WWE releases statement on controversial Charlotte-Paige angle on Raw this week

WWE headlined its latest episode of Monday Night Raw this week with a Divas championship contract signing for the upcoming title match between Charlotte, the champ, and Paige, the challenger, at Survivor Series this coming Sunday night. In an attempt to draw some heat to the angle, Charlotte's brother Reid, who died of a drug overdose in 2013, was disparaged by Paige, who said "he didn't have enough fight in him, did he?"

While there were some who said they were fine with WWE having done this, the overwhelming majority were against it. That includes those closest to the situation, Reid's parents, Elizabeth and WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair. The former took to Twitter to voice her displeasure while the latter used his podcast to say he "cried" while watching it. Neither was told about it beforehand.

In response to the backlash, WWE has released a statement on the matter:

"Subject matter this personal is only approved as a result of the strong advocacy of the talent themselves. Notwithstanding that, WWE is ultimately responsible for what airs in its programming."

With Spandex originally reported that it was Charlotte who came up with the idea and this would seem to back that up. No matter who came up with it or approved it, it seems clear at this point it was a terrible idea that did no favors for anyone.