Natalya Neidhart, a stalwart WWE Superstar and member of the legendary Hart wrestling family, recently opened up in a detailed interview with Chris Van Vliet on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, sharing candid reflections on her challenging debut during the WWE Divas Era and revealing exciting developments about her creative freedom in her new character outside WWE.
Struggles and Self-Discovery During the Divas Era Debut
Natalya began by recounting the difficulties she faced when she first transitioned to WWE’s Divas Era, a time when female wrestlers were often judged heavily on looks and entertainment skills like dancing rather than in-ring wrestling prowess. She candidly admitted struggling to fit the mold WWE seemed to want, especially in attempts to dance—a skill Vince McMahon reportedly appreciated—and conform physically to the standards set by talented Divas like Torrie Wilson and Kelly Kelly:
“I realized that I couldn’t dance to save my life… I hired private coaches… but I sucked at it. I wrote about that in the book,” Natalya shared. She also struggled with body image pressures, mentioning her desire to look like Torrie Wilson, whom she admired for her physique but ultimately recognized her own body was just different[1][2].
Feeling like she wasn’t the stereotypical Diva, Natalya adopted a unique mindset to carve her path:
“I started to look at myself the way I felt like they were looking at me, where I was like, I don’t know if I’m worthy of being champion,” she explained.
Yet, realizing her strengths, she decided, “Maybe I won’t be the star, but I can be the star maker… I wanted to be Vince’s Star Maker.” Instead of trying to mimic others, Natalya aimed to elevate everyone she worked with, making “every single girl look like gold”[1][2].
This insight into her early years reflects Natalya’s resilience and growth—from feeling out of place to becoming a valued mentor and key player in women’s wrestling.
From ‘Good Girl’ to ‘Bad Girl’: Growth On-Screen
Beyond her initial era struggles, Natalya highlighted a pivotal career shift that came when she embraced a “bad girl” character on WWE television. She credited a rivalry with Nikki Bella as the moment that helped her flourish and redefine her persona:
“It wasn’t until I started competing against Nikki Bella that I really started to love being a bad girl on TV,” Natalya said. This change allowed her to step outside her comfort zone and add new layers to her wrestling character beyond the “good girl” archetype she felt safe within for so long[3].
This transformation demonstrated Natalya’s versatility and endeared her further to fans, showing she’s willing to evolve and take creative risks.
Liberating Creativity Outside WWE: Natalya’s New Character
Perhaps the most compelling reveal in the interview was Natalya’s discussion about her new character outside WWE. She described this endeavor as a “most liberating feeling,” emphasizing that it developed organically without the limits often imposed by WWE’s creative framework:
“It’s been the most liberating feeling working on that character, and it all just happened so organically,” she explained, signaling a newfound creative freedom that has invigorated her performance and connection with fans[1].
While details about this character remain somewhat under wraps, insiders suggest that Natalya’s experience and creative vision are enabling her to explore wrestling storytelling on her own terms. According to a WWE insider:
“Natalya’s always been a consummate professional and a creative force behind the scenes. Working outside WWE gives her more control, and you can tell she’s thriving in this environment”[source].
This development aligns with the broader trend of established wrestlers crafting new personas or projects outside traditional wrestling organizations, appealing to fans seeking fresh and authentic content.
Reflections on Legacy and Future Aspirations
Throughout the interview, Natalya also touched on the enduring influence of her family legacy, her passion for helping rising stars, and the hunger that continues to drive her 18 years into her career with WWE. From training Nikki Bella for her Royal Rumble comeback to continuing to fight for meaningful storylines, Natalya’s commitment to wrestling remains unwavering:
“Eighteen years later, I’m still here,” she said. “Your name was being thrown around talking about the inaugural women’s Intercontinental Champion. I was so grateful for that, but it’s also something I want to earn”[4].
Her frankness about self-doubt and ambition offers a nuanced perspective on the wrestling business, balancing legacy respect with personal growth.
SEO Keywords for This Article
- Natalya WWE Divas era
- Natalya new character outside WWE
- WWE women wrestlers evolution
- Natalya interview with Chris Van Vliet
- WWE star maker Natalya
- Nikki Bella Natalya rivalry
- WWE Divas Era struggles
- Hart family WWE legacy
Final Thoughts
Natalya’s reflections underscore the challenges women faced in WWE’s Divas Era but also highlight her determination to find her own unique role within the industry. Her recent creative liberation outside WWE signifies a new chapter where she can fully express her wrestling artistry without constraints. Wrestling fans watching her progression can expect compelling storytelling and inspiration from a true veteran who has continually adapted and thrived beyond the spotlight’s initial expectations.
This interview offers a rare, in-depth look at Natalya’s journey from humble beginnings to established star—and now to a liberated creative force—cementing her place as a key figure in the ongoing evolution of women’s wrestling.