This story was updated to add new information
Carlos Edwin Colón Coates Jr., better known as pro wrestler Carlito, will not return to the WWE.
He announced on X that his current contract was set to expire in late June and would not be renewed. Carlito took a lighthearted approach to the news on social media and joked that he was going to own the company before adding, “All jokes aside, gracias WWE & especially the WWE universe. Los quiero mucho!”
Carlito returned to the company in 2023 when he returned at the premium live event, Backlash, to assist rapper Bad Bunny during a match in Puerto Rico. He spent most of his recent tenure in a supporting role as a member of the Judgement Day faction.
Carlito had originally joined the company in 2003 before leaving in 2010. The Puerto Rican wrestler only made a few sporadic appearances before returning full-time in 2023. He made two brief appearances on WWE programming, inducting his father Carlos Colón into the Hall of Fame in 2014 and participating in the 2021 Royal Rumble.
One of the more notable moments of his recent tenure was when he was speared by Bron Breakker.
Carlito’s WWE career achievements
Carlito won the United States Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, the WWE Tag Team Championships and the World Tag Team Championship.
What’s next for Carlito?
Carlito isn’t looking to slow down his career after winning the World Wrestling Council Puerto Rican Championship. The 46-year-old wrestler started his professional wrestling career with WWC in 1999. He had previously returned to WWC in 2010.
WWC is a wrestling promotion owned by his father.
The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports’ newsletter.
