Welcome to another eWrestlingNews Question of the Day! 13 years ago today, the WWE Capitol Punishment pay-per-view was held at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
While we could very easily get into today’s politics when it comes to everything from Hulk Hogan speaking at the Republican National Convention and more, one constant has remained no matter what side of the aisle you’re on: R-Truth.
The guy never ages, he continues to be prominently featured, and seems to be one of the most well-liked WWE Superstars out there. On this show, he had his best chance ever to win a world title when he faced John Cena for the WWE Championship in the main event (even if he isn’t on the posters, but Rey Mysterio is opposite Cena…strangely)
My question for you today is “Whether then or at any point in his career, as well as in the future, should R-Truth have a world title reign?”
Remember to answer with your response in the comments below.
R-Truth is great. He’s long been a lock for the WWE Hall of Fame, whenever he chooses to retire, which could very likely be 50 years from now, based on his track record. I’d endorse him for a lot of different things and many accolades…but not this.
A topic I love discussing is looking back on previous generations and debating who would have won a world title if there had always been two, like there is now. Razor Ramon, Ted DiBiase, Roddy Piper, British Bulldog, Owen Hart, Mr. Perfect, and so on, are names I always defend would have won it at least once. But R-Truth has been on the roster in eras where there were indeed two world titles to compete for, and still didn’t reach that level that others like Mark Henry, Jinder Mahal, Great Khali and other one-time world champions have.
His best work has always been on the comedic side of things. Yes, there is merit to that; no debate whatsoever. But Santino Marella isn’t a former WWE world champion either. Otis won Money in the Bank, but had to give it up in favor of a more serious star in The Miz being the one to actually cash in and win the title. Unless you’re giving the world title away to a comedic person for a gag, which diminishes the championship’s prestige, why give it to someone who is out there for a laugh?
R-Truth would have to undergo some sort of “now I’m serious” makeover, and at that point, he would cease to be R-Truth. Ron Killings won a world title in NWA TNA when he was serious, so we know it CAN be done, but I’d argue can doesn’t mean should. And that’s okay. William Regal never won a world title and he’s beloved and revered. No one badmouths Goldust as some inconsequential Superstar, yet he spent a good portion of his career being a comedic act and only won midcard and tag team gold just the same.
R-Truth certainly shouldn’t have beaten Cena back then at Capitol Punishment, hasn’t reached a point since then to justify a proper world title shot, and likely never will, but that is perfectly okay. It doesn’t make him any less important and it doesn’t take away from all his other achievements that have made him a standout, unique, awesome performer.
With that being said, I’m sure if I were on WWE Creative, I would at least once have found myself pitching the idea that he would make for an interesting NXT Champion, if you count that as a world title. Something to think about, if not just for a pat on the back. It’s not the best idea that’s ever existed, but even if it’s just for the conference table, the concept of R-Truth winning MITB and cashing in on the developmental brand’s title because he thinks it signifies he’s “the future of this business” would get a chuckle out of me before ultimately moving on to more serious options.
There may always be 2 more realistic candidates for world champion at all times, but there will never be another R-Truth.
What do you think? Drop your thoughts below!