John Cena received words of praise from WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi after R-Truth made a dramatic comeback at Money in the Bank 2025 and launched a surprise attack on Cena, putting the spotlight on Cena’s choice to work with the veteran. The focus keyword,
“John Cena praised by Rikishi after R-Truth return,”
is central as the event led to significant reactions within the wrestling community, especially regarding creative decisions and the treatment of performers like R-Truth in WWE’s history.
Rikishi commends Cena’s respect for R-Truth
Following the startling turn of events at Money in the Bank, where R-Truth returned to shock both the audience and John Cena, Rikishi addressed the situation in his podcast, Off The Top. According to reports, Cena had requested to have a final match with R-Truth before Truth’s departure from WWE, an action Rikishi openly admired. He viewed Cena’s willingness to work alongside Truth as a demonstration of mutual respect between veterans in the wrestling industry.
“Big shout out to John Cena for going to bat for Truth,”
he said.
“That’s just sign of OG, respect to the next OG.”
—Rikishi, WWE Hall of Famer
Rikishi voices concern over R-Truth’s WWE portrayal
Despite his appreciation for Cena’s actions, Rikishi did not shy away from criticizing some of WWE’s creative decisions regarding R-Truth. Over the years, the portrayal of Truth on television has often been contentious, with fans and insiders alike challenging some of the directions given to him. Rikishi revealed his own dissatisfaction with how Truth was characterized in certain promos and storylines.
“Everybody thought that, okay, Ron Killings, the way they built him, certain promos, I didn’t agree,”
Rikishi stated.
“Certain promos that they had him shoot, right, as if, like, you know, he was a black guy that didn’t understand, right? That was this. There was that for me, I hated that, you know, I hated, I hated that. That was the type of promo that, you know, that whoever creative has that was the best they had to write for.”
—Rikishi, WWE Hall of Famer
Fan backlash and Truth’s return to WWE
After R-Truth’s initial WWE release, discontent spread quickly across social media, where fans made their disappointment clear. The organization soon faced mounting criticism, prompting them to negotiate a new deal to bring Truth back. This development culminated in Truth’s unforeseen appearance at Money in the Bank and the shocking attack on John Cena, signifying a moment of renewed opportunity and possible redemption for both Truth and WWE’s approach to veteran performers.
The aftermath of these events may continue to influence WWE’s creative direction, especially regarding how long-standing talents like R-Truth are treated. With notable figures such as Rikishi and Cena involved, the incident highlights ongoing challenges within the company, as well as the power of fan support and peer recognition in shaping a performer’s legacy.
