R-Truth: Difference between revisions
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|birth_place=[[Atlanta|Atlanta, Georgia]] |
|birth_place=[[Atlanta|Atlanta, Georgia]] |
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|death_place= |
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|resides=[[Charlotte, North Carolina]] |
|resides=[[Charlotte, North Carolina]] |
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|billed=Charlotte, North Carolina |
|billed=Charlotte, North Carolina<ref name=WWEbio/> |
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|trainer=[[Manny Fernandez (wrestler)|Manny Fernandez]]<ref name="WO1"/><br />[[Chris Hamrick]]<ref name="WO1" /><br />Italian Stallion<ref name="WO1"/><br />[[George South]]<ref name="WO1"/> |
|trainer=[[Manny Fernandez (wrestler)|Manny Fernandez]]<ref name="WO1"/><br />[[Chris Hamrick]]<ref name="WO1" /><br />Italian Stallion<ref name="WO1"/><br />[[George South]]<ref name="WO1"/> |
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|debut=1997<ref name=SLAM/> |
|debut=1997<ref name=SLAM/> |
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'''Ron Killings'''<ref name=SLAM>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/killings.html|accessdate=2008-07-02| title=Ron Killings Bio|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> (born January 19, 1972) is an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] and [[Hip hop music|rapper]]. He is currently signed to [[World Wrestling Entertainment]], performing on the [[WWE |
'''Ron Killings'''<ref name=SLAM>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/killings.html|accessdate=2008-07-02| title=Ron Killings Bio|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> (born January 19, 1972) is an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] and [[Hip hop music|rapper]]. He is currently signed to [[World Wrestling Entertainment]], performing on the [[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]] brand under the [[ring name]]s '''R-Truth''' and '''Pretty Ricky'''.<ref name=WWEbio>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/rtruth/bio/|accessdate=2008-08-10|title= R-Truth profile|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>. He is best known for his work in [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]], where he won the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] two times, the [[NWA World Tag Team Championship]] two times and the [[TNA World Tag Team Championship]] one time. |
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==Professional wrestling career== |
==Professional wrestling career== |
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===World Wrestling Federation (1999–2001)=== |
===World Wrestling Federation (1999–2001)=== |
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At the urging of [[Rick Michaels]], Killings sent a promotional videotape to the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]].<ref name=SLAM/> He was signed to a two year developmental |
At the urging of [[Rick Michaels]], Killings sent a promotional videotape to the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]].<ref name=SLAM/> He was signed to a two year developmental contract by the WWF in 1999 and was assigned to [[Memphis Championship Wrestling]], a WWF developmental federation. On April 12 in [[Tunica Resorts, Mississippi|Robinsonville, Mississippi]] he won a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] with the vacant [[Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship|MCW Southern Heavyweight Championship]] on the line.<ref name=SLAM/> He lost the title to a [[Lucha libre#Masks|masked]] [[Jerry Lawler]] on May 24 in [[Tunica, Mississippi]], but reclaimed it from [[Jason Arhndt|Joey Abs]] several months later in [[Memphis, Tennessee]] on August 19.<ref name=SLAM/> His second reign ended on November 3, when he lost to [[Steve Bradley]] in [[Manila, Arkansas]].<ref name="WO1"/> |
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Killings was promoted to the main roster and put in a [[tag team]] with [[Brian Gerard James|Road Dogg]].<ref name=SLAM/> He debuted on the November 13, 2000 episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', attacking [[Darren Matthews|William Regal]] during a match against Road Dogg. Killings, renamed K-Kwik, and the Road Dogg began rapping together, performing a song called " |
Killings was promoted to the main roster and put in a [[tag team]] with [[Brian Gerard James|Road Dogg]].<ref name=SLAM/> He debuted on the November 13, 2000 episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw is War]]'', attacking [[Darren Matthews|William Regal]] during a match against Road Dogg. Killings, renamed K-Kwik, and the Road Dogg began rapping together, performing a song called "Gettin' Rowdy" as they approached the ring.<ref name="WO1"/> Upon the return of Road Dogg's former partner [[Billy Gunn]] later that month, Killings was involved in a [[D-Generation X]] quasi-reunion. At [[Survivor Series (2000)|Survivor Series]], Killings teamed with former DX members Road Dogg, Billy Gunn, and [[Chyna]] to face [[The Radicalz]] in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Elimination tag team match|Survivor Series match]].<ref name=SLAM/> Killings was eliminated from the match by [[Chris Benoit]], and the Radicalz went on to win the match. At [[Armageddon (2000)|Armageddon]], Killings and the Road Dogg took part in a four way tag team match for the [[World Tag Team Championship|WWF Tag Team Championship]], which was won by [[Edge and Christian]].<ref name=SLAM/> |
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After Road Dogg was |
After Road Dogg was suspended in December and eventually released on January 26, 2001,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_3_3/ai_78264745|title=Down a Dark Road|author=Bill Apter|accessdate=2009-08-06|month=October|year=2001|publisher=Find Articles|work=Wrestling Digest}}</ref> Killings became a singles competitor. He took part in the [[Royal Rumble (2001)|Royal Rumble]] in 2001 but was eliminated by [[Paul Wight|Big Show]]. Killings then began competing in the [[hardcore wrestling|hardcore]] division. He defeated [[Scott Levy|Raven]] for the [[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Championship]] on February 3, but lost the title to [[Mike Lockwood|Crash Holly]] that same evening.<ref name=Core>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/hard/|accessdate=2008-06-21|title=History of the Hardcore Championship|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> He defeated Raven for the title a second time on February 5, but once again he lost the title to Holly within the space of several hours.<ref name=Core/> Killings became somewhat a background figure of "[[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|The Invasion]]" [[List of professional wrestling terms#A|angle]] during the summer months, often seen in dressing rooms and watching television with other superstars during interpromotional matches. Killings was released from the WWF later that year.<ref name=SLAM/> |
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===Xtreme Pro Wrestling (2002)=== |
===Xtreme Pro Wrestling (2002)=== |
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====Debut (2002)==== |
====Debut (2002)==== |
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[[File:Killings en TNA.jpg|thumb|Killings in TNA.]] |
[[File:Killings en TNA.jpg|thumb|Killings in TNA.]] |
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Killings signed with the [[Nashville, Tennessee]]-based [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] promotion in June 2002, and appeared on the first weekly TNA [[pay-per-view]] on June 19 as "K-Krush". Killings immediately established himself as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villain]] by harassing [[NASCAR]] [[Auto racing|drivers]] [[Sterling Marlin]] and [[Hermie Sadler]] until he was attacked by [[Brian Lawler|Brian Christopher]]. Later that same evening, he participated in the [[Gauntlet for the Gold]], but was eliminated by [[Jerry Tuite|Malice]]. The following week, Killings lost to Christopher after Marlin and Sadler interfered in their match. On July 3, Killings and [[Jeff Jarrett]] defeated Christopher and [[Scott Hall]] after Christopher turned on Hall during the match, aligning himself with Killings and Jarrett. On July 10, Killings defeated Hermie Sadler in a [[List of professional wrestling terms#S|squash]]. The decision, however, was overturned after Killings continued to attack Sadler after he had been awarded the match. |
Killings signed with the [[Nashville, Tennessee]]-based [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] promotion in June 2002, and appeared on the first weekly TNA [[pay-per-view]] on June 19 as "K-Krush". Killings immediately established himself as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villain]] by harassing [[NASCAR]] [[Auto racing|drivers]] [[Sterling Marlin]] and [[Hermie Sadler]] until he was attacked by [[Brian Lawler|Brian Christopher]]. Later that same evening, he participated in the [[Gauntlet for the Gold]], but was eliminated by [[Jerry Tuite|Malice]]. The following week, Killings lost to Christopher after Marlin and Sadler interfered in their match. On July 3, Killings and [[Jeff Jarrett]] defeated Christopher and [[Scott Hall]] after Christopher turned on Hall during the match, aligning himself with Killings and Jarrett. On July 10, Killings defeated Hermie Sadler in a [[List of professional wrestling terms#S|squash match]]. The decision, however, was overturned after Killings continued to attack Sadler after he had been awarded the match. |
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On the July 17 TNA pay-per-view, Killings delivered an angry [[List of professional wrestling terms#P|promo]] in which he implied that he had been held back as a result of his race. He then stated that he was to be referred to as "The Truth". Killings eventually began using his own name, referring to himself as Ron "The Truth" Killings. Killings defeated [[Ken Shamrock]] for the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] at NWA-TNA 8 on August 7, thus becoming the first ever recognized black NWA World Heavyweight Champion in history.<ref name=SLAM/> He successfully defended the title in matches with Monty Brown, [[Jerry Lynn]], [[Brandon Silvestry|Low Ki]], [[Curt Hennig]], [[Shawn Hernandez|Hotstuff Hernandez]], and [[Scott Hall]] before losing to Jeff Jarrett on November 20 with the help of [[Vince Russo]].<ref name=SLAM/> As a result of Russo's involvement, Killings [[List of professional wrestling terms#T|turned]] into a [[Face (professional wrestling)|fan favorite]]. In subsequent months, Killings feuded with [[Sports Entertainment Xtreme]] before turning into a villainous character once again by attacking Jarrett on March 19.<ref name=SLAM/> He later introduced [[Nelson Frazier, Jr.|Nelson Knight]] as his [[Enforcer (professional wrestling)|bodyguard]].<ref name=SLAM/> |
On the July 17 TNA pay-per-view, Killings delivered an angry [[List of professional wrestling terms#P|promo]] in which he implied that he had been held back as a result of his race. He then stated that he was to be referred to as "The Truth". Killings eventually began using his own name, referring to himself as Ron "The Truth" Killings. Killings defeated [[Ken Shamrock]] for the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] at NWA-TNA 8 on August 7, thus becoming the first ever recognized black NWA World Heavyweight Champion in history.<ref name=SLAM/> He successfully defended the title in matches with Monty Brown, [[Jerry Lynn]], [[Brandon Silvestry|Low Ki]], [[Curt Hennig]], [[Shawn Hernandez|Hotstuff Hernandez]], and [[Scott Hall]] before losing to Jeff Jarrett on November 20 with the help of [[Vince Russo]].<ref name=SLAM/> As a result of Russo's involvement, Killings [[List of professional wrestling terms#T|turned]] into a [[Face (professional wrestling)|fan favorite]]. In subsequent months, Killings feuded with [[Sports Entertainment Xtreme]] before turning into a villainous character once again by attacking Jarrett on March 19.<ref name=SLAM/> He later introduced [[Nelson Frazier, Jr.|Nelson Knight]] as his [[Enforcer (professional wrestling)|bodyguard]].<ref name=SLAM/> |
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====3Live Kru (2003–2005)==== |
====3Live Kru (2003–2005)==== |
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{{Main|3Live Kru}} |
{{Main|3Live Kru}} |
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Between May and June, Killings began teaming with [[Konnan]] and former WWF ally [[Brian Gerard James|B.G. James]] |
Between May and June, Killings began teaming with [[Konnan]] and former WWF ally [[Brian Gerard James|B.G. James]]. In July the trio formed a [[List of professional wrestling terms#S|faction]] known as the [[3Live Kru]].<ref name=SLAM/> The Kru first wrestled as a unit on August 13, 2003, defeating the [[Disciples of The New Church]] ([[Nick Cvjetkovich|Sinn]], [[David Heath (wrestler)|Vampire Warrior]], and [[Devon Storm]]).<ref name=SLAM/> The Kru soon went after the [[NWA World Tag Team Championship]]. On November 26, the Kru defeated [[Pat Kenney|Simon Diamond]], [[Johnny Swinger]], and [[Glenn Gilberti]] in a six man tag team match with the vacant NWA World Tag Team Championship on the line.<ref name=SLAM/> The NWA World Tag Team Chapionship was held by all three members of the Kru as part of the [[The Fabulous Freebirds#Freebird Rule|Freebird Rule]] until January 28, 2004, when they were defeated by Redshirt Security ([[Kevin Northcutt]] and [[Joe Hitchen|Legend]]). |
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After several abortive attempts to regain the tag title, the Kru began supporting Killings' bid to become NWA World Heavyweight Champion. On June 9, NWA World Heavyweight Champion [[Jeff Jarrett]] took part in a "3Live Kru Challenge" which saw him face Konnan, James and Killings in three subsequent matches. Jarrett defeated Konnan in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Strap match|strap match]] and James in a "[[Trailer trash|trailer park trash]] match" ([[Hardcore wrestling|hardcore]] match), but lost to Killings in a "[[Ghetto]] Justice match". On May 19, Killings faced NWA World Heavyweight Champion A.J. Styles, [[Scott Levy|Raven]], and [[Chris Harris (wrestler)|Chris Harris]] in a four-way title match. He won the bout, becoming a two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, after Jarrett hit Styles with a [[guitar]]. His reign lasted until June 2, when Jarrett defeated him in a [[King of the Mountain match]] which also included Harris, Styles, and Raven. The Kru went on to feud with Jarrett's [[Mercenary|mercenaries]], the Elite Guard ([[Chad Collyer]], [[Shawn Hernandez|Hotstuff Hernandez]], and [[Onyx (wrestler)|Onyx]]) |
After several abortive attempts to regain the tag title, the Kru began supporting Killings' bid to become NWA World Heavyweight Champion. On June 9, NWA World Heavyweight Champion [[Jeff Jarrett]] took part in a "3Live Kru Challenge" which saw him face Konnan, James and Killings in three subsequent matches. Jarrett defeated Konnan in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Strap match|strap match]] and James in a "[[Trailer trash|trailer park trash]] match" ([[Hardcore wrestling|hardcore]] match), but lost to Killings in a "[[Ghetto]] Justice match". On May 19, Killings faced NWA World Heavyweight Champion A.J. Styles, [[Scott Levy|Raven]], and [[Chris Harris (wrestler)|Chris Harris]] in a four-way title match. He won the bout, becoming a two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, after Jarrett hit Styles with a [[guitar]]. His reign lasted until June 2, when Jarrett defeated him in a [[King of the Mountain match]] which also included Harris, Styles, and Raven. The Kru went on to feud with Jarrett's [[Mercenary|mercenaries]], the Elite Guard ([[Chad Collyer]], [[Shawn Hernandez|Hotstuff Hernandez]], and [[Onyx (wrestler)|Onyx]]). On July 14, the 3Live Kru, [[Dusty Rhodes (wrestler)|Dusty Rhodes]], and [[Larry Zbyszko]] defeated Jarrett, [[Ken Shamrock]], and the Elite Guard in a ten man tag team match. The Kru began feuding with [[Team Canada (TNA)|Team Canada]] in August. At [[Victory Road (2004)|Victory Road]] on November 7, Konnan and James defeated Team Canada members [[Robert Roode|Bobby Roode]] and [[Eric Young (wrestler)|Eric Young]] for the NWA World Tag Team Championship. After Konnan suffered an injury, Killings and James lost the title to Team Canada at [[Turning Point (2004)|Turning Point]] on December 5.<ref name=SLAM/> Throughout early-2005, the Kru feuded with [[Matt Bentley|Michael Shane]] and [[Frankie Kazarian|Kazarian]], Team Canada, and [[The Naturals]]. |
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Dissension arose after James' former tag team partner from the WWF, Billy Gunn, joined TNA as "The New Age Outlaw" and began trying to convince James to reform their former tag team, the [[New Age Outlaws]]. Killings and Konnan feuded with The Outlaw and [[Monty Brown]], with James's loyalties divided. Brown and The Outlaw, who had by now renamed himself "Kip James" as a psychological ploy, defeated Killings and Konnan at [[TNA No Surrender#2005|No Surrender]] on July 17, with James declining to help either team. Killings and Konnan became increasingly frustrated, at one point referring to themselves as the "2Live Kru", although Killings repeatedly attempted to act as a mediator between James and Konnan. The two teams faced one another in a No Surrender rematch on August 14 at [[TNA Sacrifice#2005|Sacrifice]], with James appointed guest referee by [[Professional wrestling authority figures|Director of Authority]] Larry Zbyszko |
Dissension arose after James' former tag team partner from the WWF, Billy Gunn, joined TNA as "The New Age Outlaw" and began trying to convince James to reform their former tag team, the [[New Age Outlaws]]. Killings and Konnan feuded with The Outlaw and [[Monty Brown]], with James's loyalties divided. Brown and The Outlaw, who had by now renamed himself "Kip James" as a psychological ploy, defeated Killings and Konnan at [[TNA No Surrender#2005|No Surrender]] on July 17, with James declining to help either team. Killings and Konnan became increasingly frustrated, at one point referring to themselves as the "2Live Kru", although Killings repeatedly attempted to act as a mediator between James and Konnan. The two teams faced one another in a No Surrender rematch on August 14 at [[TNA Sacrifice#2005|Sacrifice]], with James appointed [[Referee (professional wrestling)#Special referees|special guest referee]] by [[Professional wrestling authority figures|Director of Authority]], Larry Zbyszko. James reaffirmed his loyalty to the Kru by attacking Kip, enabling Konnan to pin him and win the match. The 3Live Kru won a six-man tag team match against [[The Diamonds in the Rough]] at [[TNA Unbreakable#2005|Unbreakable]] on September 11. After ''[[TNA Impact!|Impact!]]'' premiered on [[Spike (TV channel)|Spike TV]] on October 1, Kip James entered the picture once more, but appeared to be helping 3LK this time. He refereed a [[Professional wrestling match types#(Object) on a Pole Match|Hockey Stick Fight]] at [[TNA Genesis#2005|Genesis]] on November 13, which 3LK won. Kip James later joined the stable, which became known as "4Live Kru". On December 11 at [[TNA Turning Point#2005|Turning Point]], the 4Live Kru faced Team Canada in an eight man tag match. In the course of the match, Konnan hit Kip and B.G. James with chair shots, enabling Bobby Roode to pin Kip. He then attempted to celebrate with Killings, who appeared shocked by Konnan's actions. Killings would later tell Konnan that he was done with the Kru. |
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====Various feuds and departure (2006–2007)==== |
====Various feuds and departure (2006–2007)==== |
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Following the break-up of the 3Live Kru, Killings began competing as a singles wrestler once more. He briefly aligned himself with [[Steve Borden|Sting]] in March, teaming with Sting, A.J. Styles, and [[Terry Gerin|Rhino]] as "Sting's Warriors". At [[Lockdown (2006)|Lockdown]] on April 23, Sting's Warriors defeated [[Planet Jarrett|Jarrett's Army]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Lethal Lockdown|Lethal Lockdown]] match. On the May 25 episode of ''Impact!'', Killings defeated [[Monty Brown]] to qualify for a [[King of the Mountain match]] for the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] at [[Slammiversary (2006)|Slammiversary]] on June 18. At Slammiversary, however, Killings failed to win the championship. Killings then teamed with [[Lance Hoyt]] in the following months, even participating, but losing, in a Battle Royal at [[TNA No Surrender#2006|No Surrender]]. On November 19 at [[TNA Genesis#2006|Genesis]], Killings and his tag team partner Lance Hoyt defeated [[Austin Aries|Austin Starr]] and [[Alex Shelley]] with [[Kevin Nash]] at ringside. He was then off the active roster due to injury. Killings returned to action at [[Slammiversary (2007)|Slammiversary]], teaming with [[James Storm]] in a losing effort against [[Frank Wycheck]] and [[Jerry Lynn]], implying that he was now a villain. |
Following the break-up of the 3Live Kru, Killings began competing as a singles wrestler once more. He briefly aligned himself with [[Steve Borden|Sting]] in March, teaming with Sting, A.J. Styles, and [[Terry Gerin|Rhino]] as "Sting's Warriors". At [[Lockdown (2006)|Lockdown]] on April 23, Sting's Warriors defeated [[Planet Jarrett|Jarrett's Army]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Lethal Lockdown|Lethal Lockdown]] match. On the May 25 episode of ''Impact!'', Killings defeated [[Monty Brown]] to qualify for a [[King of the Mountain match]] for the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] at [[Slammiversary (2006)|Slammiversary]] on June 18. At Slammiversary, however, Killings failed to win the championship. Killings then teamed with [[Lance Hoyt]] in the following months, even participating, but losing, in a Battle Royal at [[TNA No Surrender#2006|No Surrender]]. On November 19 at [[TNA Genesis#2006|Genesis]], Killings and his tag team partner Lance Hoyt defeated [[Austin Aries|Austin Starr]] and [[Alex Shelley]] with [[Kevin Nash]] at ringside. He was then took time off the active roster due to injury. Killings returned to action at [[Slammiversary (2007)|Slammiversary]], teaming with [[James Storm]] in a losing effort against [[Frank Wycheck]] and [[Jerry Lynn]], implying that he was now a villain. |
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On June 19, Killings tried to resign from TNA, intending to work for the Mexican [[Asistencia Asesoría y Administración]].<ref name="WO">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=19940|title=2 stars quit TNA before tonight's TV tapings|publisher=WrestlingObserver.com|dateformat=mdy|accessdate=August 13 2007|date=June 19, 2007}}</ref> Amidst more dissension backstage, however, TNA refused to release Killings. He returned to TNA on August 12 at [[Hard Justice#2007|Hard Justice]], confronting [[American football|football]] player [[Adam Jones (American football)|Adam Jones]].<ref name="Sokol">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/08/13/4414471.html|title=Bad booking mars Hard Justice|last=Sokol|first=Chris|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=2007-08-13|date=2007-06-13}}</ref> At [[TNA No Surrender#2007|No Surrender]], |
On June 19, Killings tried to resign from TNA, intending to work for the Mexican [[Asistencia Asesoría y Administración]].<ref name="WO">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=19940|title=2 stars quit TNA before tonight's TV tapings|publisher=WrestlingObserver.com|dateformat=mdy|accessdate=August 13 2007|date=June 19, 2007}}</ref> Amidst more dissension backstage, however, TNA refused to release Killings. He returned to TNA on August 12 at [[Hard Justice#2007|Hard Justice]], confronting [[American football|football]] player [[Adam Jones (American football)|Adam "Pacman" Jones]].<ref name="Sokol">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/08/13/4414471.html|title=Bad booking mars Hard Justice|last=Sokol|first=Chris|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=2007-08-13|date=2007-06-13}}</ref> At [[TNA No Surrender#2007|No Surrender]], "Pacman" Jones and Ron Killings defeated [[Steve Borden|Sting]] and [[Kurt Angle]] to win the [[TNA World Tag Team Championship]].<ref name=SLAM/> On October 14, [[A.J. Styles and Tomko]] defeated him and Jones's replacement, [[Consequences Creed|Rasheed Lucius "Consequences" Creed]], for the TNA Tag Team Championship. In January, he worked out a deal for his release from the company.<ref name=SLAM/> |
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===Return to WWE (2008–present)=== |
===Return to WWE (2008–present)=== |
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Killings re-signed with [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) in 2008. On July 25, during an episode of ''[[WWE |
Killings re-signed with [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) in 2008. On July 25, during an episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|Friday Night SmackDown]]'', a [[List of professional wrestling terms#V|vignette]] announced that Killings would debut on the SmackDown brand under the ring name R-Truth. He now enters through the crowd rapping his theme song "What's Up!".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2008/1215640978.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-02|date=2008-07-09|last=Martin|first=Andy|title= Regal's WWE suspension ending, Ron Killing update, + Trevor Murdoch|publisher=Wrestleview.com}}</ref> WWE completely ignored his former time with the company as K-Kwik, making no mention of his [[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Championship]] title reigns or any other events from past years in the company.<ref name=WWEbio/> He made his in-ring debut on the August 29, 2008 episode of ''SmackDown'' as a fan favorite defeating [[Kenny Dykstra]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08292008/|title=Steel City SmackDown|accessdate=2008-08-29|date=2008-08-29|last=Passero| first=Mitch|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At [[Cyber Sunday (2008)|Cyber Sunday]], R-Truth, along with [[Drew Hankinson|Festus]] and [[Montel Vontavious Porter]], was one of the choices to vote for to compete against [[WWE United States Championship|WWE United States Champion]] [[Shelton Benjamin]] for the title. Although he received 59% of the vote, R-Truth was unsuccessful in winning the title from Benjamin. On WWE.com, R-Truth won the [[Slammy Award]] for the [[Slammy Award#2008 Slammy Awards|Best Musical Performance]].<ref name=Slammy>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards08/|title=WWE Slammy award winners|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2009-02-03}}</ref> On July 10, 2009, R-Truth debuted a new alter ego prankster gimmick under the name Pretty Ricky in a promo on ''SmackDown'' that showed R-Truth in a sleeveless T-shirt and a set of fake teeth trying to get his way into the [[Rabobank Arena]]. |
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==In wrestling== |
==In wrestling== |
Revision as of 21:06, 6 August 2009
Ron Killings | |
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![]() | |
Born | Atlanta, Georgia | January 19, 1972
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | K-Krush[1] K-Kwik[1] K. Malik Shabazz[1] Ron Killings[1] R-Truth[1] Pretty Ricky[2] |
Billed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[2] |
Billed weight | 228 lb (103 kg)[2] |
Billed from | Charlotte, North Carolina[2] |
Trained by | Manny Fernandez[3] Chris Hamrick[3] Italian Stallion[3] George South[3] |
Debut | 1997[4] |
Ron Killings[4] (born January 19, 1972) is an American professional wrestler and rapper. He is currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment, performing on the SmackDown brand under the ring names R-Truth and Pretty Ricky.[2]. He is best known for his work in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, where he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship two times, the NWA World Tag Team Championship two times and the TNA World Tag Team Championship one time.
Professional wrestling career
Jackie Crockett of the National Wrestling Alliance first tried to convince Killings to become a professional wrestler, but he was determined to focus on his music career. Killings spent two years working on his music career and then contacted Crockett once more and expressed an interest in becoming a wrestler.[3] Crockett, by now the senior cameraman for World Championship Wrestling, took Killings to several WCW and Pro Wrestling Federation events, introducing him to wrestling personalities.[4] Killings debuted in the PWF in 1997 as a manager, then spent three years traveling and training with Manny Fernandez.[4] In 1999, he debuted in NWA Wildside as K-Krush, where he was awarded the newly-created NWA Wildside Television Championship on December 12. Killings lost the title to A.J. Styles on January 8, 2000.[3]
World Wrestling Federation (1999–2001)
At the urging of Rick Michaels, Killings sent a promotional videotape to the World Wrestling Federation.[4] He was signed to a two year developmental contract by the WWF in 1999 and was assigned to Memphis Championship Wrestling, a WWF developmental federation. On April 12 in Robinsonville, Mississippi he won a battle royal with the vacant MCW Southern Heavyweight Championship on the line.[4] He lost the title to a masked Jerry Lawler on May 24 in Tunica, Mississippi, but reclaimed it from Joey Abs several months later in Memphis, Tennessee on August 19.[4] His second reign ended on November 3, when he lost to Steve Bradley in Manila, Arkansas.[3]
Killings was promoted to the main roster and put in a tag team with Road Dogg.[4] He debuted on the November 13, 2000 episode of Raw is War, attacking William Regal during a match against Road Dogg. Killings, renamed K-Kwik, and the Road Dogg began rapping together, performing a song called "Gettin' Rowdy" as they approached the ring.[3] Upon the return of Road Dogg's former partner Billy Gunn later that month, Killings was involved in a D-Generation X quasi-reunion. At Survivor Series, Killings teamed with former DX members Road Dogg, Billy Gunn, and Chyna to face The Radicalz in a Survivor Series match.[4] Killings was eliminated from the match by Chris Benoit, and the Radicalz went on to win the match. At Armageddon, Killings and the Road Dogg took part in a four way tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship, which was won by Edge and Christian.[4]
After Road Dogg was suspended in December and eventually released on January 26, 2001,[5] Killings became a singles competitor. He took part in the Royal Rumble in 2001 but was eliminated by Big Show. Killings then began competing in the hardcore division. He defeated Raven for the WWF Hardcore Championship on February 3, but lost the title to Crash Holly that same evening.[6] He defeated Raven for the title a second time on February 5, but once again he lost the title to Holly within the space of several hours.[6] Killings became somewhat a background figure of "The Invasion" angle during the summer months, often seen in dressing rooms and watching television with other superstars during interpromotional matches. Killings was released from the WWF later that year.[4]
Xtreme Pro Wrestling (2002)
In 2002, Killings joined Xtreme Pro Wrestling as K. Malik Shabazz, teaming with Salid Jihad and Raphael Muhammed as the New Panthers, a gimmick based upon the Black Panther movement. On July 20, in Pico Rivera, California, Killings and Muhammed took part in a four way tag team match for the XPW Tag Team Championships which was won by Damián 666 and Halloween. He left the promotion later that year.
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2002–2007)
Debut (2002)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Killings_en_TNA.jpg/220px-Killings_en_TNA.jpg)
Killings signed with the Nashville, Tennessee-based Total Nonstop Action Wrestling promotion in June 2002, and appeared on the first weekly TNA pay-per-view on June 19 as "K-Krush". Killings immediately established himself as a villain by harassing NASCAR drivers Sterling Marlin and Hermie Sadler until he was attacked by Brian Christopher. Later that same evening, he participated in the Gauntlet for the Gold, but was eliminated by Malice. The following week, Killings lost to Christopher after Marlin and Sadler interfered in their match. On July 3, Killings and Jeff Jarrett defeated Christopher and Scott Hall after Christopher turned on Hall during the match, aligning himself with Killings and Jarrett. On July 10, Killings defeated Hermie Sadler in a squash match. The decision, however, was overturned after Killings continued to attack Sadler after he had been awarded the match.
On the July 17 TNA pay-per-view, Killings delivered an angry promo in which he implied that he had been held back as a result of his race. He then stated that he was to be referred to as "The Truth". Killings eventually began using his own name, referring to himself as Ron "The Truth" Killings. Killings defeated Ken Shamrock for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at NWA-TNA 8 on August 7, thus becoming the first ever recognized black NWA World Heavyweight Champion in history.[4] He successfully defended the title in matches with Monty Brown, Jerry Lynn, Low Ki, Curt Hennig, Hotstuff Hernandez, and Scott Hall before losing to Jeff Jarrett on November 20 with the help of Vince Russo.[4] As a result of Russo's involvement, Killings turned into a fan favorite. In subsequent months, Killings feuded with Sports Entertainment Xtreme before turning into a villainous character once again by attacking Jarrett on March 19.[4] He later introduced Nelson Knight as his bodyguard.[4]
3Live Kru (2003–2005)
Between May and June, Killings began teaming with Konnan and former WWF ally B.G. James. In July the trio formed a faction known as the 3Live Kru.[4] The Kru first wrestled as a unit on August 13, 2003, defeating the Disciples of The New Church (Sinn, Vampire Warrior, and Devon Storm).[4] The Kru soon went after the NWA World Tag Team Championship. On November 26, the Kru defeated Simon Diamond, Johnny Swinger, and Glenn Gilberti in a six man tag team match with the vacant NWA World Tag Team Championship on the line.[4] The NWA World Tag Team Chapionship was held by all three members of the Kru as part of the Freebird Rule until January 28, 2004, when they were defeated by Redshirt Security (Kevin Northcutt and Legend).
After several abortive attempts to regain the tag title, the Kru began supporting Killings' bid to become NWA World Heavyweight Champion. On June 9, NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Jarrett took part in a "3Live Kru Challenge" which saw him face Konnan, James and Killings in three subsequent matches. Jarrett defeated Konnan in a strap match and James in a "trailer park trash match" (hardcore match), but lost to Killings in a "Ghetto Justice match". On May 19, Killings faced NWA World Heavyweight Champion A.J. Styles, Raven, and Chris Harris in a four-way title match. He won the bout, becoming a two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, after Jarrett hit Styles with a guitar. His reign lasted until June 2, when Jarrett defeated him in a King of the Mountain match which also included Harris, Styles, and Raven. The Kru went on to feud with Jarrett's mercenaries, the Elite Guard (Chad Collyer, Hotstuff Hernandez, and Onyx). On July 14, the 3Live Kru, Dusty Rhodes, and Larry Zbyszko defeated Jarrett, Ken Shamrock, and the Elite Guard in a ten man tag team match. The Kru began feuding with Team Canada in August. At Victory Road on November 7, Konnan and James defeated Team Canada members Bobby Roode and Eric Young for the NWA World Tag Team Championship. After Konnan suffered an injury, Killings and James lost the title to Team Canada at Turning Point on December 5.[4] Throughout early-2005, the Kru feuded with Michael Shane and Kazarian, Team Canada, and The Naturals.
Dissension arose after James' former tag team partner from the WWF, Billy Gunn, joined TNA as "The New Age Outlaw" and began trying to convince James to reform their former tag team, the New Age Outlaws. Killings and Konnan feuded with The Outlaw and Monty Brown, with James's loyalties divided. Brown and The Outlaw, who had by now renamed himself "Kip James" as a psychological ploy, defeated Killings and Konnan at No Surrender on July 17, with James declining to help either team. Killings and Konnan became increasingly frustrated, at one point referring to themselves as the "2Live Kru", although Killings repeatedly attempted to act as a mediator between James and Konnan. The two teams faced one another in a No Surrender rematch on August 14 at Sacrifice, with James appointed special guest referee by Director of Authority, Larry Zbyszko. James reaffirmed his loyalty to the Kru by attacking Kip, enabling Konnan to pin him and win the match. The 3Live Kru won a six-man tag team match against The Diamonds in the Rough at Unbreakable on September 11. After Impact! premiered on Spike TV on October 1, Kip James entered the picture once more, but appeared to be helping 3LK this time. He refereed a Hockey Stick Fight at Genesis on November 13, which 3LK won. Kip James later joined the stable, which became known as "4Live Kru". On December 11 at Turning Point, the 4Live Kru faced Team Canada in an eight man tag match. In the course of the match, Konnan hit Kip and B.G. James with chair shots, enabling Bobby Roode to pin Kip. He then attempted to celebrate with Killings, who appeared shocked by Konnan's actions. Killings would later tell Konnan that he was done with the Kru.
Various feuds and departure (2006–2007)
Following the break-up of the 3Live Kru, Killings began competing as a singles wrestler once more. He briefly aligned himself with Sting in March, teaming with Sting, A.J. Styles, and Rhino as "Sting's Warriors". At Lockdown on April 23, Sting's Warriors defeated Jarrett's Army in a Lethal Lockdown match. On the May 25 episode of Impact!, Killings defeated Monty Brown to qualify for a King of the Mountain match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Slammiversary on June 18. At Slammiversary, however, Killings failed to win the championship. Killings then teamed with Lance Hoyt in the following months, even participating, but losing, in a Battle Royal at No Surrender. On November 19 at Genesis, Killings and his tag team partner Lance Hoyt defeated Austin Starr and Alex Shelley with Kevin Nash at ringside. He was then took time off the active roster due to injury. Killings returned to action at Slammiversary, teaming with James Storm in a losing effort against Frank Wycheck and Jerry Lynn, implying that he was now a villain.
On June 19, Killings tried to resign from TNA, intending to work for the Mexican Asistencia Asesoría y Administración.[7] Amidst more dissension backstage, however, TNA refused to release Killings. He returned to TNA on August 12 at Hard Justice, confronting football player Adam "Pacman" Jones.[8] At No Surrender, "Pacman" Jones and Ron Killings defeated Sting and Kurt Angle to win the TNA World Tag Team Championship.[4] On October 14, A.J. Styles and Tomko defeated him and Jones's replacement, Rasheed Lucius "Consequences" Creed, for the TNA Tag Team Championship. In January, he worked out a deal for his release from the company.[4]
Return to WWE (2008–present)
Killings re-signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2008. On July 25, during an episode of Friday Night SmackDown, a vignette announced that Killings would debut on the SmackDown brand under the ring name R-Truth. He now enters through the crowd rapping his theme song "What's Up!".[9] WWE completely ignored his former time with the company as K-Kwik, making no mention of his WWF Hardcore Championship title reigns or any other events from past years in the company.[2] He made his in-ring debut on the August 29, 2008 episode of SmackDown as a fan favorite defeating Kenny Dykstra.[10] At Cyber Sunday, R-Truth, along with Festus and Montel Vontavious Porter, was one of the choices to vote for to compete against WWE United States Champion Shelton Benjamin for the title. Although he received 59% of the vote, R-Truth was unsuccessful in winning the title from Benjamin. On WWE.com, R-Truth won the Slammy Award for the Best Musical Performance.[11] On July 10, 2009, R-Truth debuted a new alter ego prankster gimmick under the name Pretty Ricky in a promo on SmackDown that showed R-Truth in a sleeveless T-shirt and a set of fake teeth trying to get his way into the Rabobank Arena.
In wrestling
- Finishing moves
- Consequence (Elevated cradle neckbreaker)[1] – 2002–2004; TNA
- Corkscrew scissors kick[1]
- Hang Time (450° splash)[1] – 2002–2004; TNA
- Truth Conviction[1] / Hat Rack Crack[12] (Sitout inverted suplex slam)[1] – 2000–2004; used as a regular move from 2005–2007
- Signature moves
- Flying Jalapeño (Corkscrew flying forearm smash)[1]
- Front powerslam[1]
- Jumping superkick[1]
- Hurricanrana,[1] sometimes from the top rope[1]
- Reverse STO[1]
- Sitout hip toss[13]
- Sitout suplex slam[1]
- Truth or Consequences (Vertical suplex dropped into either a stunner or a cutter)[1]
- Entrance themes
- "Gettin' Rowdy" performed by Brian Gerard James and himself (WWF)[4]
- "Rowdy" performed by himself and composed by Jim Johnston[4]
- "What's My Name?" performed by himself (TNA)
- "What's My Name? (Instrumental)" edited by Dale Oliver
- "3 Live K" performed by Brian Gerard James, Charles Ashenoff, and himself and composed by Dale Oliver (Used while in 3Live Kru)
- "Beware" performed by Brian Gerard James, Charles Ashenoff, and himself and composed by Dale Oliver (Used while in 3Live Kru)
- "What's Up?" performed by himself and composed by Dale Oliver
- "He's Back" composed by Dale Oliver (Used while teaming with Pacman Jones)
- "What's Up? (Remix)" performed by himself, composed by Dale Oliver and remixed by Jim Johnston (WWE)
Championships and accomplishments
- Cyberspace Wrestling Federation
- CSWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[14]
- Memphis Championship Wrestling
- NWA Wildside
- NWA Wildside Television Championship (1 time)[16]
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
- World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
- WWF Hardcore Championship (2 times)[6]
- Slammy Award for Best Musical Performance (2008)[11]
1Killings defended the title with either James or Konnan under the Freebird Rule
Discography
- InVINCEable (2001)
- What's Up? (2006)
Media
- The Wrestler (2008 Movie)
- Head of State (2003 Movie, Uncredited)
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Ron Killings bio". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-08-15.
- ^ a b c d e f "R-Truth profile". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2008-08-10.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Ron Killings interview". Wrestling Observer. 2004-11-30. Archived from the original on 2008-01-02. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w "Ron Killings Bio". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2008-07-02.
- ^ Bill Apter (2001). "Down a Dark Road". Wrestling Digest. Find Articles. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (help) - ^ a b c "History of the Hardcore Championship". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2008-06-21.
- ^ "2 stars quit TNA before tonight's TV tapings". WrestlingObserver.com. June 19, 2007. Retrieved August 13 2007.
{{cite web}}
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(help); Unknown parameter|dateformat=
ignored (help) - ^ Sokol, Chris (2007-06-13). "Bad booking mars Hard Justice". Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2007-08-13.
- ^ Martin, Andy (2008-07-09). "Regal's WWE suspension ending, Ron Killing update, + Trevor Murdoch". Wrestleview.com. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
- ^ Passero, Mitch (2008-08-29). "Steel City SmackDown". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
- ^ a b "WWE Slammy award winners". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2009-02-03.
- ^ Sokol, Chris. "Impact: Gunn named an Outlaw, Trytan smokin'". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-03-12.
- ^ Tedesco, Mike (2008-09-16). "Smackdown Results - 9/12/08 - Milwaukee, WI ('New #1 Contender')". WrestleView.com. Retrieved 2009-03-27.
- ^ Westcott, Brian. "Cyberspace Wrestling Federation/NWA Cyberspace Heavyweight Title History". Solie. Retrieved 2008-06-21.
- ^ Westcott, Brian. "MCW - Memphis Championship Wrestling/Memphis Wrestling MCW/Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Title History". Solie. Retrieved 2008-06-21.
- ^ Westcott, Brian. "NWA Wildside NWA Wildside/NWA World Television Title History". WWE. Retrieved 2008-06-21.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2004". Wrestling Information Archive. Retrieved 2008-07-02.
- ^ Duncan, Royal. "NWA - National Wrestling Alliance NWA World Heavyweight Title History". Solie. Retrieved 2008-06-21.
- ^ Duncan, Royal. "NWA National Wrestling Alliance NWA World Tag Team Titles History". Solie. Retrieved 2008-06-21.
- ^ Oliver, Earl. "TNA Total Non-Stop Action TNA World Tag Team Titles History". Solie. Retrieved 2008-06-21.