In a recent commentary on “Sportskeeda WrestleBinge,” former WWE booker Vince Russo criticized the way Natalya has been booked by WWE in recent years, arguing that she deserves more respect given her family legacy in professional wrestling. Natalya, whose contract with WWE is set to expire this summer, has faced uncertainty about her future with the company amidst speculation of potential interest from AEW, fueled in part by comments from current TBS Champion Mercedes Mone expressing her desire to face Natalya again.
Russo’s critique centered on Natalya’s perceived inability to assert herself within WWE’s creative decisions. “She doesn’t stand up for herself, she doesn’t remind them who she is and what her legacy is,” Russo stated emphatically. “Natalya should not be ‘yes sir,’ ‘no sir.’ She’s royalty in the business, she’s paid her dues, she’s been around for a very, very long time and she deserves that respect.”
Natalya’s 2024 Performance and Challenges
Throughout 2024, Natalya has been actively involved in both WWE’s main roster and “WWE NXT,” engaging in matches against new opponents such as Lola Vice and Izzi Dame. Despite her tenure and versatility, Russo’s comments suggest that Natalya’s potential and contributions may not be fully recognized or capitalized upon by WWE’s creative team.
Legacy and Family Heritage
As a member of the famed Hart family, Natalya brings a rich wrestling heritage that spans generations. Her familial ties include legends like Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, making her not just a veteran performer but also a custodian of wrestling history. Russo’s assertion that Natalya should assert her legacy resonates with the sentiment that her tenure and familial lineage warrant a more prominent role and better creative utilization within WWE.
Speculation and Contract Status
With Natalya’s WWE contract approaching its expiration, speculation about her future has intensified. The potential interest from AEW adds another layer of intrigue, particularly with opportunities to face talents like Mercedes Mone, who has publicly expressed admiration for Natalya’s skill and legacy.
Stephen’s Insight
Russo’s critique adds to the ongoing discussions within the wrestling community regarding talent utilization and the treatment of veterans. Natalya’s situation, in particular, serves as a focal point for broader issues surrounding creative direction and communication between WWE talents and management. It underscores the delicate balance between honoring legacy and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling.
Critics like Russo often highlight concerns about how talents are utilized, especially veterans who have contributed significantly to the industry. Natalya, with her tenure and skills, represents a case where balancing respect for her legacy with opportunities that align with current storylines and fan engagement becomes crucial.
The dynamics between talents and management in WWE continue to evolve, with discussions focusing on how creative decisions impact individual careers and overall product quality. Natalya’s situation prompts reflection on how best to navigate these challenges, ensuring that talents feel valued and that the product resonates with audiences while maintaining the integrity of WWE’s storytelling tradition.
