Natalya's Greatest WWE Matches: A Queen Of Harts Showcase

Natalya Neidhart, a true WWE veteran, has consistently proven her mettle inside the squared circle. As a third-generation wrestler from the legendary Hart family, she carries a rich wrestling heritage. Her career, spanning over a decade and a half, is filled with unforgettable matches. She isn't just a wrestler; she embodies the spirit of WWE. Guys, let's dive into some of Natalya's most memorable WWE matches, showcasing her technical prowess, resilience, and dedication to the sport. These matches not only highlight her in-ring abilities but also her capacity to tell compelling stories, making her a cornerstone of WWE's women's division.

Natalya vs. Charlotte Flair (NXT TakeOver, May 29, 2014)

This match is often considered a turning point for women's wrestling in WWE. At NXT TakeOver, Natalya faced Charlotte Flair for the NXT Women's Championship. The encounter was more than just a title match; it was a showcase of technical wrestling and storytelling. Natalya, with her years of experience, brought a grounded, methodical approach to the ring. Charlotte, on the other hand, possessed a natural athleticism and charisma that made her a formidable opponent.

The match built slowly, with both women exchanging holds and counters, each trying to gain an advantage. Natalya focused on wearing down Charlotte, targeting her legs and back with strategic submissions. She masterfully executed classic Hart family maneuvers, paying homage to her wrestling lineage. Charlotte responded with high-impact moves, using her agility to keep Natalya at bay. The intensity escalated as the match progressed, with near falls and dramatic escapes that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. The storytelling was superb, with Natalya playing the role of the seasoned veteran and Charlotte the up-and-coming star eager to prove herself.

What made this match truly special was the respect and sportsmanship displayed by both women. After a grueling battle, Charlotte defeated Natalya to retain her title. But the real highlight came after the bell when Natalya embraced Charlotte, acknowledging her victory and signaling a passing of the torch. This moment was a powerful statement about the evolution of women's wrestling, emphasizing skill, respect, and camaraderie. This match remains a landmark moment, demonstrating Natalya's ability to elevate her opponents and contribute to meaningful narratives within the WWE landscape. It set a new standard for women's matches in WWE, proving that they could be just as compelling and technically sound as their male counterparts.

Natalya vs. Sasha Banks (Raw, August 21, 2017)

Another standout match for Natalya came against Sasha Banks on Raw in August 2017, where she captured the WWE Women's Championship. This match was a testament to Natalya's enduring ability to perform at the highest level. Sasha Banks, known for her aggressive style and undeniable charisma, provided a stiff challenge for Natalya. The storyline leading up to the match was compelling, with both women vying for dominance in the Raw women's division.

From the opening bell, the match was fast-paced and intense. Sasha brought her signature blend of high-flying offense and ruthless aggression, while Natalya relied on her technical wrestling skills and ring awareness. The match featured numerous reversals and close calls, keeping the audience guessing. One memorable spot saw Sasha locking in the Bank Statement, her signature submission hold, but Natalya managed to escape, showcasing her resilience and determination. Natalya strategically targeted Sasha's arm, attempting to weaken her opponent and set up her own Sharpshooter submission. The crowd was fully invested, chanting for both women and creating an electric atmosphere.

The climax of the match saw Natalya locking in the Sharpshooter, her uncle Bret Hart's signature move, on Sasha. The hold was applied with precision, and Sasha struggled to break free. Eventually, Sasha was forced to tap out, crowning Natalya as the new WWE Women's Champion. The victory was a significant moment for Natalya, marking a high point in her career and validating her years of hard work and dedication. The match was praised for its technical execution, storytelling, and the genuine emotion displayed by both competitors. It underscored Natalya's ability to adapt to different opponents and styles, proving her versatility as a performer. It also showcased her ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level, making her victory all the more satisfying. For wrestling enthusiasts, this match highlighted Natalya's role as a respected veteran and a key figure in the women's division.

Natalya vs. Ronda Rousey (Money in the Bank, June 17, 2018)

Natalya's match against Ronda Rousey at Money in the Bank in June 2018 was a captivating encounter that blended technical wrestling with MMA elements. Ronda Rousey, a former UFC champion, was relatively new to WWE at the time. Natalya, being a seasoned professional, played a crucial role in showcasing Rousey's potential. The match was highly anticipated, given Rousey's star power and Natalya's reputation for delivering solid performances.

The match started with Natalya testing Rousey's striking and grappling skills. Natalya used her wrestling acumen to control the pace, working to ground Rousey and exploit any vulnerabilities. Rousey, however, showcased her raw power and aggression, using Judo throws and strikes to keep Natalya at bay. The match saw several tense moments, with both women trading submission attempts and near falls. Natalya locked in the Sharpshooter, paying homage to her family's wrestling legacy, but Rousey managed to escape. Rousey then applied her signature armbar, a devastating submission hold that had won her many matches in UFC.

The climax of the match saw Rousey locking in the armbar, forcing Natalya to tap out. Although Natalya lost, her performance was commendable. She helped elevate Rousey, making her look like a credible threat. The match was a success, blending the styles of wrestling and MMA seamlessly. It highlighted Natalya's ability to work with diverse opponents, showcasing her adaptability. The match also underscored her role as a mentor to newer talent, helping them shine on a grand stage. The audience was engaged throughout, appreciating the intensity and realism of the contest. Natalya's contribution to this match should not be understated, as she played a vital role in making Ronda Rousey's transition to WWE a success. She demonstrated her selflessness, putting her opponent over to benefit the larger narrative.

Natalya vs. Becky Lynch (SummerSlam, August 11, 2019)

At SummerSlam in August 2019, Natalya faced Becky Lynch in a Submission Match for the Raw Women's Championship. This match was built on a personal and intense rivalry, adding layers of drama to their encounter. Becky Lynch, known as "The Man," was at the peak of her popularity, making this match a high-profile opportunity for Natalya. The stakes were high, with both women aiming to prove their dominance in the women's division.

As a Submission Match, the contest was a technical battle from start to finish. Both women showcased their grappling skills, trading submission attempts and reversals. Natalya focused on using her knowledge of catch wrestling, applying holds like the Sharpshooter and various leg locks. Becky Lynch responded with her signature Dis-Arm-Her, a devastating armbar that had won her numerous matches. The intensity of the match was palpable, with each woman showing a relentless determination to force a submission. The crowd was fully invested, chanting for both competitors and reacting to every near fall and escape.

The match featured several innovative spots, including both women using the ring posts and barricades to amplify their submission attempts. One memorable moment saw Natalya locking in the Sharpshooter, only for Becky to counter into the Dis-Arm-Her. The climax of the match saw Becky Lynch applying the Dis-Arm-Her with full force, ultimately forcing Natalya to tap out. While Natalya didn't win, her performance was praised for its intensity and technical precision. The match helped solidify Becky Lynch's status as a top star, while also demonstrating Natalya's ability to deliver compelling matches. The personal animosity between the two added an extra layer of intrigue, making the match a memorable part of the SummerSlam event. Natalya's willingness to push herself and her opponent made this match a standout moment in her career. For wrestling aficionados, this match exemplifies Natalya's ability to adapt to different match types and storylines, solidifying her role as a versatile and valuable performer.

Natalya vs. Shayna Baszler (SmackDown, June 26, 2020)

Natalya's match against Shayna Baszler on SmackDown in June 2020 was a clash of styles, pitting Natalya's technical wrestling against Baszler's MMA-inspired offense. Shayna Baszler, known for her brutal and unforgiving style, presented a unique challenge for Natalya. The match was an opportunity for both women to showcase their skills and establish their dominance in the SmackDown women's division.

The match was a hard-hitting affair from the opening bell. Baszler used her striking and submission skills to gain an early advantage, targeting Natalya's limbs with vicious kicks and holds. Natalya responded with her technical wrestling, attempting to ground Baszler and control the pace. The match featured several intense exchanges, with both women trading blows and submission attempts. Natalya locked in the Sharpshooter, but Baszler quickly escaped, showcasing her resilience.

The climax of the match saw Baszler locking in the Kirifuda Clutch, her signature submission hold, which rendered Natalya unconscious. Although Natalya lost, her performance was valiant. She demonstrated her toughness and willingness to fight, even against a formidable opponent like Baszler. The match was a showcase of contrasting styles, highlighting the diversity of talent in the WWE women's division. It also demonstrated Natalya's ability to adapt to different opponents and match types. The audience appreciated the intensity and realism of the contest, recognizing the skill and dedication of both women. Natalya's role in this match was significant, as she helped elevate Baszler and establish her as a credible threat. She showed her selflessness, putting her opponent over to benefit the larger narrative. For wrestling enthusiasts, this match exemplified Natalya's commitment to the sport and her ability to deliver compelling performances, regardless of the outcome. This match emphasizes how versatile and significant Natalya is in the WWE universe. Guys, she is a star.

In Conclusion

Natalya's contributions to WWE extend far beyond wins and losses. She has consistently delivered memorable matches, elevated her opponents, and helped shape the landscape of women's wrestling. Her dedication, technical prowess, and passion for the sport have made her a respected figure in the industry. As she continues her WWE journey, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters and memorable moments from the Queen of Harts. She is more than just a wrestler; she is a true icon.