Charlotte Flair’s return will be big for women’s wrestling in WWE

Since SummerSlam, WWE has been in a constant rebuilding period. Triple H’s take on the promotion as head of talent and creative is the focal point as the company heads into its future without Vince McMahon. The women’s division has been one of those main aspects of change, as Triple H seeks to rebuild the depth that was lost with McMahon in charge. He’s picked up many pieces that fans are waiting to see what’s next, but he’s still missing a central figure. Charlotte Flair’s absence creates a gap at the top of the women’s division and her return will be big for the promotion.

WWE started airing vignettes that hint toward Flair’s return. It has been seven months since her last match back at Backlash where she was defeated by Ronda Rousey in an I-Quit match at WrestleMania Backlash. While it hasn’t been 100 percent confirmed, Flair’s return to SmackDown would immediately boost that division that’s in dire need of a major attraction.

Triple H has worked to rebuild the women’s divisions on both shows, but the SmackDown roster still feels lacking with major star power. Rousey’s title run hasn’t created the type of reaction from fans the promotion would want to see. Sasha Banks and Naomi also left back in May and there’s no telling when they will return either. Liv Morgan has experienced some growth but isn’t at the level of her main event colleagues. That has forced individuals like Shotzi Blackheart and Raquel Rodriguez into the title picture, but their booking hasn’t helped the outcome.

Flair’s return immediately changes the perception of the SmackDown women’s division and potentially that of both groups.

Where she returns matters. If she walks through the curtain during the Royal Rumble, she quickly becomes a favorite to win it all. Flair has already won the match before and doesn’t need the boost that comes with it. However, this could be the avenue that leads to her challenging Bianca Belair. Belair has openly stated that Flair is the only member of the Four Horsewomen that she hasn’t defeated. That would set up a big angle for them at WrestleMania. Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley stand out as early favorites to win the Rumble, so perhaps that’s not the place for her return.

She could come back for a singles match at the Rumble, without taking part in the actual match. SmackDown’s women’s roster would benefit from giving as many of the ladies in-ring time with Flair. Plus, her getting a clean victory in a non-title feud gives WWE another opportunity to feature the group. With individuals like Emma, Shotzi, Morgan, and others on the roster it would be easy to find someone to fit into this position.

Flair always finds herself in the title picture for WWE. With her return imminent, it will be interesting to see how and where she finds herself in the coming weeks. Regardless of where Charlotte Flair shows up, she’s one of the biggest names available in women’s wrestling and the promotion needs her back.