The Truth Hurts: An Ode to the WWE’s Most Underrated Superstar, Ron Killings

Before Ron Killings became a grappling warrior in WWE rings, he was a rhyme-slinging MC barreling through the Carolinas in pursuit of rap notoriety. Armed with demo tapes and unflappable ambition, Killings trekked from city to city, chasing his big break at the celebrated Jack The Rapper Conventions — a cornerstone of hip-hop culture that, for over two decades, united Black executives, DJs and artists under one roof.

There, Killings brushed shoulders with some of hip-hop’s most venerable legends, including Tupac Shakur and Eazy-E, leaving an indelible mark with his contagious personality and tireless hustle.

“I would follow those places around. Every year I’d go,” Killings recalled in an interview with Chris Van Vliet earlier this year. “It lasted a good three months, and I’d meet Tupac. He’d be at the Jack The Rapper Convention. It was him and Eazy. There would be so many celebrities there. It was the WrestleMania of the music industry.”

Though Killings never reached the rap pinnacle of Pac or Eazy, his efforts paid off in another arena. After signing with WWE in 1998, he rebranded as K-Kwik — a spry, charismatic performer who brought lyrical swagger to the squared circle. By the time he exited in 2002, Killings was a two-time Hardcore Champion, laying the groundwork for a storied wrestling career.

Shortly after, Killings joined the rising promotion TNA, where he elevated his stock and became one of its premier in-ring performers. In doing so, he made history as the first African American NWA World Heavyweight Champion — a title he held twice. His star power on the indie scene eventually caught WWE’s eye again, and in 2008, Killings returned. This time, with refined in-ring skills and his signature comedic flair, he became a fan favorite all over again.

Over the years, Killings racked up accolades — United States Champion, Tag Team Champion, 24/7 Champion — while headlining against marquee names like John Cena and AJ Styles. But beyond the belts and bouts, his mic work made him unforgettable. Whether playing the lovable goof who couldn’t tell left from right, or hilariously claiming Cena was his childhood hero (despite being five years older), Killings turned even throwaway segments into Saturday Night Live-worthy skits. He didn’t just survive in WWE — he thrived, by turning his time on the mic into comedic art.

Now, at 53, Killings steps into what might be his most poetic moment yet: a one-on-one match against the Undisputed WWE Champion, John Cena, this Saturday at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The match was sparked after Truth jokingly told Cena he “sucks at wrestling” following his victory over Randy Orton earlier this month. Now leaning into a darker persona, Cena didn’t take it lightly, slamming Truth through a table at a post-match press conference.

This weekend, two veterans — both closer to curtain call than curtain jerk — will share the ring in a match loaded with nostalgia and mutual respect. For Killings, it’s a chance to shine once more on a grand stage, proof that the consummate professional can still steal the show.

And in case you’re wondering — yes, Truth still has big boy bars. Like Cena, he rapped his own entrance theme and was still dropping music as recently as 2024, teaming up with D4L’s Fabo on the swaggering tune “You Know It.” Whether he’s taking bumps or spitting rhymes, Killings has always done one thing without fail — bring the truth.