Ric Flair shares his thoughts on the controversial promo between Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton, calling it “very sensitive” and defending his daughter’s legacy.
The heated exchange that aired on the April 4th episode of SmackDown quickly became one of the most talked-about WWE segments of the year – perhaps for the wrong reasons.
Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton Promo Goes Off Script
The SmackDown segment featured intense verbal jabs between Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair.
The moment that drew particularly heavy online attention was when Stratton referenced Flair’s three divorces and labelled her WrestleMania opponent as “the world’s biggest nepo baby”.
Charlotte clapped back by revealing that Stratton’s real-life boyfriend, Ludwig Kaiser, had been in her DMs.
Tiffany Stratton: And when it's all said and done, you're gonna be just like you are outside of the ring alone. What’s that record 0-3?
Charlotte: Is that why Kaiser is in my DMs???
THEY SHOOTING SHOOTING 😭😭 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/wnMd0GMrfI
— Public Enemies Podcast (@PublicEnemiesHQ) April 5, 2025
While the live segment aired as planned, WWE quickly edited out the divorce reference in the version uploaded to YouTube.
Reports suggest that the segment veered off script, with both women reportedly straying from the original rundown.
Charlotte & Tiffany said very little of what was in the rundown for them. Off script quite a bit.
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) April 5, 2025
Ric Flair Comments on Charlotte and Tiffany Stratton Promo
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Ric Flair shared his thoughts on the personal nature of the promo.
“I have an opinion, but I don’t really want to voice it,” he stated. “I can say this, it’s very sensitive. I didn’t like it, but wrestling is wrestling.”
Flair made it clear that he doesn’t enjoy being used in promos, but he praised Charlotte’s resilience and athleticism.
“She is ten times the athlete that I am. So much better of a worker than I ever was. She works so hard. Undertaker said it best, ‘The Queen came back and regained her crown.’ She deserves it.”
When asked whether anything similar had happened during his own legendary wrestling career, Flair admitted it hadn’t.
“It never happened. I’m 0-4. There is a reason I’m 0-4. When you’re gone six months at a time, people say, ‘Why did you get married when you’re gone?’”
He also commented on the likely lack of prior discussion before the promo aired.
“I would assume there was no discussion of that before, but I don’t have any idea. I’m not privy to know that.”
Ric Flair says that the comments made by Tiffany Stratton towards Charlotte Flair during the back and forth on SmackDown last week was ‘very insensitive’.
"I have an opinion but I don't really want to voice it. I can say it's very sensitive. I didn't like it, but wrestling is… pic.twitter.com/NQ2O9eCNpk
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) April 8, 2025
Despite not going into full detail, Flair didn’t hide his discomfort with the way the promo unfolded – particularly how it affected his daughter, Charlotte, on a personal level.
“They’re certainly talking about it now, at the expense of Ashley’s personal feelings. Wrestling is a strange animal.”
WWE Removes Divorce Line from YouTube Clip Amid Backlash
WWE’s decision to cut out the most controversial part of the promo for its YouTube upload signals internal discomfort with how the segment played out.
Fans and insiders alike have debated whether such deeply personal shots belong in scripted storylines – especially when they’re reportedly unscripted.
Ric Flair Stands By Charlotte Amid Promo Fallout
Although Ric Flair expressed disapproval of how the situation was handled, his support for Charlotte remains unwavering.
He emphasised her unmatched work ethic and athleticism and positioned her as a top-tier performer who will remain at the pinnacle of women’s wrestling for years to come.
“She’ll be the best worker in the business, female, until the day she decides to retire.”
