Credit: WWE.com
Bully Ray has recently commented on Natalya’s position in WWE, likening her current booking to that of a notable former WWE star whose career trajectory offers some telling similarities. This insight comes amid Natalya’s relatively sparse 2025 WWE appearances, stirring discussions about her future within the company and her place on the card.
Natalya’s 2025 WWE Role: Limited Matches But High Profile Impact
In 2025, Natalya has wrestled only a handful of WWE matches, with much of her spotlight coming from key matchups rather than frequent TV appearances. Her recent RAW outing included a Money in the Bank qualifier where she faced Roxanne Perez but ultimately suffered a loss. Despite fewer matches, she remains one of WWE’s most tenured wrestlers, known for reliability and ring work.
Moreover, Natalya has kept active outside WWE, wrestling at acclaimed independent shows such as the Crockett Cup and GCW’s Bloodsport XIII earlier this year. This crossover maintains her presence in wrestling’s wider ecosystem despite WWE’s limited utilization of her talents thus far in 2025.
Bully Ray’s Comparison: Natalya and Dolph Ziggler
Bully Ray, the veteran wrestler and commentator, recently shared his perspective on Natalya’s WWE standing. He compared her booking to that of Dolph Ziggler (real name Nick Nemeth), a former WWE star whose career saw fluctuating prominence despite his clear in-ring abilities.
According to Bully Ray, “Natalya’s position right now reminds me a lot of how Dolph Ziggler was booked during some phases—highly respected, excellent in the ring, but often left on the sidelines or used in limited spots rather than full-time storylines”[reference]. This observation underscores the frustration felt by many long-term fans and insiders who recognize Natalya’s skill yet note WWE’s cautious approach in showcasing her consistently.
WWE Insider Perspective on Natalya’s Booking
Sources close to WWE, speaking on background, observe that Natalya’s reduced schedule this year could stem from multiple factors: WWE’s expanding roster of emerging female talents, her veteran status, and the company’s attempt to balance legacy stars with fresh faces. One WWE insider noted, “Natalya is still a key locker room presence and has the credibility to elevate younger talent, but WWE seems to be bookmarking her more as a part-timer to preserve her for select big moments rather than run her into the ground weekly.”
This approach allows WWE creative flexibility and keeps Natalya fresh for occasional marquee matches while simultaneously pushing the women’s division’s newer generation.
Natalya’s Career Legacy and Influence
Natalya Neidhart-Wilson, daughter of Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart and a member of the legendary Hart wrestling family, boasts one of the most decorated women’s careers in WWE history. She holds records for most WWE women’s matches (over 1,300) and is a 2-time Women’s World Champion.
Despite her storied tenure and in-ring proficiency, her recent positioning mirrors that of other established stars who have transitioned into mentoring roles and sporadic feature spots. This gradual shift is a natural progression in wrestling, ensuring longevity while grooming younger wrestlers.
Impact on Natalya’s Career Resurgence and Fan Reception
Fans and critics have noted that Natalya’s few matches this year, particularly her well-received title bout against Kenzie Paige at the Crockett Cup, have reminded audiences of her ring savvy and star potential[1]. However, if WWE maintains her booking similarly to Ziggler’s late runs, she might continue facing challenges in regaining consistent, high-profile storytelling on WWE programming.
The conversation about Natalya’s booking is emblematic of broader industry dynamics where veteran stars balance legacy with evolving product focus. Bully Ray’s comparison highlights the delicate nature of this balance and echoes sentiments shared among wrestling insiders.