Carlito isnt holding back when it comes to the toxic backstage culture he endured during his early WWE run.
In a brutally honest conversation on D-Von Dudleys podcast, the former Intercontinental Champion opened up about the mental and physical abuse wrestlers were expected to tolerate during the 2000sand how damaging that mindset really was.
While revisiting Ric Flairs now-infamous on-air promo where Flair publicly berated him for being lazy, Carlito peeled back the curtain on how that era wasnt just storyline dramait reflected a harsh and unforgiving reality behind the scenes.
D-Von chimed in to point out that wrestlers were mocked if they ever asked for time off, no matter how hurt they were. Carlito agreed and revealed how warped that mindset had become for everyone in the locker room.
Carlitos words shine a light on just how much pressure WWE stars faced during a time when the company had no real competition and little accountability. Wrestlers were expected to power through injuries, hide any signs of weakness, and live up to a grind that left many physically and mentally wrecked.
He didnt name names or point fingersbut its clear that for guys like Carlito, the culture wasnt just old school it was destructive.
Wrestling has changed a lot since those daysbut do you think the industry has done enough to protect its talent? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you think of Carlitos take.
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