Natalya rejects Ronda Rousey comparisons regarding new character

WWE wrestler Natalya has addressed comparisons between her new ‘Nattie’ persona and former wrestler Ronda Rousey. In recent interviews, Natalya clarified that her more aggressive character is not an attempt to reenact an MMA-influenced persona.

Natalya stated that the character is an evolution of her wrestling roots, specifically drawing inspiration from the training she received at her grandfather Stu Hart’s legendary Dungeon. She noted that the character is a derivative of her early career and the grappling-focused environment of the Dungeon, which she described to Josh Barnett as being ‘Bloodsport before Bloodsport was Bloodsport.’

While expressing respect for Rousey’s work in WWE, Natalya expressed hope for more television time on WWE programming to further explain the transformation and the distinction between her evolving character and other MMA-based personas.