Carlito makes huge AEW comments after abruptly leaving WWE
The foundation of AEW has undoubtedly changed things for WWE and its long-standing monopoly over the pro wrestling industry. Former WWE Superstar Carlito recently opened up on one important aspect of the sports entertainment juggernaut's backstage culture that has been altered for the better due to the existence of the Tony Khan-led promotion.
The Bad Apple returned to the Stamford-based company in 2023, initially serving as the LWO's newest ally before eventually becoming a member of The Judgment Day. Despite not having lost a step inside the squared circle or on-screen, Carlito revealed some time ago that the promotion would not be renewing his deal. A couple of days ago, the veteran announced that he was officially a free agent.
During a recent interview on Busted Open Radio, Carlito alluded to WWE's past backstage culture of fear and uncertainty under former chairman Vince McMahon's regime. He also mentioned how that culture has evolved under Triple H's creative leadership, as well as due to the foundation and growth of AEW as a viable competing brand that offers talent alternative career options.
"I don’t mean to knock on Vince [McMahon], but, you know, he seemed to have his certain things you have to do this way and the next day it changed, whatever, you know, certain rules, just stupidity. They liked people walking around on eggshells. Because it was the only game in town and they liked the boys knowing that, you know what I mean? I think now that with AEW being around too, it’s helped. They cant — they know they can’t bully because there’s other places for people to go. That’s added to it.”
Carlito continued:
"But I think Hunter’s done a good job too of just cleaning all that cr** out. Plus, it’s just a new generation, you just can’t get away with certain things you could before, you know what I mean? And I just like that a bunch of that BS is gone now. People just go there, show up, and do their work,” said Carlito. [H/T - ITR Wrestling]
Carlito recently won championship gold outside of WWE by defeating Ray Gonzalez to claim the WWC Puerto Rico Title late last month.
Another former WWE star is interested in wrestling for AEW
Carlito is among the many talents WWE has recently let go. The list also includes Cora Jade, who was released from her contract last month and is poised to return to the independent circuit as Elayna Black.
During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, the 24-year-old up-and-comer expressed her openness to working in AEW and admitted to enjoying the Jacksonville-based company's product.
"I absolutely love AEW. I’ve been watching it since it first started. I just love wrestling. And I feel like, I’ve said before, they have so much creative freedom, which I love, um, because I love like the stories and stuff like that..." [H/T - RSN]
It remains to be seen if Black will end up joining the All Elite women's division in the near future.