Natalya's Epic WWE Career: A Look At Her Best Matches

Natalya Neidhart, a name synonymous with dedication, skill, and longevity in WWE, has carved out an incredible career spanning over a decade. As a third-generation wrestler from the legendary Hart family, Natalya carries a rich wrestling heritage. This article dives into some of her most memorable matches, highlighting her journey, opponents, and the moments that define her as one of WWE's most respected female superstars.

Early Career and Initial Impact

Before becoming a main stay of WWE, Natalya honed her craft on the independent circuit and in international promotions. Her technical prowess and natural charisma quickly caught the attention of WWE scouts, leading to her debut in 2007. Initially, she was part of the revamped version of the Hart Foundation, alongside Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith, showcasing her family's legacy and solidifying her place as a rising star. While this alliance didn't last indefinitely, it provided Natalya with valuable exposure and set the stage for her singles career. Her early matches demonstrated a commitment to honoring the Hart family's wrestling style, focusing on technical wrestling and submission holds. These foundational years were crucial in developing the skills and character that would make her a standout performer in the years to come. Early rivalries helped her establish herself as a credible threat in the women's division. Natalya’s dedication to the sport and her willingness to evolve have been key factors in her enduring success. From the beginning, it was clear that Natalya was not just riding on her family's name; she was determined to create her own legacy in the wrestling world. Her early performances were marked by a determination to prove herself, and this drive has continued to fuel her career.

Memorable Matches and Rivalries

When discussing Natalya's most memorable matches, several stand out. One such encounter was her Slammy Award-winning match against Charlotte Flair on SmackDown in 2017. This bout was a technical masterpiece, showcasing both women's incredible wrestling abilities. The back-and-forth action and near-falls kept fans on the edge of their seats, with Natalya ultimately capturing the SmackDown Women's Championship. The match not only highlighted Natalya's skill but also her ability to tell a compelling story in the ring.

Another significant rivalry was her feud with Ronda Rousey in 2018. While some might remember it more for its storyline, their match at Money in the Bank was surprisingly competitive. Natalya brought a level of intensity and strategy to the match that made Rousey work for her victory. This feud demonstrated Natalya's value as a credible opponent who could elevate even the biggest stars.

Her matches against Sasha Banks have also been consistently entertaining, with both women displaying great chemistry and a willingness to push each other to their limits. Whether in singles competition or as part of tag teams, Natalya and Sasha always deliver compelling performances. A standout match against Sasha Banks showed Natalya's resilience and ability to adapt to different wrestling styles, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile performer.

Natalya's contributions to the women's tag team division should not be overlooked. Her partnerships with various superstars, including Beth Phoenix as the Divas of Doom, have produced many memorable moments. Their dominance and impactful matches helped elevate the tag team scene, paving the way for future generations of female tag teams. These alliances underscored Natalya's ability to work cohesively with different personalities, further showcasing her versatility and commitment to team dynamics.

Championship Victories and Accomplishments

Natalya's career is punctuated by several championship victories. Her reign as the Divas Champion in 2010 marked a significant milestone, validating her years of hard work and dedication. This victory was not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the Hart family's influence on professional wrestling. Later, her SmackDown Women's Championship win in 2017 further solidified her status as a top-tier competitor. These championship reigns are a testament to her consistency and ability to remain relevant in a constantly evolving landscape.

Beyond championships, Natalya has achieved numerous other accomplishments. She has participated in multiple WrestleMania matches, showcasing her on the grandest stage of them all. She has also been a prominent figure in the women's Royal Rumble, consistently delivering memorable moments. Her involvement in these high-profile events underscores her importance to the WWE and her ability to captivate audiences worldwide. Natalya’s contributions extend beyond individual accolades, as she has played a crucial role in mentoring younger talent and promoting women's wrestling globally.

Natalya's Impact on Women's Wrestling

Natalya's impact on women's wrestling extends far beyond her in-ring accomplishments. She has been a mentor and role model for countless aspiring wrestlers, offering guidance and support to those looking to break into the industry. Her willingness to share her knowledge and experience has helped shape the careers of many current stars.

Furthermore, Natalya has been a vocal advocate for women's equality in wrestling. She has used her platform to push for more opportunities and better representation for female performers. Her efforts have contributed to the significant progress that women's wrestling has made in recent years. Natalya's dedication to promoting women's wrestling is evident in her actions both inside and outside the ring. She consistently champions the importance of strong female characters and compelling storylines, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable wrestling environment.

What Makes Natalya a Great Wrestler?

Several factors contribute to Natalya's greatness as a wrestler. First and foremost, her technical prowess is unmatched. She is a master of submission holds and chain wrestling, able to seamlessly transition between moves and keep her opponents guessing. Her in-ring intelligence and strategic thinking allow her to adapt to any situation and exploit her opponent's weaknesses.

In addition to her technical skills, Natalya possesses exceptional charisma and storytelling ability. She can connect with the audience on an emotional level, drawing them into her matches and making them care about the outcome. Her ability to portray both a sympathetic babyface and a cunning heel adds depth to her character and makes her performances even more compelling.

Finally, Natalya's longevity is a testament to her dedication and professionalism. She has remained at the top of her game for over a decade, consistently delivering high-quality performances and adapting to the changing landscape of WWE. Her ability to stay relevant and continue to evolve as a performer is a rare and valuable asset.

The Future of Natalya's Career

As Natalya continues her WWE career, the future looks bright. She remains a valuable asset to the company, capable of delivering compelling matches and storylines. Whether she is competing for championships, mentoring younger talent, or simply entertaining the fans, Natalya's contributions are sure to be felt for years to come.

Her experience and knowledge make her an ideal candidate for a backstage role, such as a coach or trainer, when she eventually decides to hang up her boots. In the meantime, fans can continue to enjoy her performances in the ring and appreciate her contributions to the world of professional wrestling. Her passion for the sport is undeniable, and her commitment to excellence ensures that she will continue to make a significant impact on WWE for the foreseeable future. Natalya’s resilience and adaptability suggest that she will remain a key figure in the wrestling world, both as a performer and as an influential mentor. She continues to evolve her skills and adapt to new trends, solidifying her legacy as one of the most respected and enduring figures in WWE history.

Conclusion

Natalya's career is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for professional wrestling. From her early days on the independent circuit to her current status as a respected veteran in WWE, she has consistently delivered high-quality performances and inspired countless fans. Her memorable matches, championship victories, and contributions to women's wrestling have cemented her legacy as one of the greatest female superstars of all time. As she continues her journey, fans can look forward to more exciting moments and unforgettable matches from the Queen of Harts.