Carly Colón (Carlito) — Puerto Rican professional wrestler
Biography of Carlos Edwin 'Carly' Colón Jr., known as Carlito: his background, ring persona, major championships, family ties in wrestling, citizenship, post‑WWE career, and notable facts.
Overview
Carlos Edwin "Carly" Colón Jr. (born February 21, 1979) is a Puerto Rican professional wrestler best known under the ring name Carlito. A member of one of Puerto Rico's prominent wrestling families, he rose to international recognition during his time with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where he captured several singles and tag team championships and performed on the company's main roster. He was released from his WWE contract on May 21, 2010, and subsequently worked on the independent circuit and for various promotions.
Image gallery
9 ImagesRing persona and in‑ring style
Carlito developed a distinct persona that blended a laid‑back, "cool" attitude with a visible trademark prop: the use of an apple as part of his character work. In the ring he mixed standard professional wrestling techniques with an emphasis on character storytelling and crowd interaction. His style and presentation made him a memorable mid‑card and tag team performer during his WWE tenure.
Career highlights and championships
During his WWE run, Carlito won notable championships that established him as a successful performer on television. Highlights include a run with the Intercontinental Championship and the United States Championship as singles titles, and multiple tag team title reigns. He teamed with his real‑life brother, known on television as Primo, to win WWE tag team gold; the brothers also worked together in Puerto Rico and on tours abroad. After his WWE release he continued wrestling internationally and on independent shows.
- Intercontinental Championship (WWE)
- United States Championship (WWE)
- WWE Tag Team Championship (with his brother Primo)
Family background and personal life
Carlito comes from a wrestling family: his father, Carlos Colón Sr., is a long‑time wrestler and promoter in Puerto Rico, and several members of the Colón family have been involved in the business. In addition to his Puerto Rican nationality, Carlito acquired Canadian citizenship as a result of changes to Canadian law in April 2009 that extended citizenship to certain first‑generation descendants born abroad to Canadian parents. He has balanced work in Puerto Rico, North America, and other territories while maintaining family ties to the island's wrestling scene.
Legacy and notable facts
Carlito is often remembered for his charismatic character work and for helping bring attention to Puerto Rican wrestling talent on a global stage. His combination of mid‑card singles success and tag team prominence, plus his family lineage, make him a recognizable figure for fans who followed WWE in the 2000s. After leaving WWE he remained active in wrestling, appearing for independent promotions and on occasional televised or regional events.
Further reading
- Profile and career overview
- Title histories and match listings
- Background on Puerto Rican wrestling families
- Interviews and personal statements
- Role in WWE programming
- Intercontinental Championship details
- United States Championship records
- Tag team title history with Primo
- Post‑WWE independent appearances
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Carly Colón (Carlito) — Puerto Rican professional wrestler Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/115968
Sources
- slam.canoe.ca : "Carlito's got Canadian blood ... now that's cool!"