WWE star Charlotte Flair has written a compelling article for The Player Tribune, addressing the inequality female wrestlers face as they age. The former women’s champion highlighted how the wrestling industry treats aging differently for men and women. At 39, Flair noted that many perceive her as older, even though she is younger than prominent male wrestlers like Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk.
Flair discussed how this double standard limits the kinds of stories female wrestlers can tell. While male wrestlers often enjoy long careers that allow them to evolve their characters, women in wrestling are frequently seen as replaceable once they reach a certain age. Expressing her frustration with this unfair reality, she called for equal opportunities, where female wrestlers can have lengthy, successful careers like their male counterparts.
She respectfully acknowledged the differing views on aging but emphasized how women are not valued in the same way. Flair expressed hope that women’s wrestling will grow to allow performers to continue competing into their 40s and 50s, much like men do. “I want to play my career…I’m not getting older,” she said.
In a heartfelt part of the article, Flair also revealed personal struggles, including challenges in her marriage, and opened up about her relationship with the “Four Horsewomen.”
Fan Take: Charlotte Flair’s candid reflections shed light on a pressing issue in wrestling that many fans may overlook. If the industry embraces her call for equality in career longevity, it could lead to richer storytelling and more diverse role models for wrestling fans worldwide.
