Charlotte Flair, the WWE superstar known for her impressive in-ring prowess, has opened up about her emotional journey following her recent divorce from fellow wrestler Andrade. In a candid discussion on the talk show "Sherri," Flair, whose real name is Ashley Fliehr, expressed her feelings of embarrassment over her third divorce and the inevitable comparisons to her father, the legendary Ric Flair, who has been divorced four times.
Flair's divorce from Andrade, whose real name is Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza, was filed in June 2024 but only became public knowledge in early February 2025, coinciding with Flair's return to the wrestling scene after a lengthy injury hiatus. This period of her life has been particularly challenging, as she faced not only the end of her marriage but also a severe knee injury that sidelined her for 14 months.
Reflecting on her struggles, Flair admitted, "I felt like I was failing at my job, I felt like I was failing in my personal life." She noted that the pressure of public scrutiny made her decision to file for divorce even more difficult. "When I made the decision to file for divorce, the only thing that I kept thinking was like, I just didn't want anyone to know. Like, 'Oh my gosh, I have failed again,'" she shared, her voice trembling with emotion.
The injury, which involved a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus, kept Flair out of action for the entirety of 2024, amplifying her feelings of inadequacy. She expressed concern about returning to the ring at an older age, worried that the audience might perceive her as less capable after such a significant setback. "It's ok not to be ok, that's what I learned. It's ok to take a moment, take a breather, to start over," she said, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance during tough times.
Flair's marriage to Andrade began in May 2022, after they had been in a relationship since 2019. Before Andrade, Flair was married to Riki Johnson from 2010 until 2013 and to fellow wrestler Thomas Latimer, known as Bram, from 2013 until 2015. Now, at 38 years old, she finds herself single again, navigating the complexities of life in the public eye.
As she prepares to face Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women's Championship at WrestleMania 41, Flair is determined to turn her personal struggles into a source of strength. She stated, "The WWE audience hasn’t gotten to see the comeback of Charlotte Flair. This wasn’t a Charlotte Flair redemption story, but for me, it is a redemption story." This attitude reflects her resilience and commitment to her career, despite the challenges she has faced.
Flair's journey has resonated with many fans, who admire her tenacity and vulnerability. She has become a symbol of strength, not only in the wrestling ring but also in her personal life. The emotional weight of her experiences has shaped her perspective on success and failure, pushing her to embrace her story fully.
In her discussion, Flair also addressed the comparisons to her father, Ric Flair, who is celebrated as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. With a record of 16 world championship reigns according to WWE, and claims of up to 25 championships from other sources, Ric's legacy looms large over Charlotte. She acknowledged the pressure that comes with such a legacy, stating, "I think to the audience who watches wrestling, they don't know what Charlotte has been through to get to where she is. But I know. So for Ashley, this is my biggest comeback yet."
As Flair gears up for her match against Stratton, she remains focused on her goals and the lessons she has learned along the way. The path to recovery and self-acceptance has not been easy, but Flair is committed to proving that she can rise above her challenges.
In the world of professional wrestling, where personal and professional lives often intertwine, Flair's story serves as a reminder that even champions face adversity. Her candidness about her divorce and injury highlights the importance of mental health and the need for support during difficult times.
As she steps back into the ring, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely, eager to see how Charlotte Flair transforms her pain into power. With her sights set on reclaiming the WWE Women's Championship, Flair is poised to make a significant impact, not just in the ring but in the hearts of her fans.
Charlotte Flair’s journey is more than just a comeback; it’s a testament to resilience, self-acceptance, and the unwavering spirit of a champion. As she prepares to face Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania 41, the world will be watching, ready to witness the next chapter in the life of a true wrestling icon.
