Carlito Exposes WWE’s “Abusive” Culture From the 2000s: “We Were So Twisted”

Carlito isn’t 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 Dudley’s podcast, the former Intercontinental Champion opened up about the mental and physical abuse wrestlers were expected to tolerate during the 2000s—and how damaging that mindset really was.

While revisiting Ric Flair’s now-infamous on-air promo where Flair publicly berated him for being lazy, Carlito peeled back the curtain on how that era wasn’t just storyline drama—it reflected a harsh and unforgiving reality behind the scenes.

“Yeah, just like creatively, I was frustrated—the way the company was, how abusive they were, you know what I mean? With all the—cuz remember, this was the time when they were the only game in town, you know what I mean? They knew that, and they liked holding that over you. And like I said, it was a different mentality too back then, you know what I mean? Culture wasn’t as evolved or sensitive or whatever the way it is now.”

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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.

“We were so twisted in the way we were thinking. Like yeah—we need time off, you know what I mean? And now it’s like… now we get it. It’s crazy.”

Carlito’s 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 didn’t name names or point fingers—but it’s clear that for guys like Carlito, the culture wasn’t just “old school”… it was destructive.

Wrestling has changed a lot since those days—but 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 Carlito’s take.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.