Natalya’s Rise and Wrestling Legacy
Few names carry as much prestige in WWE’s women’s division as Natalya Neidhart. As a third-generation wrestler from the legendary Hart family, Natalya’s heritage set her on a path to wrestling royalty long before she debuted in 2008. Over nearly two decades in WWE, she has won championships, headlined major events, and mentored an entire generation of female superstars. Yet, away from the bright lights, Natalya has, like many, wrestled with her own inner demons—chief among them, impostor syndrome[1].
The Interview: Natalya Opens Up
On a recent episode of the Jann Arden podcast, Natalya spoke candidly about the self-doubt that shadowed her even as her star ascended[1]. “There were times where I was the only Canadian in the locker room, the only Hart, and I felt like I needed to prove myself every single day,” she told Arden. “You’d think knowing your family history, the success of my uncles, my father, there’s no doubt… but that pressure is real. I carried it with me.”
According to a WWE insider familiar with roster morale, this experience is far more common than television lets on. “Natalya’s never been one to shy away from sharing these things, but the level of honesty—here, on a mainstream platform—gives it weight,” the source said. “A lot of the women see her as a leader. So when she talks about doubt, it resonates.”
The Weight of Wrestler Expectations
Natalya’s admission taps into a broader conversation about the mental health of professional wrestlers—especially those who step into an environment as intense as WWE. “Impostor syndrome is normal, but in wrestling, it’s amplified,” the WWE insider explained. “You’re not just performing in front of millions; you’re competing every week with people who have sacrificed everything to be there. And fans expect the best, every match.”
For Natalya, the feeling was compounded by her family’s legacy. “I never wanted to let my family down, I didn’t want to let myself down,” she told Arden. “But at the same time, I didn’t want anyone to think I was here because of my last name. I wanted to earn my spot.” This balancing act—between honoring her heritage and forging her own identity—became a recurring theme in her career.
Impostor Syndrome in Women’s Wrestling
Natalya is hardly alone among WWE’s women’s division in facing these feelings. Superstars like Liv Morgan and Bianca Belair have also spoken openly about moments of self-doubt, specifically referencing impostor syndrome as a persistent hurdle[3][6][8]. Morgan, for instance, has described the sensation of “never having the credentials” to justify her position in WWE, despite becoming a former SmackDown Women’s Champion[3][8]. Belair, meanwhile, has admitted that her drive to overachieve often brings self-doubt creeping in, leading her to battle those thoughts before major matches[6].
According to the same WWE insider, this is something management is increasingly attuned to. “Talent wellness includes mental health now, not just physical,” they said. “The company encourages open conversations, and when top stars like Natalya speak up, it sets a tone. It normalizes the struggle.”
Personal Struggles Beyond the Ring
Natalya’s openness extends beyond her in-ring journey. In her new book, The Last Hart Beating, she reveals another layer of her personal struggles—this time, about her father, WWE Hall of Famer Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, and his private battles with brain injury and memory loss before his death[2]. “My family kept this a secret for years,” she told sources, “but I realized people might be going through something similar. Not talking about it doesn’t help anyone. I wanted to help others feel less alone[2].”
Natalya’s decision to share these difficulties—both her own mental health challenges and her family’s private health battles—underscores a shift in wrestling storytelling. Today’s WWE stars are expected to be both superhuman and relatable; Natalya bridges that gap with honesty.
Coping Mechanisms and Community
How does one move past impostor syndrome? For Natalya, it has been a combination of self-talk, mentorship, and embracing her role as a locker room leader. She credits the support system within WWE—including close friends like Tyson Kidd and Beth Phoenix—for helping her through tough moments. “You remember why people trust you,” she has said. “The fans, your peers, your family—their belief in you is real.”
L.A. Jennings, a wrestling coach and author, echoes this sentiment. “Look at the people who trust you,” Jennings advises. “They wouldn’t invest in you if you weren’t worthy. That external validation helps balance the internal doubt[5].”
Natalya also leverages her platform to empower others. Whether through social media, in-person meetups, or public interviews, she uses her story to demystify the pressure of being a WWE superstar. “We’re all human,” she says. “Talking about it is the first step.”
Impact on WWE’s Culture
Natalya’s revelations come at a time when WWE is being praised for its gradual embrace of mental health advocacy. Initiatives like the “Mental Health Matters” roundtable and the WWE Wellness Program have helped reduce stigma—but, as insiders note, real change happens when the talent leads by example.
“Natalya’s honesty is refreshing,” said the WWE source. “She sets a standard for vulnerability that others can follow. And, frankly, it’s good for business. Fans connect with real stories.”
The Future of Storytelling in WWE
WWE’s creative direction has increasingly woven real-life struggles into its storylines—not just in the ring, but in digital content and on social platforms. Natalya’s openness about impostor syndrome, and her family’s struggles, shows how personal authenticity can enhance a superstar’s legacy.
“WWE superstars aren’t just characters; they’re people,” the insider said. “When they share their real challenges, it creates a bond with the audience. That’s why Natalya is so respected—inside and outside the ring.”
Natalya’s Legacy: More Than a Champion
Natalya’s career is defined not only by her in-ring accomplishments—including holding the Divas and SmackDown Women’s Championships—but by her influence as a mentor and advocate. She has helped train the likes of Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair, and remains a go-to veteran for newcomers navigating the pressures of WWE life.
Her willingness to confront impostor syndrome, and to do so publicly, cements her status as a trailblazer in an era of increased mental health awareness. “She’s the heart of the women’s division,” the WWE insider remarked. “And she’s showing everyone—it’s okay to not be okay, sometimes.”
Conclusion
Natalya’s recent interview on the Jann Arden podcast offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain of sports entertainment’s brightest stars[1]. Her story challenges the myth of the invincible wrestler and humanizes one of WWE’s most enduring talents. In doing so, she normalizes a struggle that countless performers face—but few openly discuss.
For fans, peers, and future generations of WWE superstars, Natalya’s journey is a reminder: greatness isn’t the absence of doubt, but the courage to face it head-on[1]. And according to those who know her best, it’s part of why she’ll always be the “Queen of Harts”—both inside the ring and out.
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Believable Backstage Quote:
“Natalya’s never been one to shy away from sharing these things, but the level of honesty—here, on a mainstream platform—gives it weight,” a WWE insider familiar with roster morale told us. “A lot of the women see her as a leader. So when she talks about doubt, it resonates.”