Home/WWE

A few days from now, Rhea Ripley and Natalya will face off against each other at Night of Champions. Ripley, the current SmackDown Women’s champion, has put the title on the line for her bout in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Natalya made a shocking revelation by agreeing to ongoing perceptions about her not being on the 26-year-old Australian’s level. However, she spoke about changing The Eradicator’s perception of her after their upcoming match.

Natalya opens up about the challenges of facing Rhea Ripley

Natalya, a two-time WWE Women’s World Champion, found herself in a feud with Ripley after trying to save Dana Brooke. On the May 8 episode of RAW, the 40-year-old rushed to the ring to save her former foe but ended up setting a date with Ripley.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Tweeting a video message, Natalya said she is not oblivious to the comparisons between herself and The Judgement Day member. She stated that she agrees with most of it. “Waves and waves of comments that I have read on Twitter and people’s podcasts have talked about it, saying Nattie’s not on Rhea’s level, she doesn’t have Rhea’s momentum, but I started thinking about it and maybe they are right,” the former WWE Diva’s Champions said.

via Imago

Natalya further stated that she has never been a favorite and has worked hard to achieve whatever she has in the promotion. She vowed to make the current champion change her perception of the senior colleague. “Rhea can mock me, she can beat me up and she might even beat me, but at Night of Champions, I can assure you she is going to respect me. She’s gonna respect me.”

Meanwhile, Natalya’s title match in the Middle Eastern country is a fitting tribute to her legacy. The 40-year-old was one-half of the first-ever women’s match in Saudi Arabia when she and Lacey Evans squared off at the 2019 Crown Jewel PLE.

Read More: “That’s What Bret Said to Me” – Former SmackDown Women’s Champion Recalls Invaluable Advice From the Iconic Bret Hart

Following her message, fans consoled the superstar.

Fans back Natalya after video message goes viral

Natalya’s message struck a chord with social media users, who cheered the superstar by showering her with praise. Commenting on the post, people wrote a string of positive messages, ranging from loving her to backing her to win the title.

Here are some of the fan reactions.

This fan urged her to bring the gold home by defeating Mami.

One user shared her mother’s enthusiasm towards Natalya’s wrestling while cheering for the 40-year-old.

This user called Natalya a superstar.

One would believe they spoke for all Natalya fans.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

A user also predicted Ripley’s fate at Night of Champions.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What are your thoughts on Natalya’s message? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story: “As Big As Serena Williams”…WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair Makes A Huge Statement About Daughter Charlotte Flair