WWE Veteran Earns Huge Backstage Praise

Stepping up in India has meant major backstage praise for this WWE star.

By Andy H Murray /

WWE.com

Natalya has earned backstage praise in WWE for her recent work with the promotion in India.

Advertisement

The Raw star, who wrestled Zoey Stark and Rhea Ripley at the Superstar Spectacle 2023 event in Hyderabad on 8 September, stepped up following Becky Lynch being pulled from the show. Fightful Select reports that when a passport hiccup prevented Lynch from travelling, Nattie substituted for her against Stark.

WWE had reportedly weighed up other options to replace Lynch against Stark, though the promotion was limited regarding the female wrestlers it planned to bring to India. A Triple Threat was also considered (presumably pitting Natalya, Stark, and Ripley against one another), but Natalya stepped up, saying she was willing to pull double duty.

Advertisement

Company higher-ups put Natalya over for this. One commented that the move demonstrated leadership - and helped the promotion in what could have otherwise been a tough spot.

Natalya is one of WWE's longest-serving wrestlers, having been with the promotion since signing her first developmental deal in January 2007. Ripley was her latest televised singles feud, with Natalya falling to the Women's World Champion most recently on the 3 July episode of Raw.

Advertisement