Charlotte Flair's injury creates a void heading into WrestleMania season

Charlotte Flair suffered a massive injury on December 8. A fall from the top rope caused her to tear her ACL, MCL, and Meniscus. Initial reports state that she’s estimated to be out for nine months. Heading into The Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season, this creates a huge hole at the top of the SmackDown women’s division. WWE has set the stage for several ways the women’s division can thrive while one of its top stars is out.

To many, Flair is a controversial figure in wrestling thanks to the name she carries. She’s consistently booked at the top of the women’s division, with fans complaining that many of her title reigns undercut the momentum of others on the roster. Regardless of where you may stand on that debate, Flair delivers when the spotlight shines. Take her match against Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 39 as an example. She’s earned her position on the roster. Now, WWE must leverage the rest of the roster which will elevate everyone along the way.

With IYO Sky holding the WWE Women’s Championship, many expect that she and Bayley are heading toward a big faceoff at WrestleMania. That makes sense, as it opens the door for Bayley to finally get that big career moment that has eluded her. That singles match has the potential to be a show stealer, with two of the best performers on the WWE roster and in women’s wrestling entirely.

Bianca Belair will need a big match for the “Show of Shows” and that’s where many thought Flair would fit. She’s the only member of the famed Four Horsewomen that Belair has not defeated. With Flair unavailable, another big match that could be booked would be Bianca Belair against Jade Cargill. While that is a dream match for some, the question hinges upon whether Cargill is ready for that moment. She’s yet to debut for WWE and it is even more noticeable how the company has pulled back on her mentions or appearances.

Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre are set to return during the December 22 edition of WWE SmackDown, adding another group to the tag team division. This duo versus The Kabuki Warriors would be a big match. Take that up a notch to include the new champions in Kayden Carter and Katana Chance, throw in a team like Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae and that multi-tag would be a great match to see.

Fans are hoping Charlotte Flair makes a full recovery and returns to doing what she’s great at each week. Without her on the active roster, WWE will have to look to other options to continue its rebuild of women’s wrestling on SmackDown and there are several capable performers ready to step up.