The June 9th edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown saw several major changes to the women’s division.
As previously announced the show saw the introduction of the new Women’s Championship, which replaced the Raw Women’s title. Adam Pearce presented champion Asuka with the new title that closely resembles the Undisputed Universal Title belt bestowed to Roman Reigns last week.
Just as the Empress of Tomorrow received the new championship, Charlotte Flair made her surprise return. The Queen has been absent since losing the SmackDown Women’s Championship to Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 39. Upon her return, she made it clear she wanted gold back around her waist.
Charlotte Flair Will Challenge Asuka For The WWE Women’s Championship On June 30th Edition Of SmackDown
After interrupting proceedings Flair demanded a title shot stating that she doesn’t wait in line because she made the line.
The champion gladly accepted Flair’s challenge before attempting to spray her with blue mist, but the 14-time champion managed to avoid it.
Following the segment, it was confirmed that the champion will defend the title against Flair in three weeks on the June 30th edition of SmackDown much to the annoyance of former champion Bianca Belair.
Asuka and Flair have clashed multiple times in the past. Most notably at WrestleMania 34 where the second-generation star ended the Japanese star’s undefeated streak.
This is also not the first time Flair has made a surprise return and instantly inserted herself into the title picture. On the December 30th, 2022, episode of SmackDown, she came back after a 7-month absence to challenge and defeat Ronda Rousey for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
The show also saw Karrion Kross attack AJ Styles, two more Superstars qualify for the men’s and women’s Money In The Bank Ladder match, plus the drama surrounding the Bloodline continued.