Animals over the title, and on the final episode of Thunder on March 21, Romeo and Skipper's undefeated streak was broken as they and Chavo Guerrero Jr. lost to Mysterio Jr. Kidman and Shane Helms. On the final episode of Nitro on March 26, their feud culminated as Romeo and Skipper lost the Cruiserweight Tag Team Title to Mysterio Jr. and Kidman in what turned out to be the second to last match in WCW's history. Independent circuit, hiatus and retirement (2002–2005, 2008) Following WCW's closure, Roman traveled to Puerto Rico to wrestle for the World Wrestling Council. He also made some appearances in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, making his debut there on July 10, 2002, in a six-way elimination match that included Tony Mamaluke, Christopher Daniels, Elix Skipper, Jerry Lynn, and Low Ki, although Roman was eliminated after Low Ki forced him to submit. He returned to TNA on May 21 as Romeo, competing in a four-way match against CM Punk, Jason Cross and Paul London, the latter of whom won the match and became the number one contender to the X Division Championship. From 2003 to 2004, Roman would continue to be used as a jobber, losing to the likes of Raven, Jeff Hardy, Kid Kash and Chris Sabin. During his time with TNA, Roman's only victory was a tag team dark match where he and Sonjay Dutt defeated The Naturals. In addition to TNA, Roman also wrestled in Championship Wrestling from Florida for a short time, where he feuded with Tyree Pride. He returned to TNA for the final time on May 17, 2005, where he lost to Zach Gowen. Roman then took a hiatus from wrestling and subsequently began working as an exterminator. In 2008, Roman returned to wrestling as Romeo and joined NWA South Atlantic. On May 10, he teamed with Benny Blanco as the Casanova Cartel to defeat Manson and Black Knight (the latter substituting for Manson's partner Rico Moon) to win the territory's Tag Team Championship. The Cartel would go on to hold the title for over six months before being defeated by the SWAT Patrol on November 15. Following the title loss, Roman retired from wrestling. Championships and accomplishments NWA South Atlantic NWA South Atlantic Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Benny Blanco World Championship Wrestling WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Elix Skipper WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team