Joshua Rivera
Updated on: October 12, 2024 7:39 am GMT
After a three-month hiatus, WWE superstar Natalya made a notable return to “WWE Raw” last week in her hometown of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. While excitement buzzed around her comeback, Natalya opened up about the nerves that accompanied her highly-anticipated return to the ring, shedding light on her personal journey during her time away from the spotlight.
Natalya’s Time Away from WWE
During an appearance on the “Growing Up Von Erich” podcast, Natalya shared candidly about her reasons for stepping back from WWE programming. Her absence stemmed from a combination of personal health needs, including mental health and the need for eye surgery.
- Mental Health: Natalya emphasized the importance of mental wellness in her life and career, stating, “I just need a little mental reset. Like, I just need some time to regroup, recalibrate, refocus.”
- Eye Surgery: She underwent surgery to correct astigmatism, highlighting that the organization was supportive: “The company was so great about it… They were like take as much time as you need.”
“It’s really changing so much in the best way and the culture is so different now,” she added, expressing gratitude for WWE leadership under Triple H.
Facing the Nerves
Despite her extensive experience, Natalya revealed that she still deals with pre-match jitters. She explained, “Even last week before I went out through the curtain, I just had this little moment in my head where I was like ‘I’m nervous. I’m so nervous.’”
Key Factors Affecting Her Nerves:
- Pressure of Expectations: Natalya highlighted the pressure she feels as a woman in wrestling.
- Support System: Surrounding herself with a solid group of friends and colleagues, like Liv Morgan and Bianca Belair, helps her feel more grounded.
- Positive Reinforcement: Natalya values reminders of what brought her to wrestling, which helps combat her self-doubt.
She noted how important it is to maintain a strong network of friendships in the wrestling industry. Rhea Ripley even assisted her on the night of her return, quietly helping Natalya zip up her new ring gear without her asking.
The Road Ahead
Now back in the ring, Natalya looks forward to continuing her work in wrestling while also exploring projects that honor her family’s legacy. She mentioned working on two secret projects related to the Hart family, expressing her commitment to keeping their history alive.
When discussing her future in wrestling, Natalya appears optimistic about her new contract with WWE, which she confirmed after facing speculation regarding a potential move to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Though the details of her new deal were not disclosed, it signifies a commitment to remain a part of WWE’s evolving landscape.
A Positive Cultural Shift in WWE
Natalya’s experience underscores a broader transformation within WWE. The shift has prompted a more supportive culture, allowing wrestlers to prioritize mental and physical health. This atmosphere fosters professional grapplers to communicate their needs openly, providing a collaborative approach to their well-being.
> “I think especially as a woman in the industry, it’s easy to put so much pressure on yourself,” Natalya noted, acknowledging the unique challenges that come with her profession.
Conclusion
Natalya recently took part in a six-woman tag team match on “WWE Raw,” showing how strong and determined she is. She believes that being part of a team is really important in wrestling. While she juggles her personal life and her career, her story reminds us that taking care of ourselves can help us do better in everything we do. As Natalya looks to the future, her fans are excited to see what she will do next, especially as she honors her family’s wrestling legacy.
