WWE Star Charlotte Flair Reveals COVID-19 Diagnosis

MsCharlotteWWE - Twitter

WrestleMania 37 is less than three weeks away. WWE's biggest PPV of the year is set for a two-night special event taking place April 10th and 11th. The company is putting together the final lineup for the show, however one of their top stars may miss out on the PPV.

12-time Women's Champion Charlotte Flair has been absent from television since March 1st. The star took to Twitter to explain the reason for her absence. Flair recently tested positive for COVID-19, and has been resting at home. 

Prior to her COVID-19 diagnosis, Charlotte was set for a big WrestleMania match. Flair declared her intention to challenge Asuka for the RAW Women's Championship at the PPV.

With Charlotte and Asuka two of RAW's best female wrestlers, this was going to be a high-profile feud. However, it appears that match may not happen. Recently, WWE began removing Charlotte from WrestleMania promotional material, indicating she may not be part of the event.

Adding more speculation to Charlotte's WrestleMania status is her father Ric Flair's tweet. Responding to the news of his daughter COVID-19 diagnosis. Ric tweeted prayers for his daughter's speedy recovery, then stated "WrestleMania will not be the same without the Queen!"

With Charlotte possibly out of WrestleMania, WWE has made preparations for a backup plan. As seen this past Monday on RAW, Asuka's new WrestleMania opponent was revealed. 

Former NXT Women's Champion Rhea Ripley made her highly anticipated debut on RAW. The newcomer didn't waste any time in setting her sights Asuka's title. Ripley issued a challenge for a WrestleMania match for the Women's Championship, which Asuka accepted.

For Ripley, this is a chance at redemption. At WrestleMania 36, she lost the NXT Women's Championship to Charlotte. Ripley said the defeat hurt her confidence.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind for Charlotte. Aside from her COVID-19 diagnosis and missing out on WrestleMania, her fiancé Andrade has departed the company.

Like many wrestlers before him, Andrade became unhappy with the creative direction of his character. Following the departure of his manager Zelina Vega in November 2020, Andrade hasn't been seen much on television. According to reports, Andrade had been feeling miserable at work and asked for his release in early March.

Andrade's request was initially denied. However, on March 21st, WWE granted his release and removed the 90-day non-compete clause. According to reports, Charlotte and Ric played a role in helping to get Andrade's request granted.

Fans were thrilled to see Andrade get his release, and speculation is beginning on which promotion he may sign with. AEW is the top company followed by NJPW and ROH. While they await news on Andrade's next move, discussion is now revolving around Charlotte's plans.

With Andrade out of WWE, many are wondering if she'll be leaving before long. Charlotte is one of WWE's top female stars and the daughter of a legendary wrestler, so it seems unlikely she'd leave. However, as seen in the past, many top WWE stars have opted to exit the company.

Aside from wrestling, Charlotte is embarking on an acting career. She recently had a guest appearance on the "Punky Brewster" reboot. Plus, she set to star in a rebook of the film "Walking Tall." So it seems Miss Flair has another venture to lean on when it comes time to hang up the wrestling boots.