“Agents Blew It”: Eric Bischoff Breaks Down What Really Went Wrong in R-Truth’s WWE Contract Drama
The confusion and backlash surrounding R-Truth’s WWE contract saga may not have been as simple—or as sinister—as fans first believed. Speaking on the latest episode of 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff offered his blunt, behind-the-scenes take on the situation that played out during WWE: Unreal Season Two. According to Bischoff, this wasn’t about WWE being heartless or R-Truth being misled on purpose—it was about negotiations spiraling out of control once agents got involved.
Bischoff: “They Were Negotiating—Then It Got Messy”
Bischoff explained that R-Truth (Ron Killings) believed he had been released after WWE informed him they would not renew his contract at its current terms. Eventually, the two sides came back together and agreed to a new deal—but not before confusion and hurt feelings exploded publicly.
In Bischoff’s view, Truth acted too quickly.
He admitted he likes and respects R-Truth but felt the situation escalated unnecessarily. The key turning point, according to Bischoff, was learning that agents were heavily involved in the negotiations—a detail he says changed everything.
Why Agents Can Complicate WWE Negotiations
Bischoff didn’t mince words when discussing agents, calling their involvement a frequent source of problems in wrestling deals. He said negotiations often derail when agents start “playing hardball,” especially when they’re negotiating with executives experienced in high-level entertainment contracts.
Bischoff sided with Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s handling of the situation, noting he has no personal allegiance to him—just firsthand experience with similar scenarios.
From a business standpoint, Bischoff explained WWE’s position clearly: if a veteran talent is used less frequently, it becomes difficult to justify paying them at the same rate. Crowd reactions, usage, and long-term plans all factor into those decisions.
According to Bischoff, R-Truth’s agent may have overshot in negotiations, WWE called the bluff, and communication broke down in the process. Truth likely received incomplete or poorly delivered information, leading him to believe he was outright released.
“Nobody’s Lying—It Just Fell Apart”
One of Bischoff’s most notable points was that he doesn’t believe either side acted dishonestly.
He said he believes both R-Truth and WWE were telling the truth from their own perspectives. The real issue, he argued, was how the message was communicated, by whom, and how quickly emotions took over.
Bischoff’s Advice: Pause Before Posting
Bischoff wrapped up the discussion with a warning for wrestlers—and anyone navigating high-stakes negotiations in public.
His advice? Don’t react immediately.
He urged talent to take 48 hours before posting on social media, emphasizing that emotional responses almost always make situations worse. In this case, he believes frustration and misunderstanding fueled a controversy that never needed to explode.
The Bigger Picture
In the end, R-Truth remained with WWE, and cooler heads eventually prevailed. But Bischoff’s comments shed light on how fragile contract talks can be—especially when agents, emotions, and public platforms collide.
It’s a reminder that in wrestling, the real drama doesn’t always happen in the ring.
