Charlotte Flair and Mercedes Mone [FKA Sasha Banks] has one of the hottest rivalries of 2016.
The two former Raw Women’s Champions would trade the title back and forth in a variety of stipulation matches. The highlight of the feud would take place at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, which would be the first time that women were the main event of a WWE PPV and the first ever women’s Hell in a Cell match.
Charlotte Flair Describes Sasha Banks’ WWE Departure As Inspiring
Fast forward to January 2023, Banks is no longer a part of the company. Going by the new name of Mercedes Mone, The Boss would debut for New Japan Pro Wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 17.
Flair was asked about the departure by Mone by Alex McCarthy of The Daily Mail. The Queen stated that the move by her former rival is one to be admired:
“I think it’s cool whenever someone follows their heart, and that’s inspiring. There will never be another group like the Four Horsewomen, ever,”
Charlotte Flair made a return from hiatus on the December 30th episode of SmackDown, shockingly defeating Ronda Rousey to capture the SmackDown Women’s Championship for the 7th time in her career.
The current reign by The Queen sees the champion portrayed as a babyface, something that has been rarely seen by the WWE Universe. In the same interview, Flair would describe the joy felt by getting to interact with the younger fans in attendance:
“I don’t have to try to be good or bad, I can just be the star that I am. The one big difference is being able to interact with the kids around the ring after so many years of just always leaving after the match or not getting to engage or not wanting it. Yes, you always want to engage with the fans, but I never got to have that reception with them the way I have it now. It’s been so much fun and so rewarding and special, it’s awesome. I must have done something right all these years,”