Uncertainty surrounds Natalya with the rumors of her WWE contract expiring soon, with no new deal reached yet. The veteran first signed with the company in 2008 and has served as a stable of the women’s division since. However, it appears as though she could be done with WWE.
Natalya was reportedly absent from backstage during this week’s Raw, fueling the speculation. The Canadian Superstar is also notably absent from this weekend’s WWE Money in the Bank and NXT Heatwave Premium Live Events, which take place in her home country.
In fact, Natalya’s tag team partner, Karmen Petrovic, is teaming up with Arianna Grace instead at the NXT event.
With so much mystery surrounding the situation, let’s evaluate three possible opportunities for Natalya.
Natalya Becomes #AllElite
The TBS Champion Mercedes Mone recently hinted in an interview that she would like for Natalya and husband TJ Wilson to join AEW. In the coming months, we might see this happen.
While the women’s division in AEW has grown tremendously in the last year, adding someone with the experience of Natalya would give an instant boost. As a veteran wrestler, she can help young talent like Willow Nightingale, Anna Jay, and Skye Blue, much like she did in WWE and NXT.
In addition, AEW might use Natalya to her full capabilities and give her the proper spotlight she deserves. A title run as AEW Women’s World Champion or TBS Champion would further establish credibility to the belts, as well.
After 16 years with WWE, it may be time for Natalya to venture outside for new opportunities.
Natalya Signs With TNA
TNA may not receive the same amount of attention from fans as AEW does. However, they have an underrated Knockouts division that should not be ignored.
Just last May, we saw Naomi rejuvenate her career as Trinity by signing with TNA. Ash by Elegance, formerly known as Dana Brooke in WWE, appears to be doing the same currently.
Natalya would no doubt become the biggest star on the Knockouts roster and win the Knockouts World Championship in the near future. Unlike AEW where she might get lost in the stacked division, she would receive a larger spotlight in TNA.
WWE recently opened the forbidden door with TNA with several wrestlers crossing over between the promotions. If Natalya wants to make a splash in TNA, she could also do so by re-signing with WWE. Tatum Paxley and Izzi Dame challenged Jordynne Grace for the Knockouts title, so who says Natalya can’t, as well?
Natalya Stays With WWE
Of course, Natalya may just ink a new deal with WWE. Rumors of leaving might fuel the company to offer her a better contract with a higher salary.
The experience and knowledge that Natalya possesses is valuable to WWE, so they would be smart to try their best to keep her. She is a future Hall of Famer who deserves another world title before retiring. The former Divas Champion and SmackDown Women’s Champion won her last singles title in 2017, almost 7 years ago.
If the veteran stays with WWE, the company should learn from this situation to give Natalya the proper opportunities she earned from her contributions over 16 years.
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