53-year-old blames WWE creative for Carlito’s departure
WWE legend Stevie Richards recently criticized the company’s creative team for not renewing Carlito’s contract. The 46-year-old wrestler took to social media to announce that his contract with WWE will not be renewed, despite it expiring in two weeks. Richards, speaking on The Stevie Richards Show, expressed his disappointment with how WWE handled Carlito’s character during his return.
According to Richards, WWE’s creative team failed to book Carlito in a way that would allow him to showcase the elements that made him popular in the past. He argued that the company essentially “neutered” Carlito’s character, reducing him to a role where he simply took finishes and bumps without being able to truly connect with the audience.
“It’s their fault they didn’t get everything they could out of Carlito. Not Carlito’s fault. Absolutely not,” Richards emphasized, placing the blame squarely on WWE’s creative decisions rather than the talent themselves.
Carlito, a Puerto Rican star, last competed in a televised match for WWE in April during the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. With his contract set to expire soon, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the talented wrestler outside of WWE.
In a separate development, Carlito also shared his thoughts on John Cena’s recent heel turn in WWE. Cena, who captured the Undisputed WWE Championship from Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, has been praised for showing a different side of his character after years of portraying a more traditional babyface persona.
In an interview with Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Bill Apter, Carlito expressed his approval of Cena’s newfound edge, stating, “Ah, you can see the true Cena came out, you know what I mean? People haven’t seen the real Cena, you know what I mean. People know him, that Cena was deep down in there. I am glad to see him come out, the real Cena.”
As Carlito’s WWE journey comes to an end, fans are eager to see what opportunities and challenges lie ahead for the talented wrestler in the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling.
