Natalya is stepping into an NWA ring for the first time ever, and she’s not doing it just for the history books—she’s doing it to prove something to herself.
The WWE Superstar was officially announced for NWA Crockett Cup on May 17, a move that caught fans off guard since WWE and NWA haven’t exactly been known for working together. But for Natalya, this isn’t just another booking—it’s personal.
“For me to do this NWA show, I’ve literally moved heaven and earth to be a part of this,” she revealed on Busted Open Radio. The reason? Her longtime friendship with Billy Corgan, who she says has believed in her since 2006. But there’s more to it than that—she’s also using this opportunity to remind the world exactly who she is.
Natalya admitted that Bubba Ray Dudley’s past comments about her career lit a fire under her. A few months ago, Bubba said she “wasn’t doing enough and should be doing more.” While his words stung, she now agrees. “Bubba wasn’t wrong in the sense that I’ve wanted to do so much more, and this opportunity with NWA, it’s just a chance for me to show what I’ve always had and never lost.”
She’s also deeply connected to NWA’s legacy through her grandfather, legendary wrestler Stu Hart, making this moment even more meaningful. “I feel like NWA is just a very special promotion that I can really sink my teeth into,” she said. “I can show the world that I’ve never lost it, it’s always been inside of me, and I’m ready to really just unleash in a way that people haven’t seen.”
With WWE’s Triple H and Nick Khan giving the green light for the appearance, this crossover is a rare moment in modern wrestling. But for Natalya, it’s not just about breaking barriers—it’s about proving, once and for all, that she’s still at the top of her game.
Do you think Natalya’s NWA debut will be a turning point in her career? Drop your thoughts in the comments!