WWE Cuts Targeted ‘Older, Less Used Talent’ as R-Truth and Carlito Get Dropped

WWE’s latest roster cuts weren’t random—and the reasoning behind them paints a clear picture of how the company is evaluating its talent.

According to Dave Meltzer on the June 2, 2025 edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE focused on trimming “older, less used talent” as part of internal restructuring.

While both R-Truth and Carlito had active roles on television, they were ultimately seen as expendable under WWE’s current model. R-Truth, who had been a comedic staple for years, was no longer part of weekly storylines. Meltzer explained the company’s thinking behind his removal.

“R-Truth, not so much. I mean, he’s been around for a long time and I think a lot of people were surprised. But when you really look at it, you know, between the age and the fact that he’s not… I mean, he’s just in there for quick cameos. It’s not like he’s in weekly storylines or anything like that.”

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Even Carlito, who had just been reintroduced into The Judgment Day’s narrative, wasn’t immune.

“When you’re bringing people in… when you make additions to a roster, you have to make subtractions. And I was surprised with Carlito in the sense that he’s in the middle of, you know, the Judgment Day thing, and you know, they have regular TV time.”

Meltzer added that with so many incoming names from AEW and NXT, the company is making cuts where it sees limited upside—and age is a major factor.

“Anyone who’s on that borderline right now, with so many people being brought up… If you’re not being used in a program and you’re not like this major superstar, you’re in danger. And older—older is worse than younger, obviously.”

The fallout from the decision continues to grow, with fans and talent alike expressing frustration over what many see as unnecessary losses to the roster.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.