Charlotte Flair has recently voiced her concerns about a perceived double standard in professional wrestling regarding age and career expectations for female wrestlers. In a column for The Players’ Tribune, she compared her situation to that of male counterparts like Cody Rhodes and John Cena, arguing that while their careers are often celebrated as they age, female wrestlers face pressure to step aside once they reach a certain age. Flair emphasized that the next significant progression for women in the wrestling industry should be to enjoy the same career longevity as men.
Raquel Rodriguez, an upcoming participant in the all-female premium live event, Evolution, echoed Flair’s sentiments in an interview with Fox News Digital. She commended Flair’s courage in discussing these issues, agreeing that a double standard exists. Rodriguez pointed out that there is societal pressure on women to conform to traditional roles as they age, including expectations about marriage and motherhood, which can lead to a premature end to their wrestling careers.
Rodriguez elaborated on the physical demands of professional wrestling, noting that as wrestlers age, they require more time to rest and recover. She highlighted that this increase in required recuperation time can limit older women’s ability to perform high-impact moves typically associated with younger competitors. Despite these challenges, Rodriguez asserted that older female wrestlers possess valuable skills and talents that can still benefit the WWE.
Moreover, Rodriguez argued that women in wrestling deserve more opportunities to showcase their talent, just as their male counterparts do. She believes that age should not dictate a wrestler’s ability or relevance within the industry. The hard work and dedication that female wrestlers display should be recognized, and they should be allowed to continue pushing their careers forward rather than feeling compelled to step back.
As a veteran in the industry, she emphasized the importance of giving older women a chance to remain in the spotlight. Rodriguez, who was still in training during the first all-female Evolution event in 2016, is excited to participate in this year’s show, where she will defend her tag-team titles alongside Roxanne Perez. They will compete in a fatal four-way match against other talented female wrestlers, highlighting the growing opportunities for women in wrestling today.
In conclusion, both Flair and Rodriguez’s comments shine a light on crucial issues regarding age and gender in professional wrestling. Their perspectives advocate for the recognition of women’s contributions to the industry and the need to evaluate them based on talent and dedication rather than age. Their voices contribute to an ongoing conversation about equality in sports, particularly in promoting an inclusive environment that allows all performers to thrive, regardless of age or gender.
