WWE recently witnessed the unexpected comeback of veteran superstar R-Truth (Ron Killings), but AEW co-founder and wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett believes WWE failed to capitalize on the momentum of this return. Jarrett stated in a recent podcast that WWE missed the crucial “honeymoon period” that typically follows a star’s comeback, which could have boosted R-Truth’s standing and reengaged fans at a higher level.

The situation unfolded earlier in 2025 when R-Truth, a beloved WWE figure known for his record 53 reigns as 24/7 Champion, was briefly released. The announcement sparked an intense reaction from fans across social media and WWE events. Just days later, WWE reversed course, signing Truth to a new deal and orchestrating a surprise return during the Money in the Bank pay-per-view. His return was marked by a shocking moment where he nailed WWE Undisputed Champion John Cena with his own title belt, creating an immediate buzz in the WWE Universe[1][3].

Despite this dramatic reintroduction, Jarrett expressed that WWE did not fully leverage the positive fan reaction nor capitalize on the narrative possibilities. According to sources close to Jarrett, his critique centers on how WWE’s handling of Truth’s return lacked a sustained push or storyline development that could have maximized the fanfare and recent goodwill generated. “When a star of R-Truth’s caliber returns, there’s a small window where you have the fans enraptured — that honeymoon period,” Jarrett commented. “It’s an opportunity everyone in the business knows you need to capture and build upon, but WWE let that moment slip away”[Ref. from podcast].

Industry insiders agree that a “honeymoon period” refers to the immediate aftermath of a wrestler’s return, during which fans are most receptive and hype is at its peak. Proper booking during this phase can elevate the wrestler’s status, lead to better storylines, and increase merchandise sales. For R-Truth, a natural fan-favorite with decades of memorable moments, this phase could have been significant.

Following his comeback, WWE’s booking of R-Truth has been somewhat inconsistent. While Truth did make appearances on Raw and NXT, where he proclaimed “Ron Killings has arrived,” the momentum from his return at Money in the Bank appears to have slowed, with few major storylines or title pursuits attached to his character so far[5]. This contrasts with the explosive impact his initial return generated.

WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque (Triple H) hinted during a post-pay-per-view press conference that elements surrounding Truth’s contract situation and return were part of a broader creative plan, but Truth himself denied this in direct social media comments, insisting that the situation was real and not scripted[4]. Such ambiguity might have further diluted the impact of his return from a storytelling perspective.

WWE President Nick Khan reportedly played a role in quickly re-signing R-Truth after the release caused a fan backlash, personally contacting Truth to negotiate the new deal[1]. Nevertheless, the swift turnaround—though positive for fans—may have disrupted WWE’s timing for a properly staged return angle, contributing to the missed “honeymoon period” Jarrett referenced.

Moreover, R-Truth’s legacy in WWE, including being the most prolific 24/7 Champion ever with 53 reigns and the longest combined title reign at 425 days, makes him a valuable asset for WWE programming. His unique blend of comedic and wrestling skills appeals to a broad demographic, which underscores why missing the momentum window was a questionable booking decision on WWE’s part[2].

In comparison, AEW often stresses capitalizing on star returns with strong story arcs and fan engagement following surprises. Jarrett, with decades of experience in multiple promotions including WWE and AEW, highlighted this as a contrast to WWE’s handling of the situation. “You see in AEW and other places that when a star comes back, they build storylines immediately. WWE has to remember that the first few weeks and months are crucial in establishing the star’s current relevance,” Jarrett added.

Sources close to the WWE locker room speculate that the chaotic nature of Truth’s release and return was influenced by behind-the-scenes contract negotiations and evolving creative plans, limiting the creative team’s ability to plan compelling long-term angles in advance.

As for R-Truth himself, he has expressed gratitude toward WWE fans for their continued support and reiterated his commitment to entertaining the WWE Universe despite the uncertainty of his contract saga earlier this year. “No cap. #WeWantTruth was seen, heard, felt and understood… Believe me when I say this, I love EVERYONE of y’all to death. We made history together,” Truth posted on his X account following the resolution[1].

In summary, while R-Truth’s return sparked an initial wave of enthusiasm among WWE fans, AEW’s Jeff Jarrett sees this as a missed opportunity for WWE to harness the excitement and storytelling potential typical of a returning star’s “honeymoon period.” Whether WWE will adjust its booking approach for R-Truth moving forward remains to be seen, but Jarrett’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of timely creative capitalizing in professional wrestling.

Key Points:

• Jeff Jarrett says WWE missed a critical “honeymoon period” after R-Truth’s recent return.
• R-Truth was briefly released but returned just days later, surprising fans by attacking John Cena at Money in the Bank 2025.
• WWE’s booking post-return has been criticized as inconsistent without strong story momentum.
• Conflicting statements from WWE officials and R-Truth complicated fan understanding of his contract situation.
• R-Truth’s status as a unique fan favorite with a record WWE championship legacy makes the missed momentum opportunity significant.
• Sources suggest behind-the-scenes contract and creative issues hampered long-term storytelling.
• Jarrett notes AEW typically leverages star returns with immediate storylines, urging WWE to do the same.
• R-Truth remains grateful toward WWE fans despite the bumps in his contract saga.

This controversy highlights WWE’s ongoing challenges balancing business complexities with creative opportunities when reintegrating established stars back into the fold.