Former WWE superstar Carlito continues to Defend The Rock against other wrestlers who are upset The Rock is getting such a prominent role at WrestleMania.
Last week, Carlito argued that WWE talent should be happy that The Rock is making WrestleMania a success – and questioned if any other WWE stars could sell out a 70,000 person stadium for WrestleMania The Rock.
Carlito later added the following, throwing in a joke about CM Punk:
“Oh, and I meant wrestlers on today’s roster. Of course stone cold with the right angle could sell mania out.”
“Punk sell out mania? He cant even get backstage at madison square garden! Oh snap!….that was just a joke b%*es!”
“The problem with john cena is that he has carried the company on his back for years and now people are sick of him.”
Carlito was later asked by a fan if he could WrestleMania. Carlito said he could, only if it was held in a bingo hall.
— In response to rumors of backstage jealousy and resentment over Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stealing the spotlight at WrestleMania XXVIII, former WWE Superstar Carlito went on Twitter to defend The Most Electrifying Man In Sports Entertainment against “the boys.”
“My opinion on The Rock is that everybody should be thankful that he’s back. Did he come back to save his movie career? Of course, so what? The Rock saved ‘Mania last year and this year too. Do any of u see any other wrestler right now that can sell out ‘Mania?” he wrote.
“The “boys” should be happy that ‘Mania will be a big success and fans shouldn’t even really care as to why Rock is back.”
— Former WWE star Diamond Dallas Page stated during the PWTorch Livecast this week that he was backstage at last week’s Raw live event at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
— Eve’s victory over Natalya on Friday’s SmackDown extends the third generation wrestler’s televised singles match losing streak to twelve consecutive losses. Her last win took place on the August 5, 2011 SmackDown, over A.J.
— Midcard Mafia, the animated web series starring Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins, has been marked private on Reks’ YouTube account. Reks and Hawkins mentioned having heat with WWE over the series in their latest episode.
— WWE officials have discussed holding after-show programs for Raw and SmackDown on the WWE Network. As reported earlier, a Raw pre-show is also in the works.
— Former WWE stars Carlito, Chavo Guerrero and Kenny Dykstra are advertised to appear for World Wrestling Council from Jan. 6-8, 2012. On the 7th in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Carlito will defend the Universal Heavyweight Championship against Dykstra.
— New Japan Pro Wrestling is looking to tour the West Coast of the United States, possibly in 2012. They toured the East Coast last spring.
— The Dec. 16, 2011 WWE SuperShow in Fort Myers, Florida drew 5,500 fans paying $155,000. The Dec. 17 WWE Supershow in Long Island, New York drew 7,000 fans paying $285,000.
— Shelly Martinez released the following video message from the set of her latest photo shoot:
— Former WWE performer Melina Perez denied rumors she has joined TNA Wrestling.
She tweeted Wednesday, “Everyone is so funny. I am not in TNA. If I go anywhere I would tell you all first!”
Her message is in response to a masked female combatant appearing at Tuesday’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida.
— Mr. Anderson is advertised face former WWE star MVP at Champions Showcase 2012, which takes place February 4, 2012 in Manila, Philippines at Smart Araneta Coliseum. More details are available here.
Other advertised talent include Carlito, Chris Masters, Shelton Benjamin, Snitsky, Luke Gallows, Shane Helms, Rhino, Daivari, Jimmy Yang, Billy Gunn, April Hunter and Jillian Hall.
— Jesse Neal’s first post-TNA appearance takes place this Saturday in Orlando, Florida for I Believe in Wrestling. He is scheduled to face J.D. Amazing.
–- Skip Sheffield has been removed from the Raw Superstars page on WWE.com. His page is also inaccessible.
This does not necessarily mean that he has parted ways with WWE. The company recently applied to trademark Ryback, which suggests that he will be repackaged with a new character upon his return from injury. Prior to assuming the cowboy persona in WWE’s developmental system, he appeared as Ryback, an indestructible “Terminator” style character billed from “The Future.”
— Carlito indicated on Twitter that he would be interesting in joining WWE or TNA Wrestling. However, he is currently tied to the “Unemployed Wrestling League.”
“For those who keep asking..I would love to go back to WWE but I just signed a long term deal with UWL. For info on UWL go to my bio,” he wrote. “That same answer goes for those asking if I’ll be joining TNA. I hope this clears everything up.”
Carlito has appeared for World Wrestling Council, Asistencia Asesoría y Administración and numerous independent groups since parting ways with WWE last year. He currently reigns as WWC Universal Heavyweight Champion.
— The September 23 episode of WWE SmackDown scored a 2.3 cable rating, a sharp increase from 1.78 the week before.
SmackDown fell just shy of the 2.31 Syfy record set on February 25, which took place days after Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s return to WWE.
Friday’s program outdrew last month’s live special, which garnered a 2.2 cable rating. Viewership was identical as both episodes averaged 3.2 million viewers.
— WWE has announced that Alberto Del Rio will face CM Punk tonight on the Raw SuperShow.
— Carlito appears at George’s Cards & Collectibles in the Oxford Valley Mall 2300 E. Lincoln Hwy Ste 220A Langhorne, Pennsylvania on Saturday, October 15 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
— WWE Hall of Famer Bobby Heenan’s scheduled appearance this Sunday at the Wrestling Universe Store in Flushing, New York has been canceled. A press release issued by the business states that he “suffered a terrible fall.”
— The official WWE website has posted a photo gallery highlighting the most memorable moments of “The Attitude Era.” The pictures range from the fall of 1997 to WrestleMania X8 in 2002.
— Former WWE star Carlito appears at George’s Cards & Collectibles in the Oxford Valley Mall 2300 E. Lincoln Hwy Ste 220A Langhorne, Pennsylvania on Saturday, October 15 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit www.georgescollectibles.com for more information.
— This week’s WWE Classics On Demand updates are as follows: Over the Limit (2011), Supertape Vol. 2, Prime Time Wrestling (5/15/89), Extreme Championship Wrestling (11/18/97), Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling 8/4/82.
— Melina is returning to her roots as she has been announced for Wrestling All Star Pros’ upcoming tour of Mexico. The multi-time champion is of Mexican descent.
Other former WWE talent scheduled for the tour taking place Nov. 4-20 include Vladimir Kozlov, Chris Masters, Tommy Dreamer, Carlito, The Boogeyman, Super Crazy, Eugene, Trevor Murdoch, Jillian Hall, Serena, Mr. Aguila and referee Marty Elias.
— Abdullah the Butcher and “Bullet” Bob Armstrong are under consideration for induction into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania XXVII weekend.
Abdullah’s unpredictable, ultra-violent style served as inspiration for numerous wrestlers and he still continues to compete on the independent circuit in a career that has now spanned seven decades. Armstrong is the patriarch of the Armstrong wrestling family; he has four sons (Scott, Brad, Steve and Brian), all of whom became wrestlers.
— Former WWE Champion “Sycho Sid” Eudy, who was arrested Friday night in Memphis, Tennessee for marijuana possession, driving without a license and driving without a seatbelt, was scheduled for court this morning according to the official website of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
— Former WWE stars Carlito and Paul London are scheduled to appear at Big Time Wrestling’s event in Newark, California on March 11, 2011.
— TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter announced this afternoon on Twitter the signing of a performer to a new talent contract. Shortly thereafter, “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero commented the following on the social networking site: “Just heard the news. Now THAT….That’s Cool!”
Many of his followers believed he was alluding to Carlito, as that was the Puerto Rican star’s catchphrase during his time in WWE. D’Angelo noted in a follow-up message that his earlier tweet was purely coincidental and that he has no idea as to who was signed.
“Whoa! Just got the “News” of Pope’s earlier news. That was purely coincidental. For The Record, Pope has NO CLUE as to who was signed,” he added.
— The reunion of “The Beautiful People” on Thursday’s iMPACT! scored the program’s highest rated segment with a 1.15. The next highest quarter-hour was the main event featuring Kurt Angle, Mr. Anderson, D’Angelo Dinero and Jeff Hardy against members of Fortune. It drew a 1.11.
Overall, the show earned a 1.07 rating, up from the previous week’s 0.97.
Former WWE superstar posted a few messages on Twitter on Friday regarding his 90-day no-compete clause expiring and what’s next for him. Carlito announced:
“My no-compete expired 2day! Let me go outside and c what freedom smells like!”
Also regarding working for RO, it sounds like he’s into it, but doesn’t know if the ROH fans would show him any love.
“ROH? I’d would b gr8 2 do a show 4 them! That crowd would boo me out of the building…and I’d luv it! Just give me a mic and stand back! Cornette doesn’t like me though, so I don’t see that happening!”
Where would you like to see Carlito go? ROH, TNA or maybe a return to WWE? Comment below and tell us.
Posted August 29th, 2010 in News. Tagged: Carlito.
— Fans may recall Carlito mysteriously disappearing from World Wrestling Entertainment airwaves for a few months late last year shortly after his tag team partnership with his brother had ceased. The former WWE Superstar explained today on Twitter that he was removed from television last fall because he was sent to a rehabilitation facility to be evaluated for drug addiction. He says he passed the center’s various tests and it was determined that he was not a drug addict. He was then sent to a psychiatrist, which he felt was “a waste of time.” Carlito remained off television until November because management felt he was “very angry” at work.
“Ha, I was off tv in late 2009 because I was sent on a lil “sabatical,” said Carlito, responding to fan asking about his disappearance last year. “And by “sabatical” I mean I was sent to a rehab facility for a few days to be evaluated. I passed, they said I wasn’t an addict. Then I was sent to a psychiatrist…a waste of time! Then they kept me at home because they felt I was very angry at work! I was!”
— Former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler has split with longtime boyfriend, actor Geoff Stults, reports the New York Post. The story notes that Keibler and Stults discussed getting engaged last year, but they have since gone their separate ways.
— Former TNA X Division Champion Petey Williams turns 29 years old today. It is said that he is currently working as a personal trainer in Michigan.
— Only two matches are advertised for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America — Chris Masters vs. Drew McIntyre and Goldust vs. William Regal.
— At the request of the fans, Shawn Michaels has posted a video showing off his new glasses — in a manner that only he can.
— Former WWE developmental wrestler Jenny Quinn was backstage at last Thursday’s Florida Championship Wrestling show in Tampa. The former Playboy model was released last February.
— Carlito’s ninety-day no-compete clause with World Wrestling Entertainment expired over the weekend. He is now free to join any wrestling promotion with national television exposure.
— TMZ.com has posted the first action photos of former WWE Champion Batista doing some full-contact sparring in preparation for his transition into the world of mixed martial arts. According to the story, there are rumblings that he could fight fellow former WWE performer Bobby Lashley.
Batista has been in San Francisco training with Cesar Gracie, who has trained numerous top fighters. TMZ cites sources as saying the former WWE star is moving closing on a finalizing contract to get in the ring by “early next year.”
— The Bella Twins and Eve Torres indicated yesterday on Twitter that former WWE star Carlito has joined the social networking website. His account is located at twitter.com/carlitocolon.
— SLAM! Wrestling has posted an article reviewing a recent DVD release entitled Missy Hyatt’s Pajama Party.
The video can be described as a shoot interview done in slumber party format, with the self-proclaimed “First Lady of Wrestling” joined by TNA Knockout Lacey Von Erich and independent wrestler Amy Lee. Decked out in skimpy lingerie on a pink bed, the three blonde bombshells mainly discuss wrestling and sex, with a few party games thrown in such as “Truth or Dare” and “F-Marry-Kill.”
Former WWE Superstar Carlito Colón joins Lucha Libre USA: Masked Warriors for Saturday Aug 7th. Event at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Lucha Libre USA is proud to add former WWE Superstar Carlito Colón to the evenings matches as it rolls into the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas for another “Masked Warriors†event. Originally from Puerto Rico, Carlito signed his first contract with WWE in 2003 and made his debut on WWE SmackDown on October 7, 2004 as Carlito Caribbean Cool. He is a former U.S. Champion and Intercontinental Champion and has been part of both the RAW and SmackDown WWE brands. He is the only wrestler to win titles on two separate debuts in WWE and the second Puerto Rican to become Intercontinental Champion after Pedro Morales. At WrestleMania XXV, Carlito and his brother became the first tag team to unify the WWE Tag Team Championship and World Tag Team Championship.
Tickets for “Masked Warriors†are available at UNLVtickets.com, 739-FANS, Thomas & Mack Center box office and all UNLVtickets Outlets. General admission tickets for children under 12 are only $10! Purchased $58.00 VIP seating will receive a special meet and greet with Lucha Libre USA Superstar Wrestlers one hour before doors open! This momentous occasion is set to be filmed for MTV2 & Tr3ìs: MTV Música y Más for broadcast later this summer.
The show will feature the highest level of professional wrestlers, directly from Mexico. Fans of professional wrestling will have the opportunity to witness the high flying and explosive action that only Lucha Libre USA can deliver.
MTV2 and Tr3ìs: MTV Música y Más is airing 52 weeks of Masked Warriors, the first English language Lucha Libre series. Featuring amazing aerial acrobatics and elaborate masks, Lucha Libre is a significant part of Mexican culture. It is the best-attended live sporting event after soccer, the national sport. For the first time, Mexican-Americans will see their beloved traditional sport make the crossover from Latin television to American mainstream media.
Appearing on Monday’s edition of the Right After Wrestling Sirius satellite radio show, former WWE superstar Carlito opened up about being depressed and trying to leave the company on numerous occasions before he was finally released due to his refusal to enter rehab for an alleged pain pill addiction.
On wanting to get the hell out of WWE:
“I had been asking for my release for a long time. I tried to finish up my contract, which I think was up in August. I had been trying to leave for about three years. For the last year, I was just miserable. I wasn’t even myself. I was dying just to get away.”
On being fired for a Wellness Policy infraction and refusing to go to rehab:
“I wouldn’t say I got myself fired on purpose, but in that last year, I really didn’t care. They wanted me to go to rehab. My opinion was I didn’t need it. I’m not addicted to pills. I think what happened is I was depressed. I have scripts (for pain medication) legit reasons for using them. I think I was abusing them as anti-depressants instead. I remember other people not in WWE would tell me to go to rehab because it looks good on paper. I said, ‘One, I don’t want to keep my job. Two, I’m not going to admit to a problem I don’t have.'”
On the grinding travel and not being utilized properly on television:
“I was always grinding. I was always working. Mainly, my big problem was I thought they were f**king with me. I didn’t like the mind games and all the bulls*** they were putting me through. Maybe it was all in my head, but I just felt that’s what they were doing with me. I could never get a straight answer. I get sometimes you have to take a backseat, but how long am I supposed to sit in the back?”
On dealing with the backstage politics and people’s claims that he was lazy:
“I remember people would tell me to just play the game. I can’t just play the game. I can’t be fake. I love the business, I just don’t like the politics. I want to be able to help out and give back in somehow. In WWE, I wasn’t doing any of that. I also felt I was gypping the people (in WWE) putting in three-minute matches that didn’t mean anything. It just breaks your heart when you can give so much more.”
It’s worth noting that in the same interview, Carlito did not rule out the possibility of going to TNA, though nothing appears imminent. Dixie Carter was most definitely interested in bringing him in at one point, but their priorities may have shifted given that they are spending less money to bring in big names these days.
– Recently released WWE performer Carlito has been telling those close to him that he currently has no interest in joining TNA Wrestling.
– Generation Me’s respective contracts with TNA Wrestling have expired. They will, however, continue to be used on a per show basis.
– The X Division Steel Asylum Match is tentatively scheduled to return at Bound for Glory.
– TNA officials considered multiple locations for this year’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view event, but ultimately selected Daytona Beach, Florida in an effort to keep expenses relatively low. Numerous company employees live in Florida and are thus able to drive to the Ocean Center, the event’s venue. Other factors include building cost and belief that it would draw most if not all of the Impact! Zone regulars.
Last month, Carlos Colon, father of former WWE superstar Carlito, made headlines when he stated that Carlito had a problem with prescription pain pills and left WWE after refusing to enter rehab.
— Recently released WWE stars Carlito and Katie Lea Burchill have been pulled from next month’s World Wrestling Council Anniversario event. Carlito was pulled due to circumstances surrounding his release from WWE. Meanwhile, Burchill has been unable to obtain a new working visa for the United States since her departure from WWE, hence her removal from the event. She is being replaced by TNA Knockout ODB. (Thanks to Manuel Gonzalez)
— Former WWE Diva Lilian Garcia will be holding a special one hour meet and greet over coffee and pastry at her hotel on the mornings of June 12th and 13th. The one hour “Coffee ‘N Chat” will be held at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street beginning at 8:00 a.m. It will be limited to 8 people each day. Tickets can be purchased on eBay at Lilian Garcia Direct or at Lilian’s booth at the Philadelphia Comic Con on Friday and Saturday — cash only. If fans bring items to be signed, there will be a charge of $20 per item. Those interested in attending can instantly purchase a ticket here.
— Fans have the opportunity to meet former WWE Diva Mickie James at this week’s Country Music Association Festival in Nashville as she will be appearing at the Roughstock booth. In another note, she participated in yesterday’s Porter Wagoner Celebrity Fishing Tournament, partnering with fisherman Roland Martin.
— On Twitter, Melina noted watching the season finale of Lost with John Morrison. When asked if they are dating, she admitted yes.
She responded “Jomo or Duct Tape? Hee hee. John Definitely is.” to the following queries: “@marywwefan “are you two dating?” @ApexPredatorKM “so he’s your constant? Desmond and Penny with pyro?”
— As seen this past Monday night on Raw, Batista announced he was quitting WWE after refusing to take part in Fatal 4-Way qualifying match against Randy Orton. His profile has since been removed from the Raw roster page and placed in the WWE Alumni section. WWE has yet to make an official announcement concerning his apparent departure from the company.
— In other roster moves, WWE has added Bret Hart to its Raw roster page. Also, Carlito was removed from the page Wednesday, days after his release from the organization.
As reported earlier, Carlito — real name Carlos Colón — was released from his WWE contract last Friday due to his first violation of the company’s Wellness Program and subsequent refusal to enter a rehabilitation facility. Company sources indicate Colón did not actually fail a drug test. Rather, management felt he was “unfit to perform” after arriving to the Air Canada Centre for last week’s Raw taping. He was told he needed to enter rehab, but refused, denying he had a problem. Hence, officials felt they had no choice but to cut ties with him.
Regarding the problem in question, his father, Carlos Colón, Sr., revealed in an interview with primerohora.com that his son has developed a painkiller addiction. The elder Colón said his son started using them recently in order to cure debilitating back pain, but his use had spiraled into abuse.
“I want to clarify that, contrary to internet and message board rumors, he did not test positive for marijuana, cocaine, heroin or any of those drugs. He was tested because they suspected he was abusing painkillers and it proved to be true,” Colón, Sr. stated. “Painkillers are somewhat of a necessary evil for pro wrestlers because of the pain and the constant travel. He started taking one or two when he broke his arm years ago and then it seems he went out of control when he started having issues with his back. He needs help.”
He said his son’s lingering back pain was due to the execution of his finishing maneuver, ‘The Backstabber’ (double knee backbreaker), as he’s forced to endure the brunt of 200 to 300 pound wrestlers on his knees each time he utilizes the attack. He never sought medical attention for his back pain, and thus his reliance on painkillers increased.
Interestingly, Colón also said that should his son enter rehab and successfully complete the program, he would get his job back.
“Eddie (Primo), Orlando (cousin of Carlito, known as Tito Colón in FCW) and I are doing everything we can to pressure him into going to rehab and admit he has a problem,” said Colón, Sr. “This is something that he needs to admit to himself and improve and get out of that situation.”
The late Eddie Fatu (a/k/a Umaga) was similarly released by World Wrestling Entertainment last June after refusing to enter rehabilitation due to a perceived problem with painkillers. The combined effects of painkillers, tranquilizers and a muscle relaxant ultimately resulted in his death last December at the tender age of 36. The abuse of painkillers has triggered the passings of a number of wrestlers under the age of 50 including Test (33), Rick Rude (40), Brian Adams (44) and Louie Spicolli (27), among others.
Colón reportedly asked WWE for his release three years ago due to frustration over the direction of his character, but was ultimately talked into staying. There was speculation at the time that he was bound for TNA. Considering he’s no longer affiliated to WWE, such speculation has once again resumed. According to sources inside TNA, there is said to be no interest in the ex-WWE star at this time. He is expected to resume working for his father’s Puerto Rican based Wrestling Council promotion, where he is an eleven-time Universal Heavyweight Champion.
— World Wrestling Council announced Saturday that recently released WWE star Carlito would be taking part in its annual WWC Aniversario 2010 show this July. Other wrestler scheduled to appear include WWC Universal champion Scott Steiner, Primo Colón, Orlando Colón (currently known as Tito Colón in WWE developmental), Shelton Benjamin, Tommy Dreamer, El Mesias (a/k/a Judas Mesias), Tony Atlas, Hugo Savinovich and all of the WWC Superstars. (source: PWInsider.com)
— Since his 2008 departure from World Wrestling Entertainment, Gene Snisky (a/k/a Snitsky) has crossed over to the acting world. He recently shot the role of “Satan” in the independent film Morning Star. He is also seeking voiceover work.
— CTV in Canada will be airing back-to-back episodes of Stratusphere, starring Trish Stratus, tomorrow morning at 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
– WWE champion John Cena commented on Twitter about WWE’s decision to release Carlito this week:
“I am sad to hear the wwe has decided to release Carlito. I always thought he could, and should have accomplished more than he did. I wish him the best.”
– WWE Hall of Famer also commented on Carlito’s release in his latest blog at JRsBarBQ.com. Ross wrote:
“I was disappointed to hear of Carlito being released from WWE for apparent wellness issues. I don’t know all the details of this situation by any means but it seems apparent WWE felt that Carlito needed some help and Carlito didn’t agree. It’s back to the old adage that if one can’t solve a problem one has no choice but to eliminate it. I’m one that certainly believes that Carlito has the ability to be a main event level performer but no one’s professional life should ever be prioritized over their personal life and I sincerely hope that Carlito adjusts to these recent challenges and takes the necessary steps to put these negative issues behind him.”
As announced yesterday, Carlito — real name Carlos Colón — was released from his WWE contract due to his first violation of the company’s Wellness Program and subsequent refusal to enter a rehabilitation facility.
Company sources indicate Colón did not actually fail a drug test. Rather, management felt he was unfit to perform after arriving to the Air Canada Centre on Monday for the evening’s Raw taping. He was told he needed to go to rehab, but refused, resulting in his termination from the company.
As the story goes, Carlito denied he had a problem, forcing WWE to pull the trigger on his release.
Colón, who had been under contract to WWE since 2004, developed a reputation of being a talented performer whose lack of motivation prevented him from rising above mid-card status. For years, he was rumored to have been on the verge of leaving the company due to frustration over the direction of his character.
The Puerto Rican native was most recently used as a mentor to NXT Rookie Michael Tarver, who was ousted in the first round of eliminations. He had also teamed up once again with brother Primo, helping Ted DiBiase beat-down R-Truth on last week’s Raw.