Who Deserves the Hype: Charlotte Flair or Becky Lynch?
When it comes to the WWE Women’s Championship, two names undoubtedly stand out: Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch. Both have garnered immense attention and fan adoration, but are they both truly deserving of the hype? The answer is complex, as both wrestlers are overrated in different ways.
Overrated by the Fans: Charlotte Flair
Charlotte Flair is a prime example of a wrestler who has become overlooked and disliked by fans. The reasons for this range from her reported backstage attitude to excessive appearances in high-level PPV matches. One of the most contentious moments in WrestleMania history was when Charlotte was forced into an unwelcome match, stunting the natural progression of other rivalries, particularly Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch.
Flair’s title reigns have been criticized as mandatory due to her family name, the Flair dynasty. Despite this, Ric Flair’s name has been maligned numerous times, which further dilutes the Flair legacy. The constant intrusion of Flair into important matches has led to a significant decline in popularity and respect from fans, making her overrated in the eyes of many.
Overrated by the Company: Becky Lynch
Contrastingly, Becky Lynch has been seen as the golden goose of the Women’s Division within WWE. She has been promoted tirelessly and has seen numerous title reigns and high-profile matches. While years of dedication and hard work have certainly contributed to her success, the mainstream hype has arguably overshadowed her true capabilities and the depth of her character.
The planning and build-up for Becky’s main events have been consistent and driven by the company’s desire to capitalize on her magnetic personality and in-ring prowess. One notable push came at The Royal Rumble, where her offensive run was intensified, but it was punctuated by a lack of organic internal development. This relentless promotion has led to an overvaluation of her title reigns, almost to the point of breaking the narrative's authenticity.
A Parallel Story: Daniel Bryan vs. Becky Lynch
The contrast between Daniel Bryan and Becky Lynch is crucial in understanding the current state of overhyping in WWE. While Bryan’s entry into WWE and eventual return were handled with great care and strategic storytelling, Becky has faced a more controversial entrance and early career progression. This can be attributed to the company’s efforts to milk her for all she is worth.
For instance, after WrestleMania XXX, Bryan’s title focus saw him compete for the Intercontinental Championship in a ladder match, showcasing a subtle cooling off from his WWE Championship dominance. On the other hand, Becky was thrust into a big match at SummerSlam in 2019, immediately putting her under immense pressure. The contrast highlights the different handling and narrative arcs of these icons.
Cooling Off and Reflection
Both Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch have had their heydays, but should they continue to dominate the WWE landscape? Fans and critics alike are calling for a break from the relentless hype. For Charlotte, returning to her craft would help reignite interest and respect from fans. Meanwhile, Becky could gain more credibility and esteem if the company allows her story to unfold more organically.
WrestleMania 35 saw Bryan compete for a different title, setting the stage for a new chapter. In a similar vein, a break from championship reigns for both Flair and Lynch could lead to a more genuine resurgence in their careers. The WWE can learn from the Bryan model and allow these two legends a chance to find new narratives that are both empowering and engaging.
In conclusion, both Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch are overrated in different ways, but equally so due to the impact of their individual overtures. It’s time for a shift in narrative and a cooler approach to their promotions to allow their true talents to shine through.