So R-Truth...a year later (*contains recent Raw spoilers*)

Mr.Nice Guy

So it's a little over year since R-Truth attacked John Morrison in England and later went on to cut a memorable heel promo on Raw renouncing his 'good R-Truth' persona:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSbQ8xY7v7Q

In my view this was one of the most impressive segments of last year and like others I was much more interested in this edgier, deranged R-Truth.

Truth was not only more sinister as a character but a hell of a lot more entertaining too. Remember this classic gem for example (2 mins in):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuRfl9J7SuM

I think what has since happened to Truth is a damn shame. Those who saw the recent Raw know he and Kofi are now the tag team champs. Realistically this means nothing in 2012. It's a spot that will maybe get him an opening match on some PPVs, probably more likely on Youtube tbh.

This is a real waste imo of what could have been a fantastic character. If they had kept him as the out-of-control loon and yet allowed him continue to interact with the audience ('don't what me', 'don't boo me you should be booing yourselves' etc.) then I reckon the Little Jimmy stuff would have gotten over even more. It seems like even that has fizzled out.

I think there were three hammer blows to his hopes:

1) Being saddled with Miz. This really watered down his potential and turned him into a fall guy for lame comedy, essentially becoming a dumb clown.

2) His suspension for violating the Wellness Policy. He was written off the show for a month and probably they lost faith in him (though I would argue they hadn't enough faith in him anyway as a singles guy).

3) Vince seeing dollar signs for the Little Jimmy stuff and turning him babyface again. It was too soon for this and like with the D-Bryan 'what' stuff they should have been patient and let his character get over more.

That's my take but I thought I'd put it to the forum. What do you make of Truth and his position a year on? Have WWE ruined his character? Was he destined to never be a big time guy? Was it his own fault?

The Showstopper

Yes, but he himself is to blame

I don't think he was ever going to be a main event guy but I Do think WWE dropped the ball on not keeping Miz and Truth together. For me that team was one of the highlights of last year and neither man has done anything since, they didn't even get a proper feud out of it.

DEFTLEFTHAND

Yes, but he himself is to blame

I agree I think they didn't give it enough time, Truth made for good TV last year and the character had depth with potential for many different layers to be explored and developed.

You'd have to wonder though was the belief there from management that he could work as a legit main event heel. I think after the disappointing numbers his WWE title match at Capital Punishment drew they lost faith in him and wrote it off as a failed experiment.

bobby_says_hi

No, he was never going to be a main eventer

i get that he had to be written off due to his suspension but bringing him back as a face was not needed. he had so much potential as a heel while Miz could have done with a face turn. how exactly has splitting the two of them before they got to do anything helped either of them? Miz is relegated to Santino fodder and Truth is holding a title that gets no attention from the creative team

DM_7

I think the lack of interest in this thread is an indicator of where Truth is now.

WWE messed up a lot of good things last year. R-Truth was one of them. Regardless of a wellness mistake they should have continued with the sinister R-Truth persona. He was different, interesting and entertaining.

I find his Little Jimmy stuff fun but not as interesting as when he used it as part of his conspiracy beliefs.

jaykhunter

Yes, but he himself is to blame

Not as interested is an understatement. About this time last year I looked forward to his segments the most. Now we have a sanitised "marketable" version of Truth and Sherlock Homie skits that only Vince and Gerwitz could love. It's like comparing 2008 Kennedy to 2012 Anderson. Can't stand truth these days. His character is far funnier as a comedy heel.