RAW Superstar Natalya has spent almost two decades in WWE, helping develop talent on screen and through The Hart Dungeon, while remaining a consistent presence in the mid-card over the years. Recently, she’s been experimenting with a harder, more intense wrestling style outside of WWE.
While speaking on the Wrestling Life with Ben Veal podcast, her uncle Ross Hart talked about Natalya receiving the Lou Thesz Award at the 59th Cauliflower Alley Club reunion in Las Vegas.
“It was very special. The Lou Thesz award, I think, recognizes grit and toughness and real wrestling ability, not someone who’s just flashy or has a gimmick, but someone who’s a hard worker and can go the distance. She’s very deserving of that award.”
Hart also discussed Natalya’s long career in WWE and her veteran status in the women’s locker room.
“She’s been there, I believe, over 20 years now, or very close to that. She’s had the longest run of any woman in WWE and is still going strong. I wouldn’t be surprised if she went another five years.”
He mentioned his niece’s appearances in Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport events as an example of how she has been trying a tougher, more realistic wrestling style.
“She’s been performing in some of these Bloodsport shows. It’s definitely more hardcore. More real wrestling and grappling than what you usually see on the bigger promotions. She’s kind of found a new identity with that.”
Hart also hinted that WWE might be considering a fresh approach for her character, possibly under a new name.
“I’m not sure what storyline they’re doing right now in WWE, but it looks like they might be reinventing her. She could be coming back under a new name.”
Natalya, who has been calling herself Nattie Neidhart outside of WWE, last appeared on RAW in a match against Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, which she lost. She recently became the #1 Contender for the AAA Reina de Reinas Title by defeating Faby Apache at WWE x AAA Worlds Collide.
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