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.
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#WWENOC pic.twitter.com/Bw5zbVsO3A
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) May 23, 2023
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.
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.
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.
Let’s bring it home!♥️ pic.twitter.com/lHzZm816Mw
— Ricardo Matos (@thehitman29) May 23, 2023
One user shared her mother’s enthusiasm towards Natalya’s wrestling while cheering for the 40-year-old.
My mom doesn’t have twitter but I can tell you, she cheers you on every time you’re on her screen, you’re her favorite 💕
— “The Natural” Astrid Pizarro (@astridpizarro) May 23, 2023
This user called Natalya a superstar.
Nattie! You are a SUPER star! You have wrestling in your literal DNA! Millions of us all over the world love you and what you bring to the industry! Thank you for being so open and for giving so much of your time and talent with us all. We love you!
— David Vox Mullen (@DavidVoxMullen) May 23, 2023
One would believe they spoke for all Natalya fans.
We love you Nattie!
— DS Ring the Belle 🔔 (@ringthebelleds) May 23, 2023
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A user also predicted Ripley’s fate at Night of Champions.
Respect is earn and she will respect the real queen of wrestler @NatbyNature on #WWENOC pic.twitter.com/whft3FIuy5
— Philly Talk 215 (@Kingblackphilly) May 23, 2023
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What are your thoughts on Natalya’s message? Let us know in the comments below.
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