WWE Rumors and News roundup: Top superstars react to William Regal’s release, backstage update on 2 superstars battling injury, shots fired at AJ Styles (6th January, 2022)

#5 Ric Flair criticizes Charlotte Flair's loss against WWE RAW Superstar

Ric Flair did not hold back while criticizing WWE for Charlotte Flair's loss against Nikki A.S.H. last year on RAW. He discussed the topic on his podcast and questioned the reason behind Nikki pinning Charlotte for the title. The Nature Boy feels the booking didn't accomplish anything for any of the superstars involved. Here's what he had to say:

"That night, Ashley (Charlotte) had just won the title and Nikki, after that world-class match (between Charlotte and Rhea Ripley), cross-bodied her, 1-2-3, I couldn't figure out what in God's green Earth they could possibly thinking."

"Aside from making Nikki – who's lovely, this is not personal – what did that do for the belt? Charlotte and Rhea tore the joint down. Rhea can work her a*s off. Then they have Nikki dive off the top rope, you've taken a great match and given it a cartoon finish. For what? Tell me one thing they accomplished with that? I still can't get over that."

Nikki A.S.H. won the Women's Money in the Bank contract and cashed in on Charlotte Flair to win the RAW Women's Championship. After losing the title, Nikki formed an alliance with Rhea Ripley and went on to win the Women's Tag Team Championship. The duo lost their titles to Queen Zelina and Carmella, following which the writers have teased a potential split by booking Nikki as the "weak link."