Latest news with #Carlito
Newsweek
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Carlito Breaks Silence On WWE Departure
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Carlito has opened up about his recent departure from WWE, stating that while he is a professional and will move on, he was not happy with how the company handled his final days. The former United States Champion's contract was not renewed in June, bringing his second run with the company to an end. In a new interview with fellow WWE alum D-Von Dudley, Carlito discussed the circumstances surrounding his exit. He confirmed that it was the company's decision not to renew his contract. How The WWE Run Ended Carlito explained that he was given very little notice about his status. He said WWE informed him just two weeks before his contract expired that they were not re-signing him and that he did not need to come to the final TV tapings. "The contract ended and they wanted me not to renew," Carlito said (H/T to Fightful). "They call it like two weeks out. You don't have to come to the RAW or whatever." He expressed frustration with this approach, feeling that as a veteran, he should have been allowed to finish his duties professionally. "I'm a professional. I don't like that... Treat me like a mark or something. I'll do my job... It's not the end of the world either." SUNRISE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 19: Liv Morgan, Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, and Carlito of the Judgment Day stand over Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest during Monday Night RAW at Amerant Bank Arena on... SUNRISE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 19: Liv Morgan, Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, and Carlito of the Judgment Day stand over Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest during Monday Night RAW at Amerant Bank Arena on August 19, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.A Historic First Run Carlito's first run with WWE from 2004 to 2010 was marked by immediate and historic success. He burst onto the scene in his SmackDown debut, defeating John Cena to win the United States Championship. The following year, he won the Intercontinental Championship in his Raw debut match. He later formed a highly successful tag team with his brother, Primo. At WrestleMania 25, the duo made history by becoming the first and only team to unify the WWE Tag Team Championship and the World Tag Team Championship. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation After more than a decade away, Carlito made a shocking return at the Backlash premium live event in his native Puerto Rico in 2023. The incredible crowd reaction he received led to him being signed to a full-time contract. He joined the popular Latino World Order (LWO) faction, enjoying a successful babyface run. The final chapter of his WWE return saw him turn heel at WrestleMania 41, betraying the LWO to help Dominik Mysterio. He subsequently joined The Judgment Day, aligning himself with one of the top factions on Raw before his contract expired. Now a free agent, Carlito is already booked for his return to the independent scene, with a match scheduled against Matt Riddle for Big Time Wrestling on July 25th. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Carlito declares he's 'Back in Business' after WWE exit
Image via WWE Carlito, one of WWE's most charismatic performers of the 2000s and a fan favorite during his recent return, has officially parted ways with the company. In a post shared on social media, the 46-year-old wrestler revealed that his contract has expired and that WWE has opted not to renew it. The announcement was made by Carlito on June 1 via X (formerly Twitter), where he wrote, 'My contract is up in 2 weeks. It will not be renewed.' Adding a touch of humor, he joked about WWE demanding repayment of his salary for 'stealing money' and referenced Netflix footage. He then signed off with a heartfelt message to fans, saying, 'Gracias WWE & especially the WWE Universe. Los quiero mucho!' — Litocolon279 (@Litocolon279) Summer plans heat up as Carlito goes free agent Just days after his announcement, Carlito took to Instagram to confirm he is 'back in business' and fully available for bookings. The Puerto Rican wrestler is already scheduled to appear at WrestleCon in Newark, New Jersey, on August 1, during SummerSlam weekend. Carlito's second WWE run began with a high in 2023, when he received a massive pop during a surprise return at Backlash: Puerto Rico, assisting Bad Bunny in his match against Damian Priest. The reaction was so overwhelming that WWE brought him back on a full-time contract. He later aligned with the Latino World Order (LWO), though his presence on TV began to decline once the faction's momentum faded. While this recent run didn't result in any title wins, Carlito remains one of the few Superstars to have won gold on his very first nights in both SmackDown and Raw back in 2004. His earlier WWE stint saw him claim the U.S. Championship by defeating John Cena on debut, the Intercontinental Title upon switching brands, and later the Tag Team Titles alongside his brother Primo. Carlito hasn't indicated any specific plans, but speculation is already swirling. With AEW, TNA, and several major indie promotions on the lookout for experienced names, Carlito's availability could open new doors. Others believe he may return to his roots in Puerto Rico's wrestling circuit, where he has historically remained a popular draw. As WWE undergoes internal shifts with multiple roster changes, Carlito's exit signals another veteran stepping away from the spotlight - at least for now. One thing is certain: Carlito's story in professional wrestling isn't over yet. Also Read: WWE Hall of Famer slams TKO over Roman Reigns, Jey Uso treatment
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shotzi Blackheart: WWE's Ron Killings controversy 'shows you how much power the fans do have'
Shotzi Blackheart is one of the many wrestlers happy to see Ron "R-Truth" Killings make his unexpected return to WWE this past Saturday. The past couple of months have been chaotic for WWE regarding talent releases and contract expirations. Blackheart received her walking papers in early May, making her the first of many eventual casualties from the WWE roster. However, no departure had as large of an impact as Killings' brief exile before fan outcry led to his surprise return at WWE's Money In the Bank main event. Advertisement Debate on the legitimacy of Killings' release has raged throughout the wrestling community since WWE CEO Paul "Triple H" Levesque claimed that it was "all part of the show." Appearing in-studio Tuesday on Uncrowned's "The Ariel Helwani Show," Blackheart, 33, expressed how much inspiration a situation like Killings' can give to a veteran wrestler like herself. "I do think that they actually let him go," Blackheart said. "I just feel like [that] because, also at the same time, Carlito and Sarah Logan, [WWE] told them that their contract wasn't getting renewed. So I think it would be really messed up of WWE to capitalize on that, too. 'I think the fans got him [to get re-signed] back, and that just shows you how much power the fans do have. I think that's really cool ... it's amazing. Yes, he's 53, [but] that just gives us hope that I could be 53 years old and be put in some crazy storyline, right?' Killings' unexpected saga has already bled into "WWE Raw." In a viral segment on Monday, he declared that he'll no longer be known as "R-Truth," the persona Killings wrestled under for the past 17 years. Advertisement Prior to her own release, Blackheart said she did her best to find her lane within the WWE universe. 'I was really hopeful that I was going to get something on 'SmackDown,'" Blackheart said. "They told me I would possibly be working with Chelsea [Green] in something. I was pitching some storylines with her. It was just week after week, they were like, 'Oh, we're going to move it back.' Then it wasn't until around [WrestleMania 41] where I was like, 'Maybe they're not going to renew my contract.' So it started to get real around then.' Blackheart remembered feeling a strong mix of emotions when she sat idle during that time. In an effort to remain positive, the former NXT Women's Tag Team Champion said she'd convince herself that WWE's creative team would eventually use her again, so she continued pitching ideas left and right. Blackheart returned to NXT this past December after an ACL tear took her off WWE television in early 2024. Upon her arrival, she was told it'd only be a two-month stint with NXT before her main roster return. But that return never came, and Blackheart instead was sitting around alone at home when the call came that she was no longer needed in WWE. Advertisement 'Part of me was like, 'OK, I need to get ready for this because my contract is going to be up and I don't get those 90 days to figure out my stuff and get bookings lined up, get merch lined up,'" Blackheart said. "So I also have to think, 'OK, what am I going to do if they don't re-sign me?' I was kind of just in the mode of, 'Get to work.' 'Unfortunately, that's just how it is. I probably will never know why they released me, but WWE doesn't owe me anything. That's showbiz, right? They just didn't think that I was money, and that's OK. I can take that." Shortly before her release, Blackheart cut an emotional self-produced promo, highlighting her lack of utilization in WWE. The shoot-style promo was good enough that people around her worried whether it was the reason she was released. Blackheart herself doesn't believe that was the case, though. Advertisement Although the wounds are still relatively fresh, Blackheart didn't want to waste time and put her career on hold following her WWE departure. She made her GCW debut this past Sunday, competing against Matt Tremont and Jimmy Lloyd in a three-way deathmatch. Blackheart claimed she made as much money in her two days back on the independent circuit as she'd make in a week with WWE. 'I was like, I need to work as soon as my contract is up. That's me hustling, though," Blackheart said. "That's me, including what I've sold online and meet-and-greets, [plus] payout for my matches, of course. I know that it's not going to be like that forever. 'When you first get back on the indies, everyone's so hyped, so everyone wants to buy your merch and [support] you. I know that won't be forever, but it felt good that I can make it on my own." Whether the next chapter of her career continues to come on the independent scene or elsewhere, Blackheart made it clear that no doors are being closed on her options moving forward. Advertisement "I would love to be back in WWE. I loved working there," Blackheart said. "I didn't love not working there. It was only when I wasn't being used that I was unhappy, but any time I was being used, [it was a] good time. [I] loved the locker room, loved everyone I was working for. That's just it. I just don't want to go back and not work. 'I love TNA, I love AEW. AEW [could be a next step] for so many reasons. I love their freedom. I have a lot of friends there who are doing really awesome things. I've heard many stories of how [AEW owner] Tony [Khan] treats talent. I do love that he really cares for his talent. That is super important to me."
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Fans Think Triple H Could Be Leaving WWE
Amid recent exits and contracts ending, fans are wondering whether Triple H could be the next major name leaving WWE. With multiple superstars, including R-Truth, Carlito, and Valhalla, parting ways with the company, and TKO's leadership, particularly The Rock, playing an increasingly visible role, speculation is circulating about backstage tensions. Is Triple H leaving WWE soon? As of now, it isn't officially confirmed whether Triple H is leaving WWE anytime soon. Advertisement In recent weeks, longtime fan-favorites R-Truth, Carlito, and Valhalla confirmed that their WWE contracts won't be renewed. The news shocked many, especially R-Truth's exit, which struck a nerve with loyal viewers. These cuts aren't isolated. They're part of a pattern ever since WWE merged with UFC under TKO Group. Fans see them as cold, corporate decisions, far removed from the kind of wrestling-first approach Triple H is known for. Moreover, according to reports from Dave Meltzer, it was Triple H who made the final call on R-Truth and Carlito's exits. That decision has left people wondering whether he is acting out of personal conviction. The alternative theory is that he's under serious pressure from the new regime. Wrestling veteran Vince Russo recently voiced a theory that's gaining traction: Triple H could be the next one out. On his Coach & Bro podcast, Russo speculated that frustration with TKO and The Rock's growing influence might push Triple H to leave WWE. 'What if Triple H is the one who says, 'You won't what? Making me cut people. Making me walk around with a smile on my face when The Rock waltzes in and takes over anytime he wants.'' Russo emphasized that Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are financially secure, suggesting they don't need WWE to sustain their lifestyle. He also shared that when you're inside the machine, sometimes 'all the money in the world doesn't matter.' The post Why Fans Think Triple H Could Be Leaving WWE appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Newsweek
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Contract Set To Expire For Fan-Favorite WWE Superstar: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE Raw superstar Karrion Kross is currently in a contract year, with his agreement reportedly set to expire this summer. According to a recent report from Fightful Select, there has been no significant progress on a new deal. This uncertainty comes at a time when Kross is prominently featured in a significant storyline on Monday Night Raw. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful had previously noted earlier in the year that Kross was in the final year of his WWE contract. Fightful recently asked sources close to the situation and Kross himself for an update on his contract status. The outlet reported that, based on the information they received, WWE has not yet approached Kross regarding a contract extension or renewal. Furthermore, Fightful has not heard indications that the company has expressed interest in doing so at this time. This lack of movement on a new deal is particularly noteworthy given Kross's current role on WWE Raw. He has been deeply involved in a compelling storyline, delivering cryptic promos and psychologically targeting Sami Zayn. He plays a key part in the narrative surrounding Zayn's potential character shift towards a more aggressive persona. His consistent on-screen presence makes his contract status a keen point of interest for many WWE fans. The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as... The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as executive chairman and its board of directors following allegations of sexual assault made public in a lawsuit in Connecticut. A former employee Janel Grant accused McMahon, 78, of sexual assault and sexually trafficking her. MoreMore news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation The report from Fightful Select also provided insight into WWE's recent practices concerning expiring talent contracts. While the company typically notifies talent about a month before their deals are up if they do not intend to renew, a more recent trend has seen WWE keep performers on television right up until such notifications are made or extension talks officially begin. As it stands, there are reportedly 'a few months remaining' on Kross's current WWE deal. This situation creates a degree of uncertainty around his future with the promotion, especially as other recent departures and contract non-renewals (such as those for R-Truth and Carlito) have been reported. Kross, often accompanied by Scarlett, made an impactful return to WWE in August 2022 under the new creative leadership of Triple H, following a previous release in November 2021. His second stint has seen him involved in various feuds across both SmackDown and Raw. His current dark and manipulative character work is drawing significant attention and is often praised for its intensity. WWE fans will be watching closely to see how his contract situation unfolds in the coming months. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
