The Judgment Day clubhouse felt noticeably different this week on WWE RAW. While the faction’s headquarters still buzzed with activity, something was missing—or rather, someone. Carlito’s signature gaming setup and laid-back commentary were nowhere to be found, marking the end of an unexpected but memorable chapter in the group’s story.
Empty Chair, Lasting Impact
For months, Carlito carved out a unique niche within Judgment Day’s weekly television segments. The veteran performer turned the faction’s backstage area into his personal gaming lounge, complete with his trusty PS5. His casual presence and off-the-cuff remarks while gaming created some genuinely entertaining moments that wrestling fans grew to appreciate.
This week’s RAW painted a stark picture of his absence. The PlayStation was gone, the chair sat empty, and WWE’s storylines moved forward without any acknowledgment of why their frequent scene-stealer had vanished.
Mysterio’s Subtle Salute
While WWE may have moved on without explanation, Dominik Mysterio hadn’t forgotten his former clubhouse companion. The younger Mysterio sported a “That’s Not Cool” t-shirt during Monday’s broadcast—a clear reference to Carlito’s career-defining catchphrase and finishing move.
The gesture spoke volumes about the backstage relationships that develop behind the cameras. Even as creative teams scramble to adjust storylines, the locker room remembers.
The Contract Controversy Explodes
Carlito’s departure didn’t happen quietly. The Puerto Rican superstar took to social media earlier this week with a bombshell revelation that shed light on his WWE exit.
“My contract is up in 2 weeks. It will not be renewed. On top of that, WWE is demanding I pay back the $ they paid me for apparently ‘stealing money’ from the company. After reviewing my footage on Netflix for the past months they suggested I pay them back the money😳”
The tweet’s sarcastic tone couldn’t mask the serious allegations being made. Carlito’s claims paint a picture of a contentious split, with WWE apparently questioning his recent television contributions enough to demand financial compensation.
Wrestling’s Newest Departure Drama
Carlito’s decision to leave before receiving what he called the typical “blown off” treatment shows a performer taking control of his narrative. Rather than endure a potentially unflattering on-screen exit, he chose to walk away on his own terms.
This approach reflects a broader trend in modern wrestling, where performers increasingly refuse to accept unfavorable creative directions. The Netflix reference in his tweet adds another layer, possibly alluding to how his recent work might be perceived by new audiences discovering WWE content on the streaming platform.
WWE now faces the challenge of explaining Carlito’s sudden absence from Judgment Day segments without drawing attention to the behind-the-scenes drama. The company has become expert at writing around unexpected departures, but Carlito’s unique role in recent programming makes his absence particularly noticeable.
As Judgment Day continues their storylines without their gaming companion, one question lingers: will other WWE superstars follow Carlito’s lead and speak out about their own contract situations, or was this simply a unique case of mutual dissatisfaction reaching its breaking point?
