Where did WWE go wrong? After bringing Charlotte, Becky Lynch, and Sasha Banks to the main roster from NXT more than a year and a half ago, it seemed as the women’s wrestling would forever be changed.
It has changed, but not as many of us thought it would be. Lynch is a complementary role player on SmackDown Live. Banks continues to sink further into the abyss on Monday nights. And Charlotte, the most recognizable face in the company and the most decorated champion of either brand, has no real position now that she has moved on to Tuesday nights.
The greatest female antagonist to ever put on a pair of boots is now faced with the challenge of making fans like her when her best role is playing the hated queen. This may be her biggest challenge, proving once again even this early in her career, she is the greatest female wrestler of all time.
On Tuesday night, Charlotte found herself being attacked by Carmella, Natalya, and Tamina. What? Since when does a mid-card faction reign supreme over the biggest name the blue team has to offer? How does someone who plays the heel role so well swallow her pride and do what’s best for business? That was never a trademark of her father Ric Flair and should not be something somebody so impressive must do to save face. Everyone loved Ric Flair because he was the show. For Charlotte, sharing the spotlight hasn’t hurt her stance in WWE, but she is not the dominant icon her father was and still is.
There’s no reason to believe this is just a weak moment where WWE is trying to establish a new path involving SmackDown Live’s women’s division. The star power doesn’t shine as much as it does on Monday nights. It would seem the booking committee is reaching for something that is not there. While Charlotte, Lynch, Naomi and Natalya are all title worthy, the same cannot be said for Tamina or Carmella.
In essence, WWE flipped the switch and created the same problem you had on the red team. Banks, Nia Jax, Bayley and Charlotte continue to battle each other without a definitive leader of the pack. Charlotte, with her three title reigns, as clearly as a dominant figure. Banks was a close second. In her new surroundings, there isn’t any stability. The WWE sees it fit to make sure she doesn’t run over the competition.
This doesn’t help Charlotte’s character, and it certainly doesn’t help get her over with the fans who are not used to seeing her in a Tuesday night format. The company will have to come up with a bigger and brighter idea that allows her to continue to do what she does best. If Charlotte is not harassing everybody, her role has no meaning. Much like her father, who was at his best bringing out the best of his opponents, Charlotte must fill that role and obligation.
The current situation with the women’s division doesn’t afford her that opportunity, and more than likely caused her to fall into that muck many of her cohorts are currently pulling themselves out of.
It isn’t right, it isn’t fair, it’s the way it is. And until something is done to change the situation Tuesday nights will be known for its bad booking and it’s poor planning.
Just a month ago the shoe was on the other foot. Charlotte ran the show. Now, despite being the number one contender for the blue team’s title, she stands in literally a no-win situation