Credit: WWE.com
Charlotte Flair, known as “The Queen” of WWE, has had a rollercoaster relationship with WWE fans in 2025. After returning from a 14-month injury-related hiatus in electrifying fashion by winning the Women’s Royal Rumble for a record second time, Charlotte was met with polarized reactions rather than unanimous cheers. However, recent developments show that the tide might be turning back in her favor.
The Initial Backlash: One Mistake That Cost Charlotte Fans
Charlotte Flair’s triumphant return should have been an unambiguous celebration, yet many fans responded ambivalently, even with noticeable resentment. The key moment that soured fan opinion seems to have been her immediate push to challenge Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship, coupled with moments where crowd responses leaned heavily toward boos rather than cheers.
According to sources close to WWE, this backlash was partly due to a perception of Charlotte being overly protected by WWE booking and overshadowing newer talents. “Fans felt Charlotte was being shoved back into the top spot too quickly, leaving little room for rising stars to breathe,” explained a WWE insider. This feeling was compounded by certain shows where Charlotte’s matches elicited notably negative crowd reactions, fueling a narrative of fan fatigue with her character.
Polarizing Reactions: It’s More Than Just Good vs. Bad
Charlotte Flair herself has addressed the complex reactions she’s been receiving. In an interview, she explained that she doesn’t worry about being perceived as either a face (hero) or heel (villain). Charlotte said, “I’m above being good and bad. I am just Charlotte Flair the end-all be-all of women’s wrestling.” She embraces the mixed reactions, describing the fan energy as a rollercoaster she enjoys steering from event to event.
For instance, at a recent live event in Nottingham, England, Charlotte was cheered enthusiastically while her opponent, Piper Niven, got booed. Yet the previous night in Belfast, the crowd favored Niven and booed Charlotte. “I love that I can take people on that roller coaster,” she added. This acknowledgment signals Charlotte’s comfort with her polarizing status and resilience in the face of fluctuating crowd sentiments.
Why Some WWE Crowds Are Turning on Charlotte
One of the important insights into Charlotte’s fan reception came from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, who offered a demographic explanation. He noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that men tend to dislike Charlotte, while women generally show support. The crowd at WWE Evolution 2025 where Charlotte teamed with Alexa Bliss in a Women’s Tag Team Championship match was majority female, resulting in a positive response to Charlotte’s in-ring efforts.
This female fan base has been credited with prompting warmer receptions for Charlotte at certain live events compared to mixed or hostile reactions in other venues. Meltzer pointed out, “It’s not about the city, it’s about the composition of the crowd. Women don’t hate Charlotte Flair, guys hate Charlotte Flair”.
An Ally in Alexa Bliss and New Opportunities
Recently, Charlotte’s alliance with Alexa Bliss appears to be helping reestablish her positive image among fans. Their tag team at WWE Evolution was met with cheers, and their collaboration was regarded as strategically designed to help Charlotte regain fan goodwill without overshadowing other stars like Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez.
Sources close to WWE revealed that pairing Charlotte with Alexa Bliss was a deliberate attempt by WWE writers to showcase a fresh dynamic, making Charlotte more relatable and accessible to a new generation of fans. Alexa Bliss herself has spoken positively about their partnership, indicating it’s helping both women reach wider audiences.
Charlotte’s Emotional Response and the Road to WrestleMania 41
Charlotte has openly acknowledged the emotional impact of winning fans back. At SummerSlam 2025 media events, she expressed being moved by the recent positive crowd reactions, calling it “incredible” to feel genuine support. She attributed this partly to her perseverance and willingness to evolve in her wrestling style and character portrayal.
With WrestleMania 41 on the horizon, Charlotte prepares to challenge Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship, marking an important milestone for both athletes. For Charlotte, it will be her eighth WrestleMania appearance, reinforcing her legacy as one of the promotion’s cornerstone women’s wrestlers. For Stratton, it’s a grand stage debut, positioning Charlotte once again as both a mentor and formidable adversary.
What’s Next for The Queen?
According to a WWE insider, the mindset backstage is cautiously optimistic. “Charlotte knows she doesn’t get to rest on her laurels anymore. She’s putting in the work to win over fans scene by scene. There’s a belief in the locker room that this is a real turning point for her, where she can move from divisive figure to unifying presence again.”
This shift is not only about fan reaction but also about setting up new storylines and rising stars in a way that keeps WWE Women’s division fresh and compelling. Charlotte’s adaptability and willingness to share the spotlight have been critical factors in this ongoing process.