Popular WWE star fails again on SmackDown to win his first 1-on-1 match in 15+ years

Santos Escobar defeats Carlito with the help of Elektra Lopez on SmackDown.

Popular WWE star fails again on SmackDown to win his first 1-on-1 match in 15+ years

Carlito lost against Santos Escobar on SmackDown (via WWE)

The fans exploded with cheers when Carlito returned to WWE after a decade to save his friends at Backlash. Carlito came with a lot of expectations when he returned, but he could not capitalize on them and stayed as just another member of L.W.O. Moreover, he had a chance to win his first match on SmackDown after 15 years.

On the latest episode of SmackDown, The veteran went one-on-one with Santos Escobar, who just turned heel by attacking Rey Mysterio. The match was hanging in the balance, but interference from NXT superstar Elektra Lopez cost him the match. He failed to win his first one-on-one match on the Blue brand after 15 years.

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His last singles victory came on SmackDown when he defeated Brian Kendrick in 2008. Since his return, he participated in many 6-man tag team matches with his L.W.O. team members, Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro. Meanwhile, Escobar needed this win, as he lost the No. 1 contender match against Kevin Owens for the U.S. title.

The decision to include Elektra Lopez intrigued the fans, as she was a part of the original version of the faction. She caught the WWE Universe’s eye with her fiery promo against Lola Vice on NXT. It will be interesting to see who between Carlito and Escobar will accomplish more in the Royal Rumble match. 

Santos Escobar disrespected Carlito ahead of their match on social media

Santos Escobar and Carlito’s rivalry wasn’t just limited to the ring; they were going at it on social media too. The 39-year-old superstar disrespected Carlito ahead of their match.

Santos Escobar and Carlito
Santos Escobar and Carlito (via WWE)

Escobar took to X and shared a video in which Carlito’s face was edited with a rotten apple, mocking his gimmick. The veteran will always be associated with an apple, as it has been an important part of getting him over with the fans. In an interesting twist, the fans liked Escobar’s post and even showed him support.

The main piece of the puzzle in this whole rivalry is the Lucha legend, Rey Mysterio. Escobar attacked the 49-year-old and forced him out of action with an injury. It will be interesting to see whether Mysterio returns to the Royal Rumble and takes revenge against the leader of Legado Del Fantasma.

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