Charlotte Flair has singled out Kiana James as one of WWE’s next big stars, offering a glowing endorsement of the SmackDown performer that goes all the way to the top of the card.
Speaking on ESPN First Take, Flair was asked which WWE talent she has her eye on and made her answer clear.
“For me, definitely Kiana James. I met her at the PC when I was out with my knee injury and she had a knee injury as well. She was only on the roster for about a month before she got injured and she’s been back now for almost a year and I think she has the potential to be a main event player. She’s aggressive, she’s athletic, she’s powerful. She makes me want to step my game up and she’s very young and she’s soaking up every moment that she can. So look out for Kiana James. She’s going to be a big player,” Flair said.
Flair also addressed her father Ric Flair’s recent comments about her career before pivoting to name the current roster member she believes best embodies his legacy of backing up words with actions.
“Even though, yes, I think my dad is the goat, the best. He talks the talk, walks the walk. But I have to say Cody Rhodes, whether it’s Monday or Friday, I know he’s a SmackDown talent, goes out there and gives it his all. And you can feel it in his words. So my dad had a career of 50 years, but I think if there is a guy to talk the talk, walk the walk, and really live what he’s saying, it is Cody Rhodes,” Flair said.
On screen, Flair is currently in a rivalry with Fatal Influence following their SmackDown debut, having lost to Jacy Jayne last week after interference from Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid. Rhea Ripley subsequently came to Flair and Alexa Bliss’s aid, reigniting tensions between Flair and Ripley that stretch back to their WrestleMania 36 encounter.
James currently serves as Giulia’s on-screen manager on SmackDown while also competing in matches of her own. She was moved to Raw in the 2024 WWE Draft before suffering a foot injury shortly after. She returned a year later and is now officially part of the SmackDown roster.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit ESPN First Take with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
