A new sneak peek for Season Two of WWE Unreal has shed light on the confusing contract situation involving R-Truth that unfolded last year. With all five episodes set to drop on Netflix this Tuesday, WWE released a clip on YouTube featuring a discussion between Triple H, R-Truth, and “Road Dogg” Brian James regarding the events of last June, where Truth publicly announced his release from the company.
In the video, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H clarified that R-Truth was never actually fired, despite public perception. He explained that negotiations had stalled due to a significant gap in financial expectations. “We got to a point in Truth’s run where his contract was coming up. When you are dealing with contracts and money, and you’re very far apart on the numbers and communication breaks down, it’s very easy for both sides to read into the communications differently.”
A Strategic Move Gone Wrong
Triple H revealed that the company’s strategy was to let the contract lapse in hopes of forcing R-Truth back to the negotiating table, rather than terminating him. “‘Okay, well, if you’re not going to come to us, then, Truth, we’re going to let your contract lapse… We’re not going to renew.’ Knowing that, hopefully, maybe, this will force his hand to say ‘well, hold on a second, can we talk?” However, the tactic backfired when Truth interpreted the non-renewal as a firing. “He immediately went out on social (media) and said he was fired, which he was never fired. Contrary to prior belief, he was never not under contract with us.”
R-Truth admitted that the communication breakdown left him feeling hurt and confused. “I got the call that my contract wasn’t gonna be renewed, and I’m like ‘So, am I released? Am I…?’ I took it as I was released….I was hurt.” The emotional toll was significant for the long-time roster member, who has previously described feeling “numb” during that period before his eventual return at Money in the Bank on June 7.
The Business Side Of The Decision
Brian James, WWE’s Senior Vice President of Live Events and head of SmackDown creative, offered a more pragmatic view of the situation. Despite his close personal relationship with Truth, James noted that the decision to potentially move on was rooted in financial reality. “While it broke my heart, it made perfect business sense to not renew his contract. At his age, you might not get that reward back,” James stated.
The full story of R-Truth’s contract saga and return is expected to be a key feature of WWE Unreal Season Two.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit WWE Unreal with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
