Lilian Garcia to Introduce R-Truth vs. John Cena on SNME

WWE announcer Lilian Garcia reunites with R-Truth this Saturday in Tampa's live SNME ring.

By Pratibha Pratibha linkedin_icon

Lilian Garcia is back behind the microphone this Saturday night, teaming up with WWE stalwart R-Truth (Ron Killings) to kick off his showdown with John Cena on NBC’s Saturday Night’s Main Event. The veteran ring announcer shared her excitement in an Instagram post, calling Truth “an AMAZING HUMAN BEING” and teasing fans to tune in on May 24 at Tampa’s Yuengling Center.

A Legendary Duo Back In Action

Garcia’s bond with Ron Killings dates to his WWE debut in 2002, and she’s praised him again and again for both his in-ring talent and his warmth backstage. In Saturday’s Main Event promo, she wrote, “What’s up??? @ronkillings1 is what’s up!! I have been fortunate enough to work with R-Truth since he stepped into WWE and when I say he is an AMAZING HUMAN BEING, I don’t say that lightly!!!” That authenticity has endeared her to audiences for more than two decades.

A Storied Career Behind The Mic

Born August 19, 1966, Lilian Annette García made history when she joined WWE in July 1999 as the company’s first regular female ring announcer. A classically trained vocalist and former NFL Europe reporter, she went on to introduce some of the promotion’s most iconic matches. Her clarion call for events like WrestleMania and her performances of “The Star-Spangled Banner” have become must-see moments in their own right.

In an Instagram flashback to earlier this month, Garcia reminded followers of her first big ring introduction: “Wow! Wild this is happening. Been yeeeeaaaarrrrssss since I announced @johncena to the ring. 🎤 Are you ready for Saturday? I sure am!! Memorial weekend is going to be 🔥🇺🇸.” Fans responded with nostalgia, tagging their favorite Lilian announcements from over the years.

Bringing The Heat To Tampa

Saturday Night’s Main Event returns May 24 live to NBC and Peacock from the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. The show will open with Garcia formally introducing R-Truth’s high-profile match against John Cena—another career-defining moment for both men. Cena, a 16-time world champion, and Truth, a multi-time 24/7 Champion, will clash in what promises to be a playful but competitive contest.

Garcia’s Instagram image captures the anticipation: the two stood side by side inside the ring, smiles wide, as she held the microphone aloft. The chemistry between announcer and superstar set the tone for a night that blends athleticism, humor, and celebrity flair.

Who Will Triumph?

As Garcia asked in her post—“Who do you guys think will win??”—fans are already debating on social channels. Will Cena’s seasoned prowess outshine Truth’s unpredictable offense? Or will R-Truth’s veteran ring IQ and comedic cunning score the upset? Either way, Garcia’s introduction will mark another highlight in her celebrated announcing career.

Tune In For The Show

Saturday Night’s Main Event kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and streams on Peacock. With Lilian Garcia’s return and the R-Truth vs. John Cena opener, the broadcast promises a blend of nostalgia and fresh drama. Follow WWE’s social channels for behind-the-scenes clips and live reactions.

Garcia closing her caption with, “Find out Saturday by joining us! 👇🏼 @wwe Saturday Night’s Main Event 🗓️ May 24, 2025 📍@yuenglingcenter Tampa, Florida 📺 @nbc / @peacock,” she left fans with a date—one they won’t want to miss.

As the countdown to Memorial Weekend wrestling heats up, Lilian Garcia’s reunion with R-Truth serves as a reminder of the enduring power of live sports entertainment. Whether you’re cheering for Cena’s signature Attitude Adjustment or Truth’s patented dance breaks, make sure you’re tuned in when the lights go down and the microphone goes live once more.

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Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

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