Carlito on WWE Exit: ‘I Deserved Respect, Not Silence’

Former WWE Superstar Carlito has opened up about the abrupt end of his second stint with the company, offering a measured but pointed critique of how his departure was handled. In a recent interview with fellow wrestling veteran D-Von Dudley, Carlito confirmed that WWE chose not to renew his contract and informed him of the decision with little time left on the clock.

The Puerto Rican star, known for his laid-back swagger and signature apple-spitting antics, said he was told just two weeks before his deal expired that he would not be brought back. More surprising, according to Carlito, was that WWE also told him not to attend the final television tapings. For someone who prides himself on being a professional, the decision felt dismissive.

Carlito expressed disappointment with how the process unfolded. He clarified that while he isn’t bitter, the lack of communication and abrupt nature of his exit did not sit well with him. He believes that after decades in the business, he deserved a more respectful conclusion to his time with the company. He explained that he was ready to fulfill his duties until the very last day, but WWE didn’t allow him that opportunity. His words reflected both pride in his work ethic and frustration at being treated, in his own words, “like a mark.”

Carlito’s career with WWE has been anything but ordinary. During his first run from 2004 to 2010, he made an immediate impact by defeating John Cena in his debut match on SmackDown to capture the United States Championship. His transition to Raw was equally dramatic, as he won the Intercontinental Title in his first appearance on the brand. These moments cemented Carlito as a rising star in the mid-2000s WWE landscape.

One of the most memorable chapters of his first run came when he joined forces with his brother Primo. Together, they achieved a historic milestone at WrestleMania 25, becoming the first team to unify the WWE Tag Team Championships with the World Tag Team Championships. Their chemistry and charisma made them fan favorites and gave Carlito another notch on his already impressive résumé.

After more than a decade away, Carlito made a triumphant return at the 2023 Backlash premium live event in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The overwhelming reaction from the local crowd sparked WWE’s interest in bringing him back full-time. He was quickly integrated into the Latino World Order, a faction that resonated with fans across generations.

But his second run took an unexpected turn at WrestleMania 41, where he shocked the WWE Universe by betraying the LWO and siding with Dominik Mysterio. The heel turn aligned him with The Judgment Day, one of the most dominant factions on Monday Night Raw. His alliance with the group seemed to signal a new chapter in his WWE journey, but it would ultimately be short-lived.

Now officially a free agent, Carlito is wasting no time returning to the ring. He is scheduled to face former WWE star Matt Riddle at Big Time Wrestling on July 25. While his WWE chapter may have ended unceremoniously, Carlito’s passion for wrestling clearly remains intact. His next steps may lie outside the spotlight of WWE, but fans can be sure they haven’t seen the last of him.