Update On Carlito Possibly Returning To WWE

Konnan and former WWE creative writer Court Bauer revealed on MLW Radio last Wednesday that WWE officials are interested in bringing back Carlito, who was released in 2010 due to a violation of the WWE Wellness Program and his subsequent refusal to attend a rehabilitation facility. To add to the report, neither party appears desperate for a reunion.

Konnan mentioned on the podcast that Carlito was offered a contract to return to WWE, but felt it was for “really bad money” — an insulting figure which he declined.

Original Report
Konnan and former WWE creative writer Court Bauer revealed on MLW Radio on Wednesday that WWE officials are interested in bringing back Carlito, who was fired five years ago.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter editor Dave Meltzer reported in February that Triple H was lobbying for a top Hispanic star in WWE since he feels the company is in need of one. There are currently five male Hispanic wrestlers on the main roster (The Lucha Dragons, Los Matadores and El Torito) and amazingly, none training at the WWE Performance Center. Ideally, WWE wants someone with “the look,” can work well in the ring, is bilingual and at least 6 feet tall. The former United States Champion and Intercontinental Champion, who is now 36-years-old, pretty much fits the bill. Carlito is around 5 foot 10, but was never portrayed as a “small” wrestler.

WWE released Carlito on May 21, 2010, “due to his first violation of the WWE Wellness Program and his subsequent refusal to attend a rehabilitation facility,” per the company’s official website. In a subsequent interview, Carlito revealed that he wanted to leave the company for a long time.

“I’ve been trying to leave for three years, and the last year I wasn’t even myself. I was dying to be away . . . I wouldn’t say I got myself fired on purpose, but that last year I really didn’t care. I really wanted to be away,” Carlito said in a July 2010 interview.

Fans didn’t see Carlito in a WWE capacity again until the 2014 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where he and his brother (Diego) and cousin (Fernando) inducted the legendary Carlos Colón — Carlito’s father.

Since his departure from the company, Carlito had been competing in Puerto Rico, where his father holds World Wrestling Council (WWC) events.

With none of the current wrestlers being presented as top stars, Alberto Del Rio on the outs with WWE following a bitter departure last year, Vince McMahon cold on bringing back a 40-year-old Rey Mysterio, and only two training at the WWE Performance Center (both of whom have yet to debut on the NXT series), Carlito looks to be the company’s best option for a top Hispanic star.