Ex-WWE Superstar Carlito can’t believe Stephanie McMahon approved his controversial t-shirt.
Former WWE Tag Team, Intercontinental, and United States Champion Carlito was the latest guest on the INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet podcast. During the conversation, Vliet asked him about his controversial t-shirt, which featured an apple and the words, “Do you spit or swallow?”
Carlito revealed that he pitched the t-shirt design and said he was shocked that former WWE Chairwoman Stephanie McMahon approved the idea.
“Yes, I can’t believe Stephanie approved that shirt, because even for back then, that was still [risque]. I think it was mine [the idea]. I remember pitching it to Stephanie, and then her coming back, like a week or two later. Oh, yeah, we approved it,” the former WWE star said.
Carlito was part of the Judgment Day faction during his final days in WWE. The promotion chose not to renew his contract when it expired in June 2025. He has since returned to the independent circuit.
Carlito explains how AEW forced WWE to evolve
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Carlito explained that AEW’s presence created a healthy competition, saying it pushed the promotion to treat its talent better.
“I don’t mean to knock on Vince [McMahon], but, you know, he seemed to have his certain things you have to do this way and the next day it changed, whatever, you know, certain rules, just stupidity. They liked people walking around on eggshells. Because it was the only game in town and they liked the boys knowing that, you know what I mean? I think now that with AEW being around too, it’s helped. They cant — they know they can’t bully because there’s other places for people to go. That’s added to it,” the former WWE star said.
“But I think Hunter’s done a good job too of just cleaning all that crap out. Plus, it’s just a new generation, you just can’t get away with certain things you could before, you know what I mean? And I just like that a bunch of that BS is gone now. People just go there, show up, and do their work.” [H/T: f4wonline]
Read More: Carlito Says He ‘Shot Himself in the Foot’ With WWE Contract Decision
