While discussing the recent news that Carlito’s WWE contract was not being renewed, veteran manager Jim Cornette offered a positive assessment of the star’s performance and physical condition throughout his latest two-year run with the company. On last week’s episode of “Jim Cornette’s Drive-Thru,” Cornette praised Carlito for exceeding expectations and performing at a high level.
The conversation began with the news of Carlito’s impending departure, which Cornette wasn’t entirely surprised by due to the wrestler’s age (46). “He’s had a nice, what, two year run since he came back on that the Puerto Rico pay-per-view,” Cornette began, referencing Carlito’s return at Backlash in 2023. “And he looked in better shape than half the guys on the roster.”
Cornette continued with high praise for Carlito’s in-ring work since his return. “And, you know, he’s looked good, and when he’s had to work, he’s, as we’ve mentioned, a couple times, done better than most of the f**king guys had been on the roster for a while, but are much younger,” he stated.
Carlito’s most recent run began with his appearance at Backlash in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he assisted Bad Bunny and the Latino World Order (LWO). This led to him officially re-signing with WWE and joining the SmackDown brand as a member of the LWO. He later turned on the group and was moved to Raw, where he became an associate of The Judgment Day faction. In this role, he was featured regularly in backstage segments and occasional matches.
While Cornette didn’t think Carlito expected a long-term run this time around, noting his good-humored social media post about his exit, his comments served as a strong endorsement of Carlito’s contributions. Cornette described him as a “valuable member of the cog in the wheel of the group” during his time with The Judgment Day.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Jim Cornette’s Drive Thru with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
