Nearly Two Months After Receiving Gigantic Return Pop, John Cena’s Iconic Rival’s Return Date Lights Up WWE Universe

Winds of change struck WWE when Triple H assumed control of the creative. Many superstars that were once released by Vince McMahon, were brought back to WWE by The Game. A new report indicates a potential return of another superstar. And it is very “cool”. The star in question is none other than Carlito. 

Carlito had a moderately successful run in the Stamford-based promotion. During his seven-year stint with the WWE, he won four Championships. In fact, on his first night on SmackDown, he defeated John Cena to become the new United States Champion and had an extended feud with him. After all, he comes from a long pedigree of legendary wrestlers. So, is Carlito coming back?

Carlito has reportedly inked a deal with WWE

Carlito recently grabbed the attention after making an appearance at Backlash in Puerto Rico. The 44-year-old star helped Bad Bunny beat Damien Priest in a San Juan Street Fight in Puerto Rico. Fans were shocked to see Carlito’s transformation. His return to the ring got the fans spitballing about his rumored comeback to WWE. 

It should be noted that Carlito has been actively wrestling on the independents since his release from WWE in 2010. According to Dave Meltzer from Wrestling Observer Radio, Carlito pulled himself back from an independent show due to his rumored deal with the WWE.

Meltzer stated, “Well, the only thing that I know is he had an independent show on July 15 for Devon Nicholson in Canada, and he called him up to cancel and said that he has signed with WWE. So… perhaps he has signed with WWE, it wouldn’t surprise me. He got that big pop in Puerto Rico, so maybe he’s back. We’ll have to wait and see. Maybe they have a storyline for him. That’s what Devon Nicholson said today,”

As Meltzer pointed out, it would come as no surprise if Carlito has signed a deal with WWE as he sparked a massive reaction from the fans at Backlash. In addition, The Caribbean Cool’s return at Royal Rumble 2021 was also well-received by the fans. 

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Considering his experience in WWE, it is likelier that if Carlito returns, he gets involved in storylines. But, why did Carlito leave WWE? 

The real reason why Carlito was released in 2010

As noted, Carlito defeated John Cena in his first outing in 2004. The former United States Champion then established himself as a credible heel in the company. Aside from winning multiple titles including the tag team Championship, Carlito is recognized for his involvement in the 2005 Raw vs SmackDown elimination match at Survivor Series. 

However, in 2010, Carlito got the axe after he refused to go to rehab for an alleged addiction to painkillers. The San Juan native star then bounced around in the independent wrestling scene. One of his most talked-about recent matches was at a House of Glory event against Matt Cardona. 

It will be interesting to see Carlito resuming his journey in WWE. 

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What are your thoughts on his potential return? Comment below!