really struck a chord with a lot of people. You were vulnerable about past trauma and what you’ve gone through to get you to where you are today. Do you feel that was a turning point in the way people perceive you?
I think that maybe I played the character too well where I wasn’t showing enough of myself on social media. I would think, “Wait? Would Charlotte do this? Can I do that?” I was too wound up in things I should or shouldn’t do due to thinking I needed to be a certain way on camera and off camera and all the things. When I was just like, “Okay, you guys are misunderstanding me. Here you go. Here is my Players’ Tribune piece.” I actually started that after WrestleMania 39. It took me all the way until after 41 to finish, which I’m glad it did because so much more happened. It was freeing. I felt seen off camera, on camera. It has been incredible. I’m still hungry to win the tag titles with Lexi. I still want to win 15. I still want to be my best. The competitiveness hasn’t changed. It’s just being highlighted in a different way.
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Speaking of competitiveness, what are your thoughts on A&E highlighting your rivalry with Becky Lynch. We don’t see enough of the women’s rivalries on this show, so it’s nice to see yours highlighted. When was the moment you knew you and Becky had that chemistry together?
Day one, but that’s with all the Four Horsewomen. There wouldn’t be “The Man” without “The Queen,” and there wouldn’t be “The Queen” without “The Man.” I’m really proud of the work we’ve done together. I know that our rivalry was a pivotal moment for the business. I think it was important for Bex and I differently though, and that’s okay. For me, it was more a learning lesson where it was the rise of “The Man” for her. I learned so much. I wouldn’t be the performer today if I hadn’t had that feud with her. We wouldn’t have main evented WrestleMania 35 had Ronda not come in. To think that was five years ago, and I feel there is more of this story to tell. When you look at my dad and “Macho Man” [Randy Savage] and the fact my dad is in his 70s. For us, this happened five years ago. I think this is Part 1 of a series of what’s left.
Didn’t your dad call Becky Lynch your Ricky Steamboat? That is high regard considering Steamboat was among his best opponents.
Yeah he did.
And there was a time where it was you, Becky, and your dad traveling together on the road. What do you remember about those times?
We were just like the Three Musketeers. It was awesome. Laughing, driving to the wrong town. I don’t know why. One time we missed a flight. Everything you’d expect from newcomers, and you have the “Nature Boy” as the third wheel carrying our bags. It was a good time.
How would you describe your dynamic with Becky? Where do things stand between the two of you today?
I think the reason we were able to make so much history together is because we do have a lot of respect for one another. At the end of the day, she wants to be the best. I want to be the best. Looking back on everything and where we are today, I think only her and I know what it took for us to get there. That’s why we’ll share this unspoken bond. I know what it took to get where she is today. I know what it took for me. For us to still be on top of our game, we know what it took. There will never be another Queen versus Man. Like you say, you don’t see that many women’s rivalries on A&E featured. Becky and I are highlighted, but by any means do I think this rivalry is done.
Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair (WWE)
You’ve taken this mentor role with Kiana James. You’ve posted about training together. How is it taking that mentor position that maybe Natalya took with you where you’re doing the same for someone else.
Kiana asks so many questions. She is so eager and wants to learn. I also learn a lot about myself as well as helping her. Even though it’s my job to help her, I get a lot out of it. First of all, even if she didn’t ask me a question about the business, I still love her to death like a little sister. I’m having fun doing what I can. Nattie was an incredible mentor. Nattie and I had that match that put me on the map. But I still don’ t think I had someone that was telling me to do A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Whether Kiana takes a little bit of my advice or all of it, there is something to having someone in the locker room who came before you who has had the success I’ve had. Like this what I would have done differently. This is what I think you should do.
What is it like working with Fatal Influence, who were just called up from NXT?
The biggest takeaway I have for Fatal Influence is they are a well-oiled machine and ready to go. They don’t look lost. They look like they belong, and that’s half the battle.
How is it for you to see Jade Cargill’s growth? As you know, it’s not easy being under a microscope learning as you go on TV?
She has been doing incredible. I think she is owning it. I know she went from a good guy to a bad guy, and now has this group. I thought she and Rhea [Ripley] had an awesome showing and match at WrestleMania. I think she is only going to get better. Confidence too is half the battle. What I said with Fatal Influence looking the part, looking like you belong. Jade obviously looks like she belongs and more. I think she is also getting into a groove of owning the role she needs to play. She looks like an action figure doing it.
You mentioned wanting to get the tag titles back with Alexa Bliss. This team came together so organically as opposites on the surface. The partnership has done a lot for you both. How is it getting to know her on a deeper level perhaps through this experience?
I’ve known Lexi for almost my entire career, but because she knows me so well regardless of us not being best friends all these years but have had a working relationship and mutual respect, it’s easy. She is her own star in her own right, so nobody is trying to overshadow anyone. I trust her. I go to work excited. She is so creative. She makes me better. Offscreen it’s easy. It’s awesome to have someone you can rely on and trust. She is great. She really is.
We talked about WrestleMania 35 and how your main event with Becky and Ronda was historic. Where are we in terms of women’s wrestling today? I feel there is still more work to be done to get back to that place again.
I don’t think there is work that needs to be done. I do think there is a story that needs to catch fire. Any time the women can main event Raw, SmackDown, NXT, PLE [Premium Live Event]. I think there needs to be a story that catches fire. Just like WrestleMania 35. That was the hottest story. The women just need a big story. I’m hoping it’s me selfishly or scratch that, I ‘m hoping it’s Lexi and I selfishly. But there needs to be a story that catches fire and that fans can sink their teeth into to demand the main event spot. I don’t think there needs to be work done. I think the work is finding the story that connects and draws that much interest.
Do you think we should get another Evolution PLE?
The last two I’ve been a part of have been incredible. I always hope there is a third. Any time the women get to be highlighted is a good thing. But even this weekend’s Saturday Night’s Main Event there are three women’s matches. I don’t think there needs to be an all-female PLE necessarily for the women to be highlighted. What I like about the women is you want to go out there and all women are on the card and you want to stand out. Though whether it’s women or men, there is no difference. You want to stand out. It’s just the mindset.
Where do you see your career and doing so much already?
Winning 15. Main evening WrestleMania. I’m not passing the torch. Someone has to take it.
I can see Becky being that dance partner for you down the line at WrestleMania. A dream scenario.
For sure.
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