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The former WWE Intercontinental Champion Carlito made his return at the Fastlane Premium Live Event this past weekend. He saved the Latino World Order's Santos Escobar and Rey Mysterio from a three-on-two bout by becoming their ally.
Courtesy of the help from Carlito, the LWO managed to win the Six-Man tag team match against Bobby Lashley & the Street Profits. The faction then celebrated in a moment that felt similar to Backlash 2023 when Carlito helped the Latino World Order for the first time.
This time, however, Carlito is sticking around World Wrestling Entertainment. The charismatic star signed with the promotion a while back, and the company was seemingly waiting for the perfect time to schedule Carlito's appearance again. Clearly, Fastlane was the ideal time and place, as Carlito is now listed as a SmackDown star on WWE's roster page.
Now that the former Intercontinental Champion is officially a part of the blue brand again for the first time in over a decade, what might be next for him? This article will look at a handful of directions and feuds for Carlito ahead of his proper return to SmackDown.
Below are four directions for Carlito on SmackDown following his WWE return.
#4. Carlito and the LWO could continue to battle Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits
As noted, Carlito saved the day at WWE Fastlane, but it was a close call. Bobby Lashley, Montez Ford, and Angelo Dawkins were involved in a heated bout with Santos Escobar and Rey Mysterio. The contest was intended to be a Six-Man tag team match from the very beginning, but a vicious attack changed plans.
The Street Profits and The All Mighty left LWO members Cruz Del Toro, and Joaquin Wilde injured on the SmackDown before WWE Fastlane. Rey immediately reached out to Carlito but never heard back from him. Thankfully, mid-way through the bout, the "cool" superstar returned.
While the LWO stood tall at Fastlane, that doesn't mean the story between the two groups is over. Lashley and the Street Profits will likely seek revenge, which means the rivalry could extend to Crown Jewel or even Survivor Series.
#3. Carlito could challenge Rey Mysterio for the United States Championship
Carlito is back and part of the Latino World Order. While that's exciting, above everything else, the "cool" superstar has likely returned to WWE with proper goals in mind. Perhaps the most obvious goal of any talented performer is to win championship gold.
Interestingly, one of the top titles in the world is currently held by a member of the LWO, Rey Mysterio. The WWE Hall of Famer is the reigning United States Champion. That very title was once held by Carlito in the past, and he likely would want to win it again.
Given that Rey and Santos Escobar had a match for the coveted prize recently, why can't another Latino World Order member attempt to win it from Mysterio? Carlito may wish to challenge the Hall of Famer for the gold on an episode of SmackDown or at a big-time Premium Live Event. Regardless of the winner, the title remains with the popular stable, so in theory, everybody wins.
#2. He could turn heel
The previous entry is a look at how Carlito may handle things if he were to be a kind and gentle person. While that could be a possibility, long-time WWE fans know that he has not always been kind or gentle.
In fact, there was a time when Carlito was a menacing villain. The former Intercontinental Champion would spit apples into the faces of his opponents as a way to disrespect them. He even once arranged for John Cena to get stabbed.
Carlito is a good babyface, but he is a better heel. As a result, he might quickly turn against the LWO and Rey Mysterio upon his return to WWE programming. This could also lead to him challenging for the coveted United States Championship.
#1. Carlito could be Roman Reigns' next challenger for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
The United States Title is a prize worth chasing, but there is one title that every superstar wants to hold. The Undisputed WWE Universal Championship is the most valuable title in all of pro wrestling, both due to the history and prestige it brings and because of the superstar who holds it.
Roman Reigns is the reigning champion. He unified the Universal Championship and the WWE Championship over a year and a half ago. The Universal Championship, in particular, has been around his waist for over three years straight.
Winning the title is special, but being the one to dethrone the seemingly unbeatable Reigns should be the ultimate goal of any performer. Carlito may be the next star to step up and attempt to be the one to finally end The Tribal Chief's reign.
What would be the most optimum way for Carlito to choose upon his WWE return? Sound off in the comments section below!
