Charlotte Flair should offer to retire if she loses after WWE return, ex-writer says (Exclusive)
Charlotte Flair has not wrestled since suffering a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus during a match against Asuka on December 8, 2023. Vince Russo, WWE's former head writer, believes The Queen should put her career on the line in a series of matches when she returns.
Flair is one of the most decorated superstars in WWE history. The 14-time Women's World Champion is only two world title wins away from matching the record of 16 held by John Cena and her father Ric.
On Sportskeeda Wrestling's Writing With Russo, Russo said Flair should rank the top 10 female wrestlers in WWE as part of her return storyline. He thinks she should then try to prove herself by agreeing to retire if she loses to any of them:
"And if I'm Charlotte Flair, 'I've been gone for a long time, I get it, a lot of the women have come into prominence in my absence. I get it, I understand, and, basically, to prove myself all over again, I'm gonna start from 10 and work my way up, and along the line if I get pinned by any of these individuals I will retire from the WWE. That's how good I think I am. I will start at the bottom and work my way up, and if somebody can beat me I will pack my bags and go home,'" Russo said. [4:08 – 4:55]
Speaking to host Dr. Chris Featherstone, Russo explained why he thinks WWE's higher-ups would probably not go ahead with his Charlotte Flair idea:
"That's stakes. That is stakes. You see, here's the problem, bro. With that story, you gotta throw in the monkey wrench where she gets beat because everything is predictable with them. No, no, no, no. She's gotta get beat and you gotta figure out how to get out of that." [4:55 – 5:17]
Watch the video above to hear more from Russo on how WWE should book Flair's return.
Vince Russo on Charlotte Flair's return compared to the Attitude Era
In the late 1990s, Vince Russo co-wrote RAW alongside Ed Ferrara when the show regularly drew its highest television ratings. At the time, Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon was the company's biggest storyline.
Using that rivalry as an example, Russo said he would think of a way to ensure Charlotte Flair can keep wrestling even if she loses:
"When Vince was having all these problems with Austin and he finally fires Austin, and all of a sudden Austin has his job back, well, the chief officer Shane McMahon [got involved]. You have to figure out a creative way to get around it. They'll never do that, bro. She's gonna get in feuds, she's gonna go over, but that's [creative ideas] what you need." [5:21 – 5:51]
Flair has posted several training videos on social media in recent months, prompting speculation she could make her in-ring comeback soon. However, it is currently unclear when she will return to WWE television.
How would you book Charlotte Flair's return? Hit the discuss button and let us know.
Please credit Sportskeeda Wrestling's Writing With Russo and embed the video if you use quotes from this article.