WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray recently shared his insights into the changing fan perception of Charlotte Flair, one of the company’s most prominent female superstars. Once heavily booed by the WWE Universe, Charlotte has gradually become a fan favorite again, and Bully Ray believes this shift is tied closely to how she is being presented both in terms of storyline and visual appearance.
From Boos to Cheers: What Changed for Charlotte Flair?
During an in-depth discussion on Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray acknowledged the stark difference in how fans received Charlotte in early 2025 compared to now. Earlier this year, crowds often greeted her with loud boos, reflecting frustration that Charlotte’s lineage as the daughter of Ric Flair felt overemphasized. However, as seasons changed, so did the audience’s reaction, now skewing toward cheers and support.
Bully Ray attributes this evolution to changes in Charlotte’s character presentation, especially her association with Alexa Bliss. “I think you keep Charlotte Flair away from the singles championship. Keep her with Alexa. Keep her relatable and vulnerable,” Ray explained. He noted that this partnership allowed fans to see a different, less intimidating side of Charlotte, making her more approachable and easier to connect with emotionally[1][3].
The Visual Overhaul: Changing Gear, Changing Narrative
One striking observation Bully Ray made concerns Charlotte’s ring gear, an often underestimated tool in wrestling storytelling. Charlotte traditionally dons extravagant robes and dazzling outfits that emphasize her “Queen” persona—commanding and untouchable. However, Bully Ray suggests dialing back the glamor of her look to better reflect her current character shift.
“Last night, very subliminal but noticeable, Charlotte looked like the ‘old Charlotte’ that we love to boo because of her visual presentation,” Bully said. “It’s almost like I’d love to see a different side of Charlotte from a gear point of view.” He specifically mentioned replacing or temporarily retiring signature pieces like her ornate robes and even her bedazzled knee brace that she wears since her injury return. This change could help shed the “grossly misunderstood” aura, a critique CM Punk once directed at her, making her more relatable to fans[1].
Debunking the ‘Force-Fed’ Narrative
Amidst criticism that Charlotte is “force-fed” to fans because of her famous last name, Bully Ray vigorously defended her talents and professionalism. He stressed that the negative crowd reactions are often misplaced, sometimes unfairly linked to Ric Flair’s off-screen controversies.
“If you think Charlotte Flair is being forced down your throat because of her last name, you could not be any more wrong,” Bully stated emphatically. He explained that the backlash toward Charlotte often stems from unfair association with Ric Flair’s behavior rather than her own actions. “She’s never done anything wrong. She’s just doing what she’s told in the world of sports entertainment. She does not have creative control like some might assume,” he added[2].
According to a WWE insider, “Charlotte has been working hard behind the scenes to reinvent herself and connect with the fans in a more genuine way. The company’s decision to pair her with Alexa Bliss was a deliberate creative move that seems to be paying off” (source close to WWE creative).
Alexa Bliss’ Role in Redeeming Charlotte Flair
Much of Charlotte’s renewed popularity can be credited to her alliance with Alexa Bliss. Bully Ray praised Alexa for influencing how fans perceive Charlotte, bringing balance and nuance to her character. The pairing allowed Charlotte to shed some of her “queenly” detachment and show emotions, vulnerabilities, and even humor—traits fans find more engaging and relatable.
“Alexa Bliss changed the fans’ perception of Charlotte,” Bully said. “Her presence and chemistry with Charlotte worked as a catalyst. It made Charlotte more accessible and allowed fans to warm up to her again”[3].
What’s Next for Charlotte Flair?
As Charlotte’s trajectory continues upward, Bully Ray suggests maintaining this path away from a purely dominant singles champion role and focusing on character layers. He advocates for further creative experimentation with her look and alliances to sustain fan interest and avoid stagnation.
“Charlotte’s evolution is ongoing. It’s about connection, storytelling, and showing new facets of her personality. I expect WWE to keep exploring this direction. Fans want to see that,” Bully shared.
Sources close to WWE creative hinted that the company is considering even more nuanced storylines for Charlotte in 2026, possibly involving new rivalries and partnerships that continue to showcase her versatility (WWE insider).