10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (April 22)
5. Natalya Doesn't Feel She Got Her Break In WWE Until 2014
Before the idea of a 'female revolution' became common in WWE, Natalya wasn't somebody who seemed to have much of a future.
Certainly, it didn't look like those in charge had any inclination to push the Canadian, but she's now set up as Charlotte's challenger going into the next pay-per-view.
A solid in-ring pro, Natalya has been with the company since early 2007. Following a year on so in developmental, she made her debut on the main roster as a heel aligned with Victoria on the SmackDown brand. Since then, she has experienced some real ups and downs, the lowest point coming when she was saddled with an infamous flatulence gimmick.
Talking to ESPN, Natalya discussed her recent prominence on the roster, and had some interesting words. In her own mind, she only noticed perception beginning to shift towards her following an earlier match against Charlotte back in 2014.
At NXT TakeOver in May of that year, Natalya lost to Charlotte in a tournament final to decide the new NXT Women's Champion. The match was lauded by many, voted one of the best of the year by WWE's official website, and - in her words - was a turning point for Natalya.