Natalya Neidhart, wrestling under her real name outside of WWE, made her NWA debut at the Crockett Cup on May 17th, challenging Kenzie Paige for the NWA Womens Championship.
The WWE superstar hit the ring with her Rage Against the Machine theme, the same entrance music she previously used at Bloodsport.
Despite bringing her experience to the match, Natalya couldnt dethrone Paige, who successfully retained her title. Paiges victory solidified her reign as NWA Womens Champion, sending a strong message to the locker room that shes not backing down anytime soon.
But that wasnt the only thing fans were talking about. Footage also surfaced of Natalya going at it with a heckler in the crowd. The video shows Natalya storming over to the fan, slapping him across the face before reaching over and trying to get more hits in. Security quickly intervened and pulled her off, but the incident left fans stunned.
Gail Kim was originally set to serve as the special guest referee for the title bout, marking her first post-TNA appearance since her release in March. However, just hours before the event, Kim announced on Twitter that she was too sick to make it to Philadelphia. I am sorry to have to announce that I cannot make it to the Crockett Cup today in Philadelphia, Kim wrote. I hate to let the fans down and most of all Nattie and Kenzie but post cruise last Sunday, I went down hard and have been suffering severe flu/covid symptoms.
Kim added that she was still experiencing a high fever and had no choice but to cancel her appearance, promising to make it up to NWA fans and CEO Billy Corgan in the future.
Now, with Kims absence and Natalyas loss, questions remain about whats next for the NWA Womens Division and whether fans will see another crossover appearance from the WWE star.
What do you think of Natalyas NWA debut and Gail Kims last-minute cancellation? Do you think Natalya will get another shot at the title? Let us know in the comments below!
