WWE’s Natalya has opened up about her extensive working relationship with former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, revealing that the legendary promoter was remarkably receptive to her creative pitches and personal suggestions throughout her 15-year tenure with the company. In recent interviews, the Canadian wrestler has painted a detailed picture of what it was like to collaborate with one of professional wrestling’s most polarizing figures, emphasizing his willingness to listen and his hands-on approach to talent development.
A Billionaire Boss Who Made Time for Everyone
Despite his status as a billionaire chairman running a multi-million-dollar entertainment empire, McMahon earned Natalya’s respect for his accessibility and work ethic. According to Natalya’s accounts, McMahon maintained an open-door policy that allowed wrestlers at any level to approach him with ideas and concerns. She recalled that whenever she gathered the courage to knock on his office door, McMahon would always find time to hear her out, regardless of how busy his schedule appeared to be.[2]
“There was never a moment that I couldn’t go up to Vince and ask him a question or make a suggestion about my career,” Natalya stated, emphasizing the rarity of such accessibility from someone of McMahon’s stature. “For a billionaire boss who didn’t have to be as present as he was in those aspects, he never, ever let me down.”[2]
What made McMahon’s approach even more remarkable was his consistency. Natalya noted that he established a pattern of reliability—she knew she could always depend on him to give serious consideration to her proposals. This predictability created an environment where talented performers felt empowered to contribute creatively rather than simply execute someone else’s vision.
The Creative Partnership Between Superstar and Chairman
Throughout her time in WWE, Natalya developed a collaborative relationship with McMahon that transcended the typical boss-employee dynamic. Rather than simply accepting whatever creative direction the company provided, Natalya learned to craft thoughtful pitches that showcased her passion and conviction for storyline ideas. She understood that McMahon respected performers who came prepared with well-developed concepts rather than casual suggestions.[1]
“I would never go in without having a really good idea that I would bring to the table that I was very passionate about,” Natalya explained. “Vince kind of knew, I think, that I didn’t just go unless it was important.”[1]
This mutual understanding created a foundation of trust. When McMahon did reject one of her ideas, he provided detailed explanations and reasoning rather than simply shutting down the proposal. According to Natalya, McMahon would outline exactly why a particular concept didn’t work for his vision of WWE programming, offering constructive feedback that helped her refine her creative thinking.[1]
More importantly, when McMahon approved her pitches, he followed through. Natalya emphasized that McMahon consistently gave her ideas legitimate opportunities to succeed on television, allowing them to develop organically rather than dismissing them after one or two appearances.
Championing Women’s Wrestling and WrestleMania Representation
One of Natalya’s most significant contributions to WWE’s creative landscape involved her advocacy for increased women’s representation on the company’s biggest events, particularly WrestleMania. Rather than remaining content with whatever opportunities came her way, Natalya took the initiative to pitch matches and segments that would provide more women with main-card exposure.[1][2]
Her persistence paid off. According to multiple accounts, Natalya successfully pitched three separate WrestleMania concepts over consecutive years, each designed to feature more female wrestlers on the premium live event. McMahon approved all three pitches, demonstrating his willingness to evolve WWE’s programming based on performer feedback and audience demand.[2]
“I said to Vince, ‘I really want to get more women on the show,'” Natalya recalled. “This happened three years in a row, and Vince went with my ideas that could get more women involved on the show.”[2]
A backstage source familiar with WWE’s creative meetings during that era revealed that Natalya’s advocacy for her peers was well-known throughout the company. “Natalya wasn’t just thinking about herself,” the source explained. “She was actively trying to elevate other women in the locker room, and Vince respected that kind of leadership from a performer.”
The Special Relationship with Tamina
One particular example that stands out involves Natalya’s efforts to secure more television time for her cousin Tamina Snuka. Recognizing Tamina’s untapped potential and in-ring abilities, Natalya pitched the idea of teaming her with Tamina on major WWE programming. She described Tamina as an “unsung hero” in the women’s locker room who deserved greater opportunities to showcase her talents.[1]
McMahon responded positively to this pitch, understanding that Natalya came from a legendary wrestling family and respected both performers’ heritage. The approval to team with Tamina represented McMahon’s recognition not just of Natalya’s creative suggestions, but also his respect for the legacy both women carried as members of prestigious wrestling dynasties.[1]
Work Ethic and Personal Inspiration
Beyond the creative collaboration, Natalya developed considerable respect for McMahon’s personal work ethic and dedication to his craft. She observed that McMahon maintained an extraordinary fitness regimen, working out seven days per week and attending virtually every WWE television broadcast and pay-per-view event, whether on Raw, SmackDown, or premium live events.[2]
“He worked harder than anybody that I’ve ever met in my life,” Natalya said, noting that McMahon’s hands-on presence throughout his organization served as a daily source of inspiration for her own professional discipline and commitment.[2]
This visibility made McMahon a tangible presence in the lives of performers rather than a distant executive. Knowing that the chairman would be watching performances personally motivated wrestlers to consistently deliver their best work.
The Complexity of a Long-Term Working Relationship
While Natalya has praised McMahon’s accessibility and creative receptiveness, she has also acknowledged that their relationship was not without complications. She documented both the positive and challenging aspects of working under McMahon in her book, recognizing that no professional relationship remains uniformly positive.[2]
“I just have so much gratitude for my career. I’m so grateful because all those highs and lows taught me so much,” Natalya reflected, indicating that the difficult moments ultimately contributed to her personal and professional growth.[2]
Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship
Natalya’s testimony provides valuable insight into McMahon’s leadership style during his tenure as WWE chairman. While public perception of McMahon has often focused on controversial creative decisions and organizational scandals, Natalya’s account highlights his willingness to listen to performers and adapt programming based on their feedback. Her 15-year career under his leadership resulted in meaningful contributions to WWE’s creative direction, particularly regarding women’s representation at the company’s flagship events.
The veteran performer’s comments suggest that McMahon’s success in building WWE into a global entertainment powerhouse stemmed partly from his openness to ideas from unexpected sources and his commitment to being present and accessible to his talent, regardless of their position on the card.