WWE Raw Superstar Carlito released 5/21/10

Just a few days ago, longtime WWE Superstar Carlito was released from the WWE. WWE provided an official statement regarding the release on May 21, 2010 via WWE.com:

"WWE Superstar Carlito (Carlos Colon) has been released from his World Wrestling Entertainment contract as of today May 21, 2010. Carlito’s termination was due to his first violation of the WWE Wellness Program and his subsequent refusal to attend a rehabilitation facility."

Strike one, but Carlito just didn't seem happy with WWE. Ironically, they built in a storyline where he was complaining about lack of TV time on Raw. He complained to Vladimir Kozlov as well as a few of the special guest hosts. He won't be complaining to Jon Lovitz on Monday night.

In recent times it appeared that Carlito was part of the WWE Superstars roster along with a handful of others who didn't seem to get much TV time on Raw or Smackdown. In a recent storyline, Carlito stopped a match against his cousin Primo, and the two reunited to form a team. They were part of the doubleteam attack paid for by Ted Dibiase on R-Truth on a recent episode of Raw as well.

Years ago, I got the opportunity to see Carlito main event at a live episode of Raw against John Cena. The match involved Chris Jericho as special guest referee and ended up with a beatdown on Cena. Carlito is definitely a talented wrestler who will be missed by the WWE, and we can likely take a wild guess where he'll be. It's a good thing his rookie Michael Tarver was eliminated from the WWE NXT competition, or else he'd be without a pro mentor!

Best wishes to Carlito in all future endeavors, and let's hope that someone will help him get help for any substance abuse issues he may be grappling with.