Carlito: The Cool Caribbean Star of Wrestling
Introduction
When fans think of charisma, swagger, and unpredictability in professional wrestling, one name that stands out is Carlito. Known for his catchphrase “I spit in the face of people who don’t want to be cool,” Carlito brought a unique blend of humor, athleticism, and arrogance to the WWE ring. His trademark apple, unruly hair, and laid-back attitude made him a fan favorite in the mid-2000s and a standout character in wrestling history. This blog post dives deep into Carlito’s career, his journey in and out of WWE, and why he remains one of the most memorable superstars of his era.
The Early Life of Carlito
Birth and Background
Carlito was born Carlos Edwin Colón Jr. on February 21, 1979, in Santurce, Puerto Rico. He comes from wrestling royalty — his father is the legendary Carlos Colón, a Hall of Fame wrestler and promoter who helped establish Puerto Rico’s World Wrestling Council (WWC).
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Carlos Edwin Colón Jr. |
| Ring Name | Carlito |
| Birth Date | February 21, 1979 |
| Birthplace | Santurce, Puerto Rico |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Father | Carlos Colón (WWE Hall of Famer) |
Carlito’s Rise in WWE
Carlito debuted on WWE television in October 2004 on the SmackDown brand. He made an immediate impact by defeating John Cena for the United States Championship in his debut match — a rare feat in WWE history.
Key WWE Accomplishments
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United States Champion (1 time)
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Intercontinental Champion (1 time)
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World Tag Team Champion (with Primo)
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WWE Tag Team Champion (with Primo)
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Known for participating in key WrestleMania matches
| Championship | Number of Reigns | Notable Partners |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1 | — |
| Intercontinental | 1 | — |
| WWE Tag Team Titles | 1 | Primo |
| World Tag Team Titles | 1 | Primo |
The Carlito Persona: Cool with an Edge
Carlito’s gimmick was simple yet effective — he was too cool for everyone else. With his trademark apple in hand, he would often take a bite and spit it in the face of opponents or anyone he deemed “not cool.” This disrespectful and arrogant act became a staple of his persona.
Signature Elements of Carlito’s Character
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The Apple Spit: A comedic yet insulting act that made him infamous.
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Backstabber Finisher: A double-knee backbreaker executed with flair.
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Afro Hairstyle: His distinctive hair became part of his identity.
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Catchphrase: “I spit in the face of people who don’t want to be cool.”
Post-WWE Career and Return
Carlito was released from WWE in 2010, reportedly due to issues related to the company’s wellness policy. After his release, he remained active in the wrestling world, particularly in the independent circuit and Puerto Rico’s WWC.
Wrestling After WWE
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WWC: Carlito became a multi-time Universal Champion.
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Independent Scene: Appeared in promotions like House of Glory and NWA.
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WWE Appearances: Returned for the 2021 Royal Rumble and several guest spots.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Released from WWE |
| 2011–2020 | Wrestled across various global promotions |
| 2021 | Surprise return at WWE Royal Rumble |
| 2023–2024 | Rumored negotiations for a WWE full-time return |
Carlito’s Legacy
Carlito may not have reached the main-event level, but his impact is undeniable. He represented Latino talent in a compelling and unique way, proving that charisma and originality could still shine in a landscape often driven by larger-than-life personas.
What Made Carlito Stand Out
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Charismatic Mic Skills: Able to blend humor and sarcasm.
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Unique Gimmick: Memorable and engaging for fans.
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Cultural Representation: Strong pride in Puerto Rican heritage.
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Technical In-Ring Style: Combined brawling, high-flying, and technical skills.
List of Carlito’s Most Memorable Moments
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Debut match victory over John Cena for the U.S. Title (2004)
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Spitting apple in Vince McMahon’s face
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Winning the Tag Team Titles with Primo at WrestleMania 25
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Participating in the 2006 Money in the Bank ladder match
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2021 Royal Rumble surprise return
Current Status and Future Outlook
As of 2025, Carlito continues to be involved in wrestling. Rumors swirl about another return to WWE or a role in a backstage capacity, possibly as a trainer or producer. Whether in-ring or behind the scenes, Carlito’s wrestling knowledge and charisma make him a valuable asset.
| Role | Status |
|---|---|
| Active Wrestler | Occasionally on indie scene |
| WWE Status | Sporadic appearances |
| Hall of Fame Candidacy | Not yet inducted |
| Media Appearances | Podcasts, conventions |
Conclusion
Carlito remains a symbol of what happens when talent, humor, and authenticity collide in the world of professional wrestling. While he may never have held a world title, his legacy is defined not by championships but by moments — spitting apples, cool promos, and unforgettable performances. Whether you grew up watching him in the Ruthless Aggression era or rediscovered him during his surprise returns, Carlito is undeniably cool.
For fans of wrestling, Carlito's story is a reminder that personality and passion can leave a lasting legacy — and that being “cool” isn’t just a gimmick, it’s a way of life.
