R-Truth Faces The Miz in Main Event of WWE SmackDown Live

In a story thread that took up the entire episode of WWE SmackDown Live without feeling forced, R-Truth ended up in the main event against The Miz — and won.

While all the attention of late has been on new NWA World Heavyweight Champion Cody (Rhodes), a former champion competed in the main event of this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown Live. And it’s someone you’d never expect — R-Truth.

Yes, R-Truth, aka Ron “The Truth” Killings, was a former NWA World Champion over fifteen years ago. His time in WWE hasn’t resulted in any major championships outside of a tag title run here or there, but he’s still held the Ten Pounds of Gold.

But wait a minute… how did R-Truth, a guy who’s been trying to get a match against Carmella, end up in the SmackDown main event? It’s kind of a long story, but it makes sense, and it was built up throughout the entire episode.

It started with The Miz and Maryse before the show went on the air, challenging Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella to come to the ring and fight them. By the time SmackDown started, Miz and Maryse were gone, and on a date, which left Bryan to face Andrade Almas again in a terrific match.

After Bryan won, he and Brie left the building to “go to dinner,” but the Mizanins returned to SmackDown. General Manager Paige told Miz he would be in a match against anyone who wanted to face him.

Cut to Truth roaming backstage, looking for his Mixed Match Challenge partner Carmella. After mistaking Maryse for Carmella, Truth was subject to a verbal tirade from Mrs. A-Lister, who called Carmella “Staten Island trash.”

Truth found Mella, and passed along the information in an effort to get her to accompany him to the ring. Despite her initial reluctance, Carmella agreed after hearing just what Maryse thought of her. And Truth answered Paige’s challenge for Miz, and we had out main event.

It wasn’t a bad match, but a distraction finish led to Truth picking up a victory over his former Awesome Truth partner. The distraction was caused by Bryan and Brie returning to WWE SmackDown Live, who then hit the ring to take out their rivals.

Almas and Zelina Vega came down to try and get a jump on the Danielsons, but before too long Bryan and Brie locked both of them in Yes Locks. The Miz thought about running into the ring, but he decided to run away instead.

It was a great way to close out a great episode of WWE SmackDown Live.