Carlito

WWE Superstar Carlito is carrying a lot weight of on his shoulders, and it's not just during matches. The afro-rocking 29-year-old known as "Carribean Cool" is himself the son of a legendary Boricua wrestler: Carlos Colón.

Born Carlos Edwin Colón, Jr. in Puerto Rico, the brawny Carlito grew up in a world of backbreakers and bodyslams. Not only did he watch his father take on wrestling icons like Ric Flair and Iron Sheik, the apple-spitting bad boy got his start in professional wrestling by selling beer at matches before operating TV cameras for local shows. But all along, he was on a mission. Trained by his father since age 11, Carlito, aka "Carly," won his professional debut for the WWC (World Wrestling Council) promotion in 1999.

In 2004, the former WWC Heavyweight Champion left Puerto Rico for WWE, home of Rey Mysterio, Jr., John Cena and Triple H. Despite a tremendous debut – he defeated Cena in his first WWE match – some fans in the Carribean felt abandoned, labeling Carlito a "sell-out" for choosing the U.S. wrestling juggernaut over WWC (of which Carlos, Sr. is part-owner).

No matter, he was quickly embraced by the much larger WWE fanbase for his cocky attitude and surprising athleticism. With their support, Carlito has bumped and bruised his way to both the United States Championship and Intercontinental Championship title. A ladies' man, he also appears to have regained his popularity in Puerto Rico though he remains focused on climbing to the top of his profession: "I think everyone who comes into the WWE aspires to be WWE champ, and that's definitely on my list."