WWE is officially done with this year’s Backlash pay-per-view, and for fans in Puerto Rico, it was nothing but a festival. From Cody Rhodes defeating Brock Lesnar to Bad Bunny stealing the show, the event had more than one memorable moment. Another surprise that Triple H booked at WWE Backlash 2023 was the return of former IC and US champion Carlito. “The Caribbean Bad Apple” shook the arena by appearing during San Juan Street Fight between Bad Bunny and Damian Priest.
As a matter of fact, the former WWE superstar wasn’t the only surprise appearance on the show. Alongside Carlito, WWE veteran Savio Vega also made his return during the show. Both men came to even the odds when Judgment Day tried to sabotage the result of the match.
Carlito!!! #wwebacklash pic.twitter.com/ke0nqmzmdn
— Wrestling News (@WrestlingNewsCo) May 7, 2023
Does this return mean Carlito has made his WWE return on a full-time basis?
Carlito making his return during WWE Backlash 2023 was a surprise that no one expected. The whole arena went crazy when the former star did his vintage apple-spitting move on Dominik Mysterio. In fact, fans are eager to know if he is back in the company.
Well, there’s been no official confirmation as of now, but it seems he hasn’t returned full-time. The way the whole segment was booked, it looks more like a one-off appearance. Moreover, considering the recent hiring freeze in WWE, one would assume that the return of Carlito was just a cameo.
However, with the kind of physique he is in and the crowd response he got, Triple H might have to give it a thought. In fact, according to Boozer666, WWE has approached him with offers in the past. He stated the former star refused those offers but might take it this time.
Boozer666 wrote:
“He just might accept it this time.
Carlito been offered a lot of times a contract the saw him with some TV time and stories + coaching. He kept declining all the time. But i guess its time he knows whats right for him. He can be useful.”
Nonetheless, as of now, there is no confirmation whether he has signed a contract or not. Though since the recent cameo, fans have expressed their desire to see Carlito making his WWE return.
The last time “The Caribbean Bad Apple” performed in the WWE was more than two years ago
Carlito made his WWE debut in 2004 and, in his very first match on the main roster, defeated John Cena for the US Title. He then went on to become a one-time IC and two-time tag team champion (with Primo).
However, in 2010, he was released for reportedly violating WWE’s Wellness Policy and refusing to go to rehab. On the contrary, Carlito, in the past, has claimed he asked for his release because he felt underutilized. Despite all of that, “The Caribbean Bad Apple” did make some occasional appearances after that.
The last time Carlito made a short return to WWE was in 2021, during the men’s Royal Rumble match. He also teamed up with Jeff Hardy to face Elias and Jaxson Ryker on the following Monday Night RAW.
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