 years old and continues to make a significant impact in the world of professional wrestling.
Currently signed to WWE, he performs on the Raw brand under his well-known ring name, R-Truth.
Over the course of his career, R-Truth has established himself as a versatile and enduring presence in the wrestling industry.
R-Truth’s current role in WWE is highlighted by his holding of the WWE 24/7 Championship, a title known for its unique, often unpredictable nature.
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He holds the record for the most reigns with this championship, having captured it 35 times.
This achievement underscores his continued relevance and popularity in WWE, as he remains a key figure in both comedic and competitive storylines.
His ability to blend athleticism with charisma has helped him maintain a prominent spot on the roster, engaging fans and contributing to the entertainment value of WWE programming.
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R-Truth Net Worth
Ron Killings, professionally known as R-Truth, is a multifaceted American talent with a diverse career spanning wrestling, music, and acting.
His net worth is estimated at $3 million, a reflection of his success and contributions across these various fields.
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FAQs
No, R-Truth has never won the WWE Championship. He has held other titles, including the WWE 24/7 Championship and the WWE United States Championship.
R-Truth’s annual salary is not publicly disclosed in precise figures, but WWE wrestlers typically earn between $100,000 and $500,000 per year depending on their position and experience.
R-Truth’s compensation is likely within this range, considering his status and tenure in WWE.
Yes, R-Truth (Ron Killings) had a personal connection with Tupac Shakur. They were friends, and Killings has spoken about their friendship in interviews, sharing that Tupac had a significant impact on his life.
Ron Killings, known as R-Truth, is currently signed to WWE and performs on the Raw brand.
He is actively competing and is the reigning WWE 24/7 Champion, holding the title in a record 35th reign.