Back to the beginning or a massive SummerSlam moment - 4 Ways Charlotte Flair can return to WWE
WWE star Charlotte Flair suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus last December in a match against Asuka on SmackDown. That type of injury traditionally requires almost a year to recover, but some stars return after eight or nine months.
The Queen is a workout warrior and has always been in amazing shape. If her recovery has been smooth, she could return to WWE within the next few months.
The multi-time Champion's return doesn't need to be rushed, but she may be chomping at the bit to get back into action. Flair could come back to WWE in one of the next four ways.
#4. Cleveland rocks after The Queen returns at SummerSlam
Brock Lesnar returned to WWE at SummerSlam in 2021. Bayley followed suit in 2022 to confront Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch.
A lot of big names are currently inactive due to injury (Flair), maternity leave (Alexa Bliss, Carmella, Valhalla), or storyline reasons (Roman Reigns). Triple H has to be saving at least one huge return for Cleveland.
With both titles on the line, Flair could return at SummerSlam to confront one of the winners of the title matches. She always comes back and is immediately inserted in the Championship picture, so this would follow suit.
The Queen could also prevent a cash-in from Tiffany Stratton, setting up a program between the two.
#3. Back to basics in NXT
Natalya, Michin, Shayna Baszler, and other main roster stars have returned to NXT in 2024. Becky Lynch did so last year and won the Women's Championship.
Current Champion Roxanne Perez mentioned that there aren't many women in the NXT locker room who can hang with her, and she's right. Most of the current prospects came to WWE as athletes—not wrestlers—first and have learned the craft Perez has perfected.
The Prodigy mentioned wanting to eclipse former top stars like Bayley, Asuka, and Charlotte Flair. Flair returned to NXT once before and could do so again. However, she'd have to lose to Perez because squashing the best female star would destroy the brand's credibility.
#2. A shocking WWE return on the SmackDown following SummerSlam
There will be at least one big star returning to the company during SummerSlam. Flair and Roman Reigns have been namedropped recently, with Solo Sikoa challenging The Head of the Table to reclaim his throne.
If the former Undisputed WWE Champion is scheduled to return in Cleveland, Flair's return (if ready) could be saved for the following SmackDown. Officials won't want one star overshadowing the other due to their positions in the company.
The Queen may not be medically cleared, but she could pop up to make her presence felt. CM Punk has done this while awaiting clearance for his match with Drew McIntyre. Flair can still set up future matches this way.
#1. The 2025 Royal Rumble
Depending on Flair's recovery timetable, she may not be ready to make an impact until later this year. If she hasn't reappeared by the end of the year, bringing her back in a different way would be the best use of her star power.
The Royal Rumble is always notable for debuts and returns. In this year's match, Andrade and Naomi rejoined the promotion, while Jordynne Grace and Jade Cargill made their WWE debuts.
John Cena, Triple H, Edge, and others have made triumphant comebacks as entrants in the Royal Rumble. Flair's return would instantly be noteworthy since she'd be a favorite to win it all again.