It’s a double whammy for WWE’s veterans this week, as Carlito has confirmed that he will be following R-Truth through the exit when his contract expires in two weeks. The WWE Universe was rocked by R-Truth’s release yesterday, drawing dismayed reactions from both fans and fellow superstars.
R-Truth first debuted for WWE in 2000 before being released a year later. He returned to the company in 2008, beginning a 17-year association that sadly ended with yesterday’s release. The additional exit of Raw superstar Carlito has dealt a significant blow to WWE’s comic relief.
Carlito returned officially in 2023 for a second stint, having made a surprise return in the 2021 Royal Rumble. After a stint in the LWO, Carlito turned heel, aligning himself with The Judgment Day.
While his in-ring chances were limited, Carlito became a fan favorite as the villainous faction’s comic relief. Considering the sustained success of The Judgment Day and Carlito’s contributions to the group, it will surprise viewers to discover that he chose not to extend his contract.
Confirming his release, Carlito posted the following statement on X:
My contract is up in 2 weeks. It will not be renewed. On top of that, WWE is demanding I pay back the $ they paid me for apparently “stealing money” from the company. I’ve had my lawyers look into it and after reviewing my footage on Netflix for the past months they suggested I… pic.twitter.com/H7depyZt5g
— carlito (@Litocolon279) June 1, 2025
What’s Next for Carlito?
Unlike the forced exit of R-Truth, Carlito’s departure seems to have been negotiated in good spirits. Or perhaps that is a reflection of an impressive achievement just a day prior to news of his WWE exit.
Appearing at WWC Summer Madness, Carlito defeated Ray González to become the WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Champion for the second time. The prestigious title has been held by a number of renowned superstars, including Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts, The Great Muta, Haku, Abdullah the Butcher, and 2025 WWE Hall of Fame inductee Ivan Koloff.
Carlito has strong ties to WWC. His father co-founded the promotion in 1973, and various members of his family have wrestled extensively for the company. Now, at age 46, Carlito may be seeking a role that’s more familiar and comfortable at this stage of his career.
While Carlito didn’t win any titles in his second stint, he did achieve much success during his initial run in the 2000s. Carlito defeated John Cena for the US Championship on his debut, completing a 14-match unbeaten streak.
He defended his title successfully against the likes of Rob Van Dam, Eddie Guerrero, and Rey Mysterio before dropping the title to Cena because of a legitimate injury. His other achievements include a three-month reign as Intercontinental Champion and two Tag Team Championship runs with his brother Primo.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – WWE – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on Carlito released from WWE and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.
You can check out WWE programming on Netflix (Raw), USA Network (SmackDown), The CW (NXT), Tubi (WWE Evolve), A&E (WWE Superstar Sunday – Rivals, WWE LFG, and Greatest Moments) and Peacock (WWE Main Event as well as archives and premium live event streaming). Follow WWE on social media to relive top moments and matches on YouTube, and catch fast-paced action on X (WWE Speed).
