Photos for Headline Surfer courtesy of WWE
/ TOP: Rick Derringer and Hulk Hogan on 'Real American' Hulkamania in the 1980s;
BELOW: Rhea Ripley sports an R-Truth shirt in support of the popular wrestler released over the weekend by WWE.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A lot is going on in pro wrestling that has the WWE Universe up in arms, most notably the shocking release of R-Truth. But first, Wrestling ReWind pays its final respects to rock musician and songwriter Rick Derringer, a real American, who has passed away at the age of 77.
Derringer, who lived in Ormond Beach with his wife, Jenda Derringer, passed away on May 26, 2025, following a medical episode that left him on life support. He was taken off life support in a Daytona Beach hospital and died peacefully in his sleep. While his death followed a triple bypass surgery two months prior, an official cause of death has not been announced.
Derringer (born Richard Dean Zehringer; August 5, 1947 – May 26, 2025) was an American musician, producer, and songwriter. He gained fame in the 1960s with his band, the McCoys. Their debut single, "Hang On Sloopy," was a No. 1 hit in 1965 and is now regarded as a classic track from the garage rock era.
A few years later, Derringer left the McCoys as a solo artist and produced some memorable rock songs, most notably "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" (1973 - #23 US album: All American Boy), which was his highest charting song.
"Hoochie Koo" is short for "Hoochie Koochie," which is sexual slang popularized by Muddy Waters in his song "Hoochie Coochie Man." In this song, Derringer finds a lady who lights his fuse; he looks forward to a little Hoochie Koo.
In the early '70s, Rick Derringer joined the Edgar Winter Group after guitarist Ronnie Montrose left the band. Derringer was a vocalist and guitarist with Edgar Winter and also produced two of the group's biggest hits from the album They Only Come Out at Night: "Frankenstein" (1972 - #1 US; #18 UK) and "Free Ride" (1973 - #14 US).
Multimedia videos: Rick Derringer songs
Headline Surfer YouTube downloads / Rick Derringer with The MCoys on "Hang on Sloopy," "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo" with Edgar Winter on the Midnight Special, and "Frankenstein," the No. 1 instrumental smash hit.
So what does all this have to do with wrestling? Rick Derringer was instrumental in the connection between rock and wrestling, making Hulk Hogan a global superstar with the 1985 song "Real American."
Multimedia: Hulkamania with Rick Derringer's Real American'
Headline Surfer YouTube download / Rick Derringer & Hulk Hogan - "Real American."
Derringer's "Real American" is a well-known theme song in professional wrestling, particularly associated with Hulk Hogan. It was originally used as the theme for the tag team U.S. Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda) but later became Hogan's iconic entrance music. Derringer co-wrote the song with Bernard Kenny.
After Barry Windham left the World Wrestling Federation (later World Wrestling Entertainment or WWE), Hogan adopted the song as his own, making it synonymous with his character. The song became a defining element of Hogan's persona and the "Hulkamania" era.
While most people associate it with Hogan, Derringer's influence extended to other aspects of wrestling, including the Demolition theme and the Wrestling Album.
Backlash from WWE's release of R-Truth
Now let's return to the controversy over WWE's release of R-Truth.
The unexpected release of R-Truth from WWE has caused a significant backlash and upset among fans and fellow wrestlers. The decision has led to widespread criticism of the company and raised concerns about job security within the locker room.
-
WWE's Reputation: The release has further tarnished WWE's reputation, particularly among fans who feel the company prioritizes profit over the well-being of its performers, according to the New York Post.
-
Tributes and Support: Despite the controversy, many wrestlers have expressed respect and admiration for R-Truth, sharing heartfelt messages on social media and in interviews.
-
Future Uncertainty: R-Truth's release has raised questions about the future of his career and whether he will continue to wrestle in other promotions, such as the rival AEW.
-
R-Truth was likely a victim of being an aging veteran at 53 years old, making more money than WWE and its parent company, TKO, wanted to take on for his role when they have waves of new stars on much cheaper deals to promote from NXT.
Here was the tweet from R-Truth himself that got the whole controversy started:
Im sorry to inform you all. I just got released from WWE. I want to thank WWE for the ride, but MOSTLY I want to thank each and EVERYONE OF YOU who was along for the ride, Thank you for all the love, support, and appreciation you have given me over the years. Thank you 🙏🏾
— Ron Killings (@RonKillings) June 1, 2025
The wrestling world reacts to the shocking release of R-Truth from WWE. @RonKillings pic.twitter.com/Kx7jbmtuqh
— Sportskeeda Wrestling (@SKWrestling_) June 1, 2025
Multimedia: R-Truth and Cena at Saturday Night's Main Event
Headline Surfer YouTube download / WWE video / May 24, 2025 / The record-breaking Undisputed WWE Champion looks to wipe out the Superstar who has spent his whole life looking up to him.
R-Truth last wrestled on May 24 at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event on NBC. Cena defeated R-Truth in a non-title match. This was also R-Truth's final match in WWE before being released by the company.
Truth had a long-running bit where he referred to Cena as his “childhood hero.” This was despite being five years older than the current WWE Champion.
So, does Cena have responsibility? No. Then who does? The blame falls squarely on the shoulders of WWE's top executives, who have allowed R-Truth's contract to expire without a renewal.
Who knows if this may be a work to get Cena to turn face? Doubtful, but still possible.
About the Byline Writer: