A shocking moment on WWE RAW saw Natalya officially turn heel. A new report says the backstage reaction to that shift has been largely positive.
During the Women’s Intercontinental Championship match, Becky Lynch defended her title against Maxxine Dupri. Natalya came to ringside, claiming she wanted to support Dupri. However, she stopped the referee’s count by placing Lynch’s foot on the rope, allowing Lynch to recover and hit the Manhandle Slam for the win.
Following the match, Natalya revealed her true intentions. She attacked Maxxine Dupri with strikes and a thrust kick before locking in the Sharpshooter, turning on her former friend and student. According to PWInsider Elite, several within WWE are happy that Natalya received a heel turn and a fresh storyline.
There is a belief that she has earned the chance to showcase the tougher “Nattie Neidhart” persona she has used outside WWE, including appearances in AAA and Bloodsport. That version of Natalya, often called “The Low Key Legend,” is described as grittier and more heelish, something fans have wanted to see on WWE TV for some time.
Sources said there is hope that this new direction clicks and leads to a more prominent role for her on television. The report also noted that Natalya and her husband, TJ Wilson, continue to earn respect backstage by helping train wrestlers at their Dungeon in Tampa, Florida, without charging anyone for the opportunity.
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