Legendary 17-time champion last seen 335 days ago in WWE was instrumental to The Rock's recent return, claims Austin Theory

Austin Theory recently claimed that an absent 17-time champion was instrumental during The Rock's WWE return last September 2023. Theory shared the story of how Charlotte Flair was involved in the last-minute planning of The Great One's surprise comeback.

The Rock confronted Theory on the opening segment of the September 15, 2023 episode of SmackDown in Denver, Colorado. The Final Boss exchanged punches with the former United States Champion before gaining the upper hand. He hit Spinebuster followed by The People's Elbow to A-Town Down.

Theory was asked about how the segment was planned in an appearance on Chris Van Vliet's Insight. He said that Charlotte Flair was asked to get out of one of the buses backstage, so that he, Triple H, Nick Khan, Rock, and members of creative can get a quick meeting.

"I think they're just trying to get us on a bus so this could be private and nobody sees Rock. I think Nick Khan knocks on Charlotte Flair's bus, and they're like, 'Hey, can you get off?' She's like, 'alright.' So she just gets off, and then we get on the bus. And then I just remember, I was in the back of the bus with The Rock, and he was kind of telling me when we get out there, it's going to be magic. Just feel it. It's going to be good," Theory said. [H/T: chrisvanvliet.com]

It was just a one-off segment between The Rock and Austin Theory, though the former WWE Champion returned on the January 1st episode of RAW this year. He confronted Jinder Mahal and teased going after Roman Reigns before plans changed heading into WrestleMania 40.

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Update on Charlotte Flair's potential WWE return

Charlotte Flair has not been seen on WWE television since the December 8, 2023 episode of SmackDown. Flair suffered a knee injury in a match against Asuka and had to undergo surgery in early January. She's still recovering and is not expected to wrestle this year.

According to WrestleVotes on Sportskeeda Wrestling's Backstage Pass, there are plans in place for Flair's WWE return at WrestleMania 41. It's still unclear at this point, but it will likely be a big matchup.

"I haven't heard too much about potential women's matches at WrestleMania. I do know that Charlotte Flair is going to be in the fold and at the top of any women's wrestling card that they present for WrestleMania."

Flair suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in her left knee. It was her first major injury and the typical recovery time for it is nine to 12 months.