Carlito has explained the end of his second WWE run.
The former WWE star recently spoke to Chris Van Vliet for a new interview. He talked about things such as his viral spear spot with Bron Breakker, the evolution of Dominik Mysterio, how long he will continue wrestling and more.
During the talk, Carlito was asked if he was surprised by his WWE release. The former US Champion replied negatively, explaining that he left because his contract expired. When asked why the company did not renew his deal, the wrestling veteran said that neither he nor the promotion initiated the talks for it:
“They could have renewed it, but I never went to them. They never came to me. So we never spoke or anything. I just was ready for whatever. I kind of shot myself in the foot because I signed the shorter deal and the usual. So I guess I bet against myself.”
I Bet Against Myself: Carlito
After making multiple one-off appearances, including at 2021 Royal Rumble and 2023 Backlash, Carlito signed a new deal with the company. Initially being paired with LWO, the Puerto Rican star later turned heel and joined the Judgment Day. His run came to an abrupt end two years later, however, in June 2025.
Explaining the abnormal length of his deal, the 47-year-old revealed that the company had actually offered him a three-year contract. Fearing that he would get lost in the shuffle, he chose to sign only for two years:
“I signed for two years. They wanted me for three, and I signed for two because I didn’t think it was gonna go as good as it did. So, as I said, I bet against myself, and I would have got an extra year, and then my contract would expire. But ended up losing a year. But that’s all right.”
Carlito has returned to the independent circuit after his release, wrestling for various indie promotions in Puerto Rico and other US states.
