WWE: Booking Carlito’s potential return to the company
Fans who hoped to see Carlito return to WWE got their wish last week, as the second-generation star not only appeared in the 2021 men’s Royal Rumble as the eighth entrant but also showed up the following night on Raw, as he and Jeff Hardy scored a clean win over Elias and Jaxson Ryker in tag team action.
Aside from his mere presence triggering those nostalgia endorphins nestled in the bodies of fans who enjoyed his WWE work from the mid-2000s, the former Intercontinental and United States Champion also sported a chiseled physique and looked as smooth in the ring as he did in his prime, prompting fans to hope his two-night cameo became something more substantial.
Apparently, it has, kind of.
Could we see more of Carlito in WWE? How could he be used, if so?
Reportedly — at the behest of MVP, who returned to the company in 2020 under similar circumstances as Carlito — “The Southpaw from San Juan” is receiving a trial run with the company, but given how impressive he has looked, he is expected to re-sign with the promotion he called home for six years.
Of course, it never hurts to have capable veterans on the roster, but outside of merely having Carlito on the roster, how should the company use him.
Assuming he gets brought in as a wrestler, the most obvious route to take with him is the “seasoned midcarder who puts over ascending stars” role (something I suggested WWE should do over a year ago), something WWE needs on a roster filled with potential top attractions that are stuck in 50/50 booking hell.
It’s not rocket science, even though WWE often makes it seem like it is: the transfer of equity is the essential part of keeping this crazy industry going. While Carlito never reached the heights of, say, a John Cena or a Batista, but with his name and accolades, getting a win over him isn’t nothing, especially if the jobs he does are strategic and he picks up W’s against opponents who have clearly hit their ceiling (think Elias or The Miz).
Bringing his talk show Carlito’s Cabana back wouldn’t be a terrible idea, either. Sure, adding another show on a program that already has Miz TV and whatever weird thing Alexa Quinn Bliss has going on would be a tad redundant, but giving him that platform would make setting up any potential feuds a little easier (for WWE; setting up feuds in wrestling actually isn’t that hard).
These ideas may seem pretty bland, but that’s the thing about bringing in a talent who’s as gifted in the ring and on the microphone as Carlito is: you don’t need to come up with anything too complex for his potential run to work.
Next. Which brand will Rhea Ripley end up on?. dark
No one’s asking for Carlito to return and run off a Goldberg-esque winning streak or to immediately win a championship like he did to capture the IC and US Titles. Fans just want to see him used in a way that showcases his skills while passing over that knowledge and aura to the next generation. Wouldn’t that be pretty cool?