Carlito, a name that once brought the WWE Universe to its feet with his laid-back swagger and signature apple spit, is nearing the twilight of his in-ring career. At 46 years old, the former United States Champion is fully aware that his time in professional wrestling is limited. And yet, he isn’t burdened by that reality—instead, he’s embracing it with a mix of gratitude, humor, and a strong sense of purpose. After years away from the spotlight, Carlito has returned to WWE not to chase championships, but to savor the moment and contribute wherever he can.
Making his long-awaited return at Backlash Puerto Rico in 2023, Carlito reignited his connection with fans in a homecoming that was both emotional and electric. It was the perfect setting for his WWE comeback, a tribute to his roots and a reminder of the passion he still carries for the sport. Since then, Carlito has been affiliated with the notorious faction Judgment Day, aligning himself with newer talents like Dominik Mysterio. Though he doesn’t step into the ring as often as he once did, his presence remains significant. Whether he’s supporting his stablemates or working behind the scenes, Carlito has carved out a meaningful role in this new chapter of his wrestling life.
In a candid interview with Metro ahead of WrestleMania, Carlito reflected on his current status in WWE and his inevitable retirement. “You never know, you know what I mean? Your body sometimes lets you know. Who knows? But I know it’s coming,” he admitted. The uncertainty of when the final bell will ring doesn’t seem to trouble him. Rather than dwelling on the end, Carlito is soaking in every remaining moment with the company that once launched him into wrestling stardom.
There’s no talk of dream matches or long-term storylines for Carlito. He’s past that stage in his career. “I’ve passed that stage of ‘Who would you like to work with?’ I’m just here to have fun and work, and leave some body of work before I go,” he said. That perspective—marked by maturity and experience—reflects how far he has come since his WWE debut in 2004, when he stunned the world by defeating John Cena to win the United States Championship on his very first night.
WWE in 2025 is a very different place from the version Carlito left in 2009. The landscape is now shaped by a new generation of wrestlers, many of whom were still teenagers or younger when Carlito was making his name in the mid-2000s. Most of the colleagues he once shared locker rooms with have moved on, but Carlito hasn’t allowed the changes to alienate him. Instead, he acknowledges and respects the evolution of the company, especially under Triple H’s leadership. “Yeah, I think what he’s doing, you know, he’s done a youth movement which they didn’t have in the past. It doesn’t really help me out now, but I appreciate that’s the way the business should be going,” Carlito remarked. His honesty reveals a self-awareness that’s rare—he understands that the spotlight now belongs to others, and he’s okay with that.
Still, Carlito isn’t just a nostalgic figure. He continues to connect with fans, whether through live appearances, backstage segments, or pop culture nods. This year, he’s featured in WWE 2K25 as a downloadable character, a nod to his enduring legacy. When asked if he enjoys playing the game, he joked that he’s been “attempting to play it” and revealed he doesn’t even pick himself in matches. “No, I play as Roman Reigns, he’s a 90-something,” he laughed. The anecdote perfectly captures Carlito’s easygoing spirit—humble, self-deprecating, and not taking things too seriously.
Though he may no longer be a weekly fixture on WWE television, Carlito’s impact remains. His contributions to Judgment Day, his role in mentoring younger talent, and his ability to still connect with fans old and new prove that he’s more than just a former champion. He’s a storyteller, a bridge between generations, and a performer who values the journey over the destination. Wrestling, for him, is no longer about accolades; it’s about meaning.
Carlito knows the end is near, but he faces it not with sadness or regret, but with clarity and appreciation. He wants to leave behind something lasting—not necessarily trophies or title reigns, but memories, moments, and a body of work that fans can look back on fondly. Whether he’s wrestling in one last big match or simply standing in the corner of the ring, supporting the stars of tomorrow, Carlito is determined to exit on his own terms.
His second run with WWE may be winding down, but it has been rich with purpose. From his explosive debut in 2004 to his current role in 2025, Carlito has come full circle. He may not know exactly when the curtain will fall, but when it does, he’ll leave with his head held high, knowing he gave everything he had. And perhaps most importantly, he had fun doing it.
