Carlito has officially announced his departure from WWE—and he’s embracing the opportunity. After his recent WWE contract expired and the company opted not to renew it, the charismatic Puerto Rican superstar took to social media with two words every fan wanted to hear: “Back in Business.” At 46, Carlito is now officially a free agent, free to chart a new course. So what’s next? Let’s dive into the story, unpack the clues, and explore what this could mean—for Carlito and for you, the fan.
The Exit — Straight From Carlito Himself
Two weeks ago, Carlito gave fans a heads‑up: “My contract is up in 2 weeks. It will not be renewed.” He even joked about some drama involving pay—saying WWE claimed he had to reimburse them for “stealing money,” though he made it clear he resolved it legally. Still, he ended on a high note: “gracias WWE & especially the WWE universe. Los quiero mucho!”
Fast forward to June 14, and he simply posted on Instagram:
“Back in business!! #fullyavailable #nocontract #libre #ready #noworries.”
Boom. A wrestling legend becomes a free agent. No long goodbye. Just a promise: “I’m ready.”
Why Now? Timing and Transition
Carlito isn’t anonymous. He’s a former United States and Intercontinental Champion, and during his latest WWE stint (2023–2025), he joined the Judgment Day stable—even aligning with Raquel Rodriguez before his departure. But WWE isn’t renewing his contract, and rather than cling to a fading role, he spun it positively—announcing his free-agent status with confidence.
At 46, he might not be headlining WrestleMania, but his legacy, charisma, and Puerto Rican swagger still hold weight. Now, every door is open: WWE, AEW, indie circuits—or all of the above.
Getting the Free Agent Deal — What It Entails
Let’s break down what “free agent” means in pro-wrestling terms:
| Feature | What It Means for Carlito |
|---|---|
| No exclusive contract | He’s open to booking wherever, whenever |
| Non-compete clause expired | He’s cleared to jump to AEW, NJPW, Impact, or indie promotions |
| Fresh booking packages | Now negotiates per show—his charisma equals premium value |
| Renewed fan attention | “Back in Business!”—a hype phrase fans notice and share |
Did AEW Already Express Interest?
Turns out, yes! AEW’s Brian Cage jumped into the mix on social when he said:
“Can be my first match back so Melissa doesn’t have to worry again… just like last time.”
That playful call-out suggests AEW isn’t just watching—they’re inviting. If Cage’s words mean anything, an AEW debut is on the table.
Puerto Rican Pride – Back to His Roots
Carlito isn’t just any wrestler—he’s a hero in Puerto Rico. And true to form, he’s already reconnecting with his roots. On May 31, at WWC’s “Summer Madness,” he wrestled in Puerto Rico, defeating Ray González to win the WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship.
That means he’s not retiring—he’s activating. And fans there are soaking it up. It’s not nostalgia—it’s a launchpad.
What This Means for Fans
If you’re a wrestling fan, here’s what Carlito’s shift signals:
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Fresh match-ups – He could square off against AEW stars like Cage—or even cross over to NJPW or indie circuits.
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Homecoming moments – Expect featured bookings in Puerto Rico or Latin America, on big independence days or wrestling festivals.
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Legacy moments – He’s adding to his career, not wrapping it up—this is a reinvention.
The Road Ahead – Possible Destinations for Carlito
Let’s map out the three big “what-ifs”:
1. AEW Debut?
Brian Cage called him out. AEW is hungry for established stars—and Carlito checks that box. Could we see him at AEW All In or Collision? Maybe.
2. WWE Reunion?
Never say never. WWE sometimes brings back veterans for nostalgia angles. But since they didn’t renew his contract, that ship seems sailed for now.
3. Indies & WWC Evolution
He’s got momentum in Puerto Rico. Weekly indie bookings, featured events, or even mentored matches? That’s a likely path.
Carlito’s Brand: More Than a Comeback
Think of him like a seasoned CEO launching a new startup. He’s got name recognition, global reach, and an audience hungry for the next move. Contract-free? That’s power. Carlito’s free market status is a full-fledged brand relaunch.
SEO & Keywords Worth Noting
To make sure fans and search engines pick this up, key terms include:
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Use those in tags, subtitles, and social promotion. That’s how Google puts his news front and center.
Conclusion
Carlito’s “Back in Business” is more than nostalgia—it’s a reset button. At 46, he’s taking control of his narrative. Free agency opens doors to AEW, indie promotions, or homegrown Puerto Rican events. He’s not closing the chapter—he’s starting a sequel.
Fans should watch summer bookings, social posts, and AEW teasers. This isn’t a farewell—it’s a flex. And if Carlito plays his cards right, both his career and legacy are set to climb.