4 reasons why Charlotte Flair hasn't returned to WWE yet

WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair is one of the greatest names to ever step inside the squared circle. The 38-year-old is also one of the most decorated talents on the Stamford-based promotion's current roster.

Flair has been signed with World Wrestling Entertainment since 2012 and has made a huge impact during the Women's Revolution. The Queen has won several major titles in the last decade, following in the footsteps of her father, wrestling legend Ric Flair.

However, Charlotte hasn't stepped inside the squared circle in 2024. She last competed on WWE television on the December 8, 2023, edition of SmackDown, where she locked horns with Asuka. During the match, Flair, unfortunately, suffered multiple injuries, including a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus.

It has been over a year since fans saw The Queen and many people have been waiting for her to return to in-ring competition. Let's take a look at why The Queen hasn't returned to the ring yet.

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#4. She isn't 100% ready

Since getting injured, Charlotte Flair has regularly posted about her workouts and recovery on social media. After updating the fans about her operation, The Queen promised she would return stronger than ever.

Following this, the former SmackDown Women's Champion showcased her incredible mentality by posting a video of her workout session just 14 days after her surgery on Instagram. She captioned the video with a motivating message.

"14 days post-op and first day back in the gym 💎💪🏻👊🏻DESTROY & REBUILD🦋," Flair wrote.

Check out her post below:

After her regular recovery updates, fans speculated that Charlotte Flair might return to WWE television sooner than expected. However, she has yet to return to the squared circle.

The simple reason behind her absence could be that the star might not have fully recovered to wrestle, and the company might be taking precautions due to the extent of her injury.

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#3. WWE's focus is on the Women's United States Title

The current women's division has been thriving under Triple H's leadership in WWE. The Stamford-based promotion has recently introduced two new titles for females. First, Nick Aldis announced the Women's United States Title on SmackDown, and a few weeks later, Adam Pearce revealed the Women's Intercontinental Championship on RAW.

Several top names, including Chelsea Green, Bayley, Bianca Belair, Candice LeRae, B-Fab, Blair Davenport, Michin, Piper Niven, Naomi, Tiffany Stratton, and Elektra Lopez have recently participated in the Women's United States Championship Tournament on SmackDown.

Following last week's SmackDown, the new bracket has been set for the semi-finals of this tournament. On one side, Chelsea Green is set to face Bayley. On the other hand, Tiffany Stratton will lock horns with Michin.

The company's full focus might be on the Women's United States Championship at the moment, which could be a major reason why Charlotte Flair has not yet returned to Friday Night SmackDown.

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#2. Nia Jax is having a mini-breather

At SummerSlam 2024, Nia Jax dethroned Bayley as the WWE Women's Champion. Since then, The Irresistible Force has defended her gold against multiple opponents. Her latest title defense came against Naomi on the November 15 edition of SmackDown.

Many people believe Jax has yet to face a tough opponent like Charlotte Flair or Becky Lynch. Both stars are currently absent from WWE television. If we are looking at the past, the creative team might immediately book The Queen to win a major title as soon as she returns to TV.

The Triple H-led creative team might be giving the WWE Women's Champion a mini breather at the moment, which could be a big reason for Flair's absence.

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#1. Potential Royal Rumble surprise

WWE Royal Rumble 2025 is just around the corner. Just like every year, the company might have several surprises up their sleeves for next year's Rumble. Fans could get to see legends and a few absent stars.

During the Women's Royal Rumble 2024, Liv Morgan was one of the biggest names to return from an injury. Many people believe the Triple H-led creative team might be delaying Charlotte Flair's return, and she could show up as a surprise entrant in next year's Rumble.

Charlotte Flair was recently spotted training with Tyler Breeze and Shawn Spears at the Flatbacks Training Wrestling school. It will be interesting to see what the Stamford-based promotion has planned for the former WWE Women's Champion's return.