Charlotte Flair Names Kiana James As A Rising Star For Fans To Keep An Eye On: She Makes Me Want To Step My Game Up

Charlotte Flair has named Kiana James as a rising star for WWE fans to keep an eye on.

Kiana James has had a breakout year as part of the WWE main roster, having standout performances not only in the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble match but also the 2026 Women’s Elimination Chamber on the road to WrestleMania 42. James has also been working in a partnership with former WWE Women’s United States Champion Giulia and has now received praise from the most decorated women’s wrestler in WWE history.

While speaking on ESPN’s First Take in a new interview, Charlotte Flair was asked about a rising star she thinks fans should keep an eye out for in the near future.

“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.”

Prior to WrestleMania 42, Charlotte spoke about once again sharing the ring with Bayley at WrestleMania. You can read more about that here.

If you use any of the quotes from this article, please credit the original source with a h/t and a link back to Fightful for the transcription.