Saturday night saw WWE host Backlash from San Juan, Puerto Rico in front of what was one of their best live crowds in recent memory.
The show had a significant hometown feel to it with rap sensation Bad Bunny and Damian Priest (both Puerto Rican) facing off in a “San Juan street fight”.
As expected, Priest’s Judgement Day stablemates Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio interfered, which led to the arrival of the cavalry, starting with Rey Mysterio. The master of the 619 was then followed by Carlito, who received a monster pop and reception from his fellow countryman in attendance.
Take a look below at WWE’s official post of the return of Carlito Caribbean Cool.
The roof just blew off for the return of CARLITO in Puerto Rico at #WWEBacklash!!!
Now that … THAT's cool! 🍎🍏 pic.twitter.com/WPBQ5DzbHl
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2023
The tweet alone has 8 million views and counting, which shows just how popular the return of the former Intercontinental Champion has been. It was the first time Carlito had been in front of a WWE audience since 2010 when he first left the company. A previous return at the 2021 Royal Rumble came during the pandemic, so this felt like a true homecoming for the 44-year-old.
He looked as good as ever and in incredible shape, his backstabber on Balor showing he hasn’t missed a beat in the ring. The return also saw him become an honorary member of the rapidly-growing second incarnation of the Latino World Order (LWO). Could the success of Backlash see Carlito have one last run as a member of the main roster?
If WWE truly listens to its audience, it would be a wise call.