Following a three-month break from the ring, WWE veteran Natalya made much awaited comeback on a recent episode of WWE Raw, participating in a six-woman tag team bout in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, her homeland. While many supporters were thrilled to see “The Queen of Harts” back in action, Natalya recently spoke of the unanticipated anxiety she experienced prior to reopening the curtains once more.
Speaking Up About Mental Health
Natalya discussed her mental health on the Growing Up Von Erich podcast, noting that she routinely works on it. “It fluctuates,” she said, noting that she has good and bad days like many others. Her Raw return’s evening turned out to be quite difficult.
“Even last [week] before I went out through the curtain, I just had a brief flash in my head where I was like, “I’m nervous. She said, “I’m really scared.” Though Natalya has years of expertise and several honours in WWE, she stressed that her anxiety originates from a strong passion for her trade. “People find themselves startled like, “You still get nervous about doing this?” And I am like, ‘Yeah, because I care so much.'”
Negotiating Pressure as a WWE Woman
Among WWE’s longest-tenured female superstars, Natalya has openly discussed the unique pressures she faces, particularly as a woman navigating the high-stakes world of professional wrestling. Her career has been marked by remarkable achievements and a relentless drive to excel, but she acknowledges that this drive often comes with an added weight of expectation. The scrutiny and standards placed upon her can be overwhelming, highlighting the ongoing challenges women face in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Despite these pressures, Natalya finds strength in reflecting on her journey and the passion that fueled her success. “I think especially as a woman in the business, it’s easy to put so much pressure on yourself; but, you have to remember what brought you to the dance,” she says. This mindset serves as a grounding force, reminding her of the dedication and perseverance that have been integral to her career. It’s a testament to her resilience and an encouraging message to others striving to make their mark in similar fields.
Natalya’s experiences underscore the broader narrative of women in sports and entertainment, where the intersection of personal ambition and external expectations can be particularly intense. Her story is a powerful reminder that, despite the challenges, staying connected to one’s passion and commitment can lead to enduring success and inspire others along the way.
Coping Mechanism and Support System
Strong support from friends and family who enable Natalya stay grounded and raise her spirits when needed helps her succeed both inside and outside of the ring. Among those close to her are other WWE stars such WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Bianca Belair and WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan. Natalya said that Belair, especially, gave her wise counsel the evening she was returning, so calming her anxiety.
Rhea Ripley, the WWE Women’s World Champion, also unexpectedly but gratefully helped Natalya zip up her new ring gear—a simple gesture reflecting the friendship and respect among WWE’s female rivals.
Anticipating Future
Overcoming anxiety is part of the road for Natalya, and her capacity to strike a balance between the demands of wrestling and mental health inspires her followers still. Whether Natalya is dominating in the ring or candid about her challenges, she shows that even the most seasoned veterans still get nervous and that passion is what motivates her to keep performing at her best.
