WWE makes Charlotte Flair announcement amid hiatus
Charlotte Flair remains on WWE's injured list. She just passed the 6-month mark since her last match, but a new hint was just revealed on Flair's eventual return to in-ring action.
The Queen has not wrestled since suffering a torn MLC, ACL, and meniscus during the SmackDown loss to Asuka taped on December 8. The 38-year-old underwent surgery just a few weeks later, and has been training hard ever since. While no timeframe was confirmed for her ring return, sources believed she would be on the shelf for around 9 months, or until early October, which would be just over 1 month after Bash In Berlin, and less than a month before Crown Jewel.
WWE recently announced a rare company-affiliated appearance for Hulk Hogan. Now Charlotte has been added to the list of guests for the first-ever Fanatics Fest NYC convention, and this could indicate she's getting closer to getting back to work. Flair shared the announcement on Instagram with nothing but a queen emoji.
Flair appeared for signings during WrestleMania XL weekend, but this looks to be her first outside appearance. In addition to running WWE Shop as an official partner, Fanatics produced the five-day WWE World festival during WrestleMania 40 weekend. This was the first large-scale activation for Fanatics Events, and the Stamford-based company's highest-grossing and most-attended fan event in history.
WWE and Fanatics also announced Rey Mysterio for the convention today. Charlotte is scheduled for Saturday, August 17, along with Hogan, while Rey is scheduled for Sunday, August 18.
Major WWE presence at partner's first convention
Fanatics is set to host its first ever Fanatics Fest NYC convention from Friday, August 16 through Sunday, August 18 at the Javits Center in New York City. Adult tickets are priced at $58.68 or $152.58 for the whole weekend, and kids tickets are $35.21 and $76.29. A VIP weekend ticket is also available for $464.64.
Fanatics and World Wrestling Entertainment have announced that a total of 15 superstars will be appearing that weekend. The following 9 names have been confirmed so far - Hulk Hogan, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, Rey Mysterio, Liv Morgan, Bayley, LA Knight, and CM Punk.
The superstars are appearing at Fanatics Fest NYC for autographs and photo-ops, while Rhodes and Ripley will participate in a live panel with some other names yet to be announced. The guests for Saturday, August 17 are The Hulkster, The Second City Saint, The Juvenile Delinquent, The Megastar, and The Queen. Scheduled for Sunday are The American Nightmare, The Eradicator, The Role Model, and The Master of The 619.
WWE will also have a strong general presence at Fanatics Fest NYC, as will a few wrestling podcasts. The company is one of many brands, including UFC and NFL, that will have "immersive brand & league activations and exhibits" at the convention. There will be a wrestling ring set up for fans, and involvement with the Memorabilia Museum, the Kids Zone, the Fanatics Superstore, the Collector's Zone, and the Lifestyle Zone.