Charlotte Flair Remembers the Impact of Her Father Ric Flair During Her WWE Journey
In a candid mirrored image, Charlotte Flair, a 14-time WWE Women’s Champion, unfolded approximately her early experiences in WWE and the full-size function her father, Ric Flair, performed for the duration of that time. Speaking on the Forever Young Podcast, Charlotte stated the memories of her first days on the primary roster in 2015, a time when she turned into still distinctly new to wrestling, having simplest spent approximately years in the NXT brand earlier than making her debut on the main roster.
Ric Flair, a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, initially served as Charlotte’s manager, helping her navigate the competitive landscape of professional wrestling. This partnership came at a time when Charlotte needed guidance as she transitioned from NXT to the big leagues. “When I first started, it was like, ‘I’m either going to sink or swim,’” Charlotte said, emphasizing the pressure of performing alongside a legend. “My dad’s either gonna steal the show when we’re on-camera together, or I’m gonna take this as an opportunity to show the world that I don’t need him.”
Charlotte’s journey reached a pivotal moment all through her first WrestleMania healthy at WM32 in 2016, wherein she triumphed in a triple-threat bout towards Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks. In a dramatic finish, Charlotte made Lynch faucet out with her signature Figure Eight submission, aided by way of Ric, who held Banks back, ensuring his daughter’s victory. This enjoy solidified her repute as a formidable competitor and showcased her resilience in the spotlight.
Reflecting on her relationship with Ric, Charlotte shared insights into their dynamic. “My dad raised me to be very, very competitive,” she explained. “But it’s not competitive in a negative way; he knows he’s a star, and I know I’m a star. He’s my biggest fan.” However, she also humorously noted that sometimes she wishes her father would dial back his enthusiasm in interviews. “Can you stop talking about me? You’re making people not like me because you like me so much,” she laughed, highlighting the unique bond they share as both father and daughter, as well as competitors.
Yet 2024 has proven to be a challenging year for Charlotte Flair. In December 2023, she suffered a severe knee injury, tearing her ACL, MCL, and meniscus during a match against Asuka on Smackdown. This injury has kept her out of action for several months, with recovery timelines often stretching nine months or longer for such injuries. “When it first happened, I thought my life was over,” Charlotte admitted. “I was devastated. I kept telling myself that I’m going to come back as the best version of the Queen.”
Charlotte’s mindset has since evolved, and she has used this time on the sidelines to reflect on her career. “I’ve had the opportunity to look back at my performances, reassess the division, and explore where I can add character layers when I return,” she explained. Despite the setbacks, she remains determined to make a triumphant return to the ring.
However, speculation surrounding Charlotte’s return has emerged, with reviews indicating that she won’t appear on WWE television till early 2025. The timeline is contingent on her physical recuperation and whether the innovative group has a suitable storyline for her comeback. Charlotte has expressed a choice for her return to be a wonder, making sure that fans could be keen to witness her comeback.
As Charlotte Flair keeps her journey of restoration and self-discovery, the bond with her father remains an important detail of her tale, mixing the pressures of the spotlight with the aid of own family. With her wonderful talent and backbone, lovers eagerly anticipate the day whilst “The Queen” will reclaim her throne within the WWE.
