WWE: Charlotte Flair will be out of action nine months due to knee injury

WWE star Charlotte Flair is facing an extended period of time away from the ring.

During SmackDown on Friday night, WWE stated that Charlotte will be out of action for nine months due to a knee injury. The announcement was made on commentary while recapping last week’s Charlotte vs. Asuka match.

Charlotte suffered the knee injury while facing Asuka on SmackDown last Friday. Though Charlotte was able to finish the bout, she received medical attention following the match and had to be helped to the back. Our Dave Meltzer reported last Saturday that Charlotte was awaiting X-ray results.

Asuka defeated Charlotte in their match after interference by Bayley.

While the exact injury that Charlotte suffered has not been confirmed, nine months would be the expected recovery time from a torn ACL.

If the nine-month recovery time is accurate, Charlotte would miss the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 40.

Charlotte had been feuding with Damage CTRL on SmackDown. In the women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series last month, Charlotte, Bianca Belair, Shotzi & Becky Lynch defeated Asuka, Bayley, IYO SKY & Kairi Sane.