Shelton Benjamin Teases Carlito About Joining AEW’s Hurt Syndicate After WWE Exit

The wrestling world is buzzing after Shelton Benjamin dropped a tantalizing hint about Carlito’s future following his WWE departure. The AEW Tag Team Champion’s cryptic Instagram post has fans speculating whether the Caribbean Cool could be headed to All Elite Wrestling.

Carlito’s WWE Chapter Closes

June 1st marked the end of an era as Carlito officially confirmed his WWE exit. The announcement came after widespread reports indicated that WWE had decided against renewing his contract. Now, with Carlito officially a free agent, the speculation about his next move has reached fever pitch.

The Hurt Syndicate Connection

Benjamin, who currently holds AEW Tag Team gold alongside Bobby Lashley, shared a throwback photograph on Instagram featuring himself and Carlito dressed in sharp business attire. The timing couldn’t be more intriguing, especially given The Hurt Syndicate’s signature aesthetic of conducting their affairs in expensive suits.

The caption that accompanied the post was deliberately provocative:

“Hey Briz, Nice suit. Hmmmmmm🤔”

Carlito’s response was equally cryptic, offering only a thinking face emoji in return. Sometimes in professional wrestling, what isn’t said speaks volumes.

Championship Success in AEW

Benjamin and Lashley have been dominant forces since capturing the AEW Tag Team Championships. Their most recent title defense took place at Double or Nothing on May 25, where they successfully retained their gold against the veteran team of Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara.

The Hurt Syndicate’s “business-first” approach has made them one of the most compelling factions in AEW. Adding someone with Carlito’s charisma and in-ring prowess could elevate the group to new heights.

WWE Exodus Continues

Carlito isn’t the only familiar face departing WWE recently. R-Truth also announced his departure from the company, creating a wave of reactions across social media from both wrestlers and fans alike. The “we want Truth” chants that echoed throughout Monday Night Raw demonstrated the emotional connection these departures create with the WWE Universe.

Even CM Punk acknowledged the crowd’s sentiment, addressing the chants after Raw went off the air in a moment that highlighted the impact of these roster changes.

What’s Next for the Caribbean Cool?

The wrestling landscape offers more opportunities than ever for talented performers looking for their next chapter. With AEW, Impact Wrestling, NJPW, and numerous other promotions actively seeking established stars, Carlito has options to consider.

Benjamin’s social media tease might be nothing more than friendly banter between former colleagues, or it could signal something much more significant brewing behind the scenes. Could we see Carlito bringing his Caribbean Cool swagger to Wednesday Night Dynamite, and if so, would The Hurt Syndicate be his landing spot?