R-Truth def. King Barrett (Kickoff Match)

COLOMBUS, Ohio – King Barrett’s imperial reign hit an impasse at WWE Money in the Bank Kickoff as R-Truth defeated the kingly Superstar in what many will consider a royal upset.

Before the match, R-Truth proclaimed that by defeating Barrett he would cement himself as the new King of WWE, a claim that Barrett strongly disagreed with while cockily strutting to the ring.

Truth kept Barrett at bay in the early-goings with his illusiveness, before Barrett’s hard-hitting offense finally gave him the upper hand. Barrett wore down his opponent with a barrage of holds, but proved incapable of stopping several spurts of offense from Truth during the latter stages of the match.

Finally though, Barrett connected squarely with a kick to Truth’s gut, leaving him prone for the dreaded Bull Hammer. However, proving to be ever scrappy, Truth evaded not one, but two of the King’s Bull Hammer attempts. A now visibly frustrated Barrett attempted to catch Truth off guard with his signature Winds of Change, but Truth was able to reverse the move into a clever roll-up to pick up the victory.

Post-match comments from R-Truth

Following the win, Truth immediately began parading around the ring, declaring himself the new King of the Ring. After promising to make the commentary team members of his new royal court (Michael Cole as the court jester, anyone?), Truth did not hesitate to adorn himself with Barrett’s crown and begin celebrating with it atop his head.

The party was short-lived, however. The King soon came to and confronted R-Truth, who after a few very uncomfortable seconds subsequently threw the crown back to Barrett before scurrying away up the ramp. A royal mess may just be beginning to brew between these two.