Originally published on ProWrestlingSheet.

Former Intercontinental Champion Carlito returned to a WWE ring for the first time since 2010 during the 2021 Royal Rumble match.

The 41-year-old was the eighth entrant in the match, and made his way to the ring with one of his trademark apples. When he got to the ring he immediately squared off with Shinsuke Nakamura, who stole Carlito's apple.

Carlito debuted for WWE in 2004. He captured the US Championship and the Intercontinental Championship during his tenure with the company, but was released in 2010 due to a wellness violation.

The Puerto Rican wrestler last appeared on WWE television in March 2014 when his father -- the legendary Carlos Colón Sr. -- was inducted in to the WWE Hall of Fame.