14-time World Champion to compete after 273 days on WWE SmackDown? Return scenario explored 

Friday's episode of WWE SmackDown will be crucial given that it will be the first episode of the blue brand since the conclusion of Bash in Berlin. This edition of the blue brand will feature several big names like Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Solo Sikoa to name a few.

However, apart from these superstars, there is a chance a 14-time World Champion could return to WWE after 273 days. The champion in question is none other than, Charlotte Flair. The Queen could not only return but also compete.

On December 28th, 2023, Flair wrestled Asuka in a singles match on SmackDown. During this clash, Charlotte suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and Meniscus which has kept her away from action. However, reports suggest she has now been medically cleared.

This clearance could witness Charlotte Flair's return at the Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada on SmackDown this week. Upon her return, Flair could go up against someone like Chelsea Green in a squash match to prove her dominance and announce she is back in contention to compete with the best.

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Ex-WWE writer says SmackDown star Charlotte Flair should offer to retire if she loses after returning

Charlotte Flair's greatness as a wrestler is undeniable. In her WWE career, Flair has managed to become a 14-time World Champion and is only two World Championship victories away from being tied with her dad, Ric Flair, and John Cena, who both hold the record of 16 World Championships.

While Flair has what it takes to reach 16 and beyond, during her absence several superstars have risen to prominence on SmackDown. During an episode of Sportskeeda Wrestling's Writing with Russo, the ex-WWE writer said Flair should start from the back of the line when she returns to competitive action.

Once she does that, Russo suggested that The Queen should prove herself against them, and if she loses she should retire. The ex-WWE employee said:

"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."

Given her image in WWE, it's hard to see Charlotte Flair packing her bags and going home even if she loses. It will be interesting to see what the 14-time World Champion does when she returns on SmackDown.