Charlotte Flair returned to WWE on the December 30th edition of SmackDown, defeating Ronda Rousey to become the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.

Rousey faced off against Raquel Rodriguez on the final SmackDown of the year with the title on the line. Following a valiant effort by Rodriguez, ultimately the injured elbow proved to be too much, forcing Raquel Rodriguez to submit to Rousey.

As Rousey and Shayna Baszler celebrated in the ring, the new music of Charlotte Flair rang through the arena. The Queen made her way to the ring, to which Rousey made fun of the last time they were in the ring together. Flair challenged Rousey to a match on SmackDown, which the champion ultimately accepted.

Flair would hit a big boot as soon as the bell rang, obtaining a nearfall. A spear attempt by Flair would be countered into a armbar by Rousey. Flair would counter this into a pinning combination, defeating Rousey to win the title.

The appearance by Flair is the first since the WrestleMania Backlash Premium Live Event, where Rousey would defeat Flair in an I Quit match to become the new champion.

The victory by Flair adds to the lengthy list of accolades for The Queen. Following the victory, Flair is now a 7 time Smackdown Women’s Champion, 6 time Raw Women’s Champion, 2 time NXT Women’s Champion, 1 time Divas Champion and 1 time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion with Asuka as her partner.

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