Top WWE Star Returns And Wins Title On SmackDown
WWE booked a shock return and major title change on Friday's episode of SmackDown.
Charlotte Flair made a stunning return to WWE TV on Friday's episode of SmackDown and defeated Ronda Rousey to become the brand's new Women's Champion.
Rousey had already convincingly beaten Raquel Rodriguez when Flair's brand new music hit. Charlotte was clearly presented as a babyface, and rocked some new ring attire to go along with the revamped theme - it remains to be seen whether or not that track will stick, or if WWE will revert to the old one.
Change can be a hard sell in pro wrestling, after all.
Flair toppled Ronda in less than one minute to become SmackDown Women's Champ for the seventh time in her career. The switch ends Rousey's latest reign at 83 days (she'd previously enjoyed a 55-day stint as champion before trading it with Liv Morgan over the summer of 2022).
It looks like Charlotte will be cast as the blue brand's top female baby going forwards. That's interesting, because Flair has been very outspoken about her personal distaste for forcing a face reaction from live crowds over the years. She definitely prefers playing heel over anything else.