Ex-UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey is officially now a WWE Superstar. Rousey is expected to make her in-ring debut at WrestleMania 34 this weekend in New Orleans. She will team up with WWE Hall Of Famer Kurt Angle against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon in a Mixed Tag Team match.
The Queen Of Harts recently did a column for The Edmonton Sun and praised The Rowdy One’s work ethic in her professional wrestling career. Here’s what she had to say:
“At the Royal Rumble, no one could forget the debut of Ronda Rousey. Ronda is one of the most prominent names and a pioneer for female athletes. To have her join our roster of strong, empowered women is truly awesome. Ronda is very special in so many ways. She is a dedicated athlete who is passionate about what she believes in. What I love about her is that she makes no apologies for who she is.
“If she has a dream, she goes for it, even if she’s not entirely sure how it’s going to all work out. She knows that if she gives it her all and puts in the work, she won’t have regrets. I respect Ronda, I admire her and I’m proud to call her a friend. I also can’t wait to wrestle her one day!”
– In the first round of the WWE 2K18 Superstar Invitational Tournament on Xavier Woods’ UpUpDownDown YouTube gaming channel, RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss takes on WWE Intercontinental Title challenger Seth Rollins. You can check out the video here below:
Bliss took to Twitter to comment on her game with Rollins:
WWE recently acknowledged Natalya for all her contributions to the women’s divisions. As an 11-year veteran in WWE, Natalya serves as something of a team captain for the women’s roster.
They gifted her several signed items and mementos from the Women’s Royal Rumble match.
Natalya recently Tweeted out a photo of the gift she received:
Beyond touched to have received this beautiful gift from @WWE in honor of the first ever women’s #RoyalRumble match. It was such a huge dream to be a part of this moment and to make history with so many amazing women! ??????? pic.twitter.com/0jgHKIZTGC
Natalya was the 18th wrestler in the Women’s Royal Rumble match and the 25th to be eliminated. She spent 25 minutes in the match which was the 3rd longest of anyone. Becky Lynch was in the Rumble for 30 minutes and Sasha Banks for 53.
Natalya eliminated Michelle McCool, Beth Phoenix, and helped to eliminate Nia Jax. She was eventually eliminated by Trish Stratus who was then eliminated by Sasha Banks.
– In his first match in over a month, Lars Sullivan returned to action at tonight’s NXT live event in Dade City, Florida.
Taking on Babatunde Aiyegbusi, Sullivan beat the six-foot-10, 350-pound former football player in three minutes after putting him down with the Freak Accident.
Before tonight, Sullivan had not wrestled since squashing Lio Rush at an NXT television taping on Jan. 4 in Atlanta, Georgia.
– Renee Young is this week’s guest on the Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast as the WWE personality talks about her journey to WWE, her marriage to Dean Ambrose, changing her name on Instagram, Talking Smack, and more.
– Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart celebrates his birthday today as the two-time WWF Tag Team Champion turns 63 years old. In honor of his birthday, Natalya posted the following on their close relationship.
– During an interview at a Make-A-Wish event last Monday at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City, Stephanie McMahon said she would love to return to the ring.
“I would love to do it,” Stephanie said when asked if she would like to return to the ring. “I think anytime I have the opportunity to be physical in the ring, it’s a privilege for me. So if, you know, the storyline and our audience demands it, then, of course, I’m going to give it to them.”
The Commissioner of Monday Night Raw also discussed tonight’s Royal Rumble event, her match with Brie Bella at SummerSlam 2014, Raw 25, Ronda Rousey and more.
– Natalya, Carmella, and Bayley are guests on the latest edition of Chasing Glory with Lilian Garcia as they discuss the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match. Becky Lynch is also on the show as Lilian Garcia’s co-host. You can listen to the interview on PodcastOne or iTunes.
Since Paige’s devastating injury at a live event on December 28th, many have spoken about the balance between career drive/passion and the health risks that are present with every match in professional wrestling.
Natalya is the latest to do so when she spoke with Sporting News about Paige’s injury and the harsh reality that faces each WWE superstar when they enter the ring.
The 18-year veteran explained that while WWE is entertainment, it’s also extremely physical. However, this should be contrasted with the fact that anything can happen in life, and that life is full of risks, whether you’re working in a wrestling ring or not.
Natalya said that since she doesn’t know the exact details of Paige’s injury, the best course of action for anyone is to wait for the former Diva’s Champion, or WWE, to give a statement regarding the situation and future.
Making Reference to her husband, Tyson Kidd who suffered a career ending injury, Natalya mentions how a career choice with WWE provides both ups and downs, but the key is to take each day as it comes.
“What we do is physical and Paige is one of the most talented female superstars I’ve ever been in the ring with. So, I have nothing but respect for her and, obviously, my husband Tyson Kidd, who was extremely talented in the ring. I also know that we take everything one day at a time and I’m grateful for all the good time that we’ve had together in the ring.”
Opinion:
Natalya’s advice, to give Paige and WWE time, comes across as very supportive and optimistic, which contrasts with a lot of other reports that do not read well for Paige’s in-ring career.
It’s also good to point out Paige’s social media remains on the positive side as she posted this tweet on January 16th:
– Shayna Baszler Tweeted out a video of herself at the WWE Performance Center in which she makes fun of a group of female talents trying to learn submission holds inside the ring. Baszler insists on helping one of the girls, Jessie Elaban, but keeps her in a strong rear-naked choke hold way too tight and long. A few other female talents had to get Baszler off of Elaban:
– WWE Superstar Natalya recently did a column for The Calgary Sun in which she discussed the first-ever all-female Royal Rumble match set to take place later this year. Here’s what she had to say about the match:
“Being able to compete in our own Royal Rumble allows the entire WWE Women’s division to feel equality like we never have before. That feeling is truly empowering, and marks a pivotal moment in the WWE Women’s evolution. I am excited to be a part of history. The cherry on top for this Canadian girl would be to carry on the excellence of the Hart family members who came before me and to win the Royal Rumble and get my shot at being a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion. WrestleMania, here I come!”
– WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore recently appeared on EBRO In The Morning with Peter Rosenberg on HOT 97. During the appearance he did two minutes of rapping, which you can check out here:
– On Xavier Woods’ YouTube channel, UpUpDownDown, SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair and Natalya battle it out in a game of Madden 18 for EA Holiday Week. Flair plays as the Atlanta Falcons while Natalya uses the New England Patriots. Check it out here:
In last Tuesday’s SmackDown Live, Natalya took part in a match against Charlotte Flair to regain the Championship that she lost before Survivor Series. The match saw the introduction of NXT stars Ruby Riot, Liv Morgan, and Sarah Logan to the ring as they interrupted the title match by beating down Natalya and Charlotte.
Since then, Natalya has opened up about setbacks in her career, her current performance and position in WWE as she wrote an inspirational based article for the Calgary Sun.
“Whether it’s an injury, a mistake that was made, or a loss, setbacks happen to every single one of us. I’ve learned that you have to fight through the hard times. Trust that they will pass, because they will pass.”
Natalya goes on to give an example of how a setback enabled her to re-evaluate her position and career to make a positive impact, rather than holding her back.
“Two years ago, I broke my ankle while practising for a match I was about to have on Monday Night Raw. It was the first injury I had ever suffered in my entire WWE career. Not only that, but it happened doing something small and innocuous. I was so mad at myself. I even went into complete denial that I was even injured (that’s how mad I was!) but my ankle was broken.”
While the following video from WWE shows injuries that are portrayed as not breaking kayfabe, it’s used here as an example of how intense and dangerous professional wrestling can be, and how far superstars are willing to go.
“Once I finally saw the break in my ankle on the doctor’s X-Ray, I stopped crying. I got really serious and said to myself: ‘OK. I’ve got this.’ I couldn’t deny I was hurt. I couldn’t turn back the hands of time. I couldn’t go under it, around it or beneath it… I had to simply GO THROUGH IT.”
Natalya also explains that she saw another piece of information from the report on her broken ankle. She said that she saw her weight, and was shocked by it. Natalya used the time off to refocus her priorities, development, and career; she spent as much time as possible in the gym with a personal trainer to transform herself, making the result of a broken ankle add up to an overall positive step forward for her future.
“Fast forward to the present. At SummerSlam, I finally became the Women’s Champion in the WWE, and I did what I set out to do: make history. Last week, I lost my championship in a gruelling match against Charlotte Flair on Smackdown Live.”
“At first, I was sad. I cried. I loved holding that title up high every time I walked to the ring and feeling like the queen of the world! But I draw from my previous experiences with adversity — and trust me, there are so many outside of my broken ankle — and I see the setback of “losing” as an opportunity to chase something again and rediscover that fire inside of me when I wanted something SO much!”
Although Natalya is portrayed as the main heel in the women’s division on SmackDown Live, her article for the Calgary Sun, her hometown, is extremely humbling, inspirational and a positive message for all, not just those in professional wrestling.
“Setbacks can be huge opportunities to grow and evolve and simply BE BETTER.”
A lot of people have been guessing that Paige will be revealed as the fifth and final member of SmackDown’s Women Survivor Series team this Sunday, though apparently, that’s not the case.
During the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio Dave Meltzer said that the current plans are for the former Women’s Champion Natalya to fill the mystery spot.
No word yet on what the company is planning for Paige or when or where the former Diva’s Champion could make her return to WWE programming.
As noted before Paige was backstage at this week’s episode of Raw. She was expected to join the female Raw Survivor Series team but officials reportedly altered their plans on last minute.
While there is still time for the upcoming PPV and the plans could still change, it looks more likely that her return will be saved for a later date instead of wasting it on Survivor Series, which already features a packed card.
– WWE posted the following Fallout video from SmackDown Live last night in which The Hype Bros decide to challenge the Bludgeon Brothers who are expected to debut next week on the Blue Branded Show:
“Looking to get back on track, Zack Ryder & Mojo Rawley challenge the debuting Bludgeon Brothers. Get your first month of WWE Network for FREE: http://wwenetwork.com”
– As seen on SmackDown Live this week, Natalya lost the SmackDown Women’s Championship to Charlotte. The now-former Women’s Champion took her twitter today and commented the following on her title loss:
Only a small handful of people in the world can do we what do in the ring. It’s incredibly grueling. Blood, sweat, tears, heartbreak & sacrifices to get to the top. I’m reminded in all of this, just how important it is to BELIEVE in yourself. I can’t wait to get my title back!🖤 pic.twitter.com/vi0O4ckyfS
Charlotte Flair defeated Natalya to become the new SmackDown Women’s Champion at tonight’s WWE SmackDown in her hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Charlotte is now a six-time women’s champion but this is her first run with the SmackDown Women’e Title. Natalya had been champion since August 20th at SummerSlam.
Charlotte will face RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss at Sunday”s WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view, with Natalya will join the women’s Team SmackDown for the 5-on-5 Traditional Elimination Match.
After the match, Charlotte’s father Ric Flair made a surprise appearance.
A title match between Charlotte and Natalya is planned for tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live in Charlotte’s hometown. Reports from Dave Scherer of PWInsider.com suggest that Charlotte will be winning the title from Natalya to go on and compete against Alexa Bliss at Survivor Series.
If Charlotte winning the title from Natalya has been the long-term plan for tonight, WWE has worked well to keep it under wraps as Alexa Bliss continued to prepare and promote her match with Natalya last week on RAW:
Alexa has changed her tone however as she was featured in an interview last night that saw her almost prepare to lose as she claims the Survivor Series match to be unfair, due to the limited time she has to prepare for her opponent.
It is also possible that Alexa Bliss could be at SmackDown Live, along with other RAW superstars to witness the title challenge. If this is the case, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Alexa interfere with the match as SmackDown Live has done previously on RAW shows.
Compared to the overall impact on Survivor Series, this could be another change that sees WWE balance out the face and heel bookings within the champions matches. Jinder Mahal was set to face Brock Lesnar, but was replaced as AJ Styles won the WWE Championship from him last week on SmackDown Live.
The main problem that would be encountered, when having multiple ‘heel vs heel’ matches, is a neutral crowd/environment; the purpose of having a face and heel competitor is to create an atmosphere and to give the crowd a side/superstar to cheer and boo.
Therefore WWE has appeared to introduce more champions late in the day, who are faces, to even everything out, with Charlotte fitting the bill.
Opinion:
WWE has a recent history of making late changes to PPV cards. This has been due to health, as well as superstars walking out, but it seems as though anything is possible now.
Also, watch out for Carmella at SmackDown Live and Survivor Series, she needs something else to happen that enables her to cash in her Money In The Bank contract, and this week could present multiple opportunities.
– One fan took to Twitter to praise Paul Heyman for his promo hyping Brock Lesnar vs. AJ Styles at Survivor Series this weekend. Heyman responded by claiming he’s only just getting started on honing his craft on the mic, meaning WWE fans can expect far better promos from “The Advocate” in the coming years:
I always knew it would take a long long long long long long long time to hone this craft. You never stop learning in this (or any other) business. Just for the record, I'm just getting started! @WWE@BrockLesnar#SurvivorSerieshttps://t.co/xgsftQ7hOd
– WWE posted a video of SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Natalya firing off insults in Milan, Italy, while RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss responded to “The Queen Of Harts” from Mannheim, Germany during WWE’s European tour. Natalya and Bliss will meet at Survivor Series this weekend as part of the PPV’s RAW vs. SmackDown Live angle:
SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Natalya recently did an interview with Planeta Wrestling to discuss a variety of professional wrestling topics. During the interview Natalya talked about if she prefers to play a babyface or a heel, and the significance of her NXT TakeOver match against Charlotte Flair back in 2014. You can check out the highlights here below:
If she prefers playing a babyface or a heel:
“Being a good guy is much easier for me because I feel like it’s much more natural for me to be a babyface and have to be smiley and taking selfies with the fans and getting everybody into it, being vulnerable when I need to be,” Natalya said. “But being bad is really, really fun. I really like being bad and I like the challenge of making the audience boo me. It’s just really fun, I quite enjoy it.”
The significance of her NXT TakeOver match against Charlotte Flair in 2014:
“For me, the Takeover match at NXT, it was only in front of 200 people and that live crowd, it was insane to think that those 200 people could give me a WrestleMania moment. I say that because that match with her was just as special to me as main-eventing WrestleMania,” she said. “It really embodied everything that I am about, as far as women’s wrestling: working hard and paying it forward.
“I’ve been wrestling since I was 18 years old, and I was able to take all the skills that I’ve learned from my family, from a very prestigious Japanese coach, from learning in The Dungeon, from the various awesome coaches I’ve had and from my experiences around the world, I was able to take that and help pay it forward to somebody that needed it. Charlotte was up-and-coming, she had yet to prove herself and was still learning. So for me to be able to pass on my knowledge and then to also elevate myself, I think it opened everyone’s eyes to the fact that there’s an art to being able to protect yourself and being able to help build new talent. So that was very, very special for me.
“Also Charlotte losing her brother, who had recently passed away before that match happened,” she continued. “Although we compete in the ring and we play roles on TV of good and bad, it was very important for me to give Charlotte that moment for her dad and her family.”
H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions
Posted October 14th, 2017 in WWE, News. Tagged: Natalya.
Natalya is one of the oldest and most hardworking members of the Women’s Division of WWE and she recently got the reward for her patience when she won the SmackDown Women’s Championship at SummerSlam.
The new champion recently had an interview with Planeta Wrestling where she talked about winning the title and more. Below are some of the highlights from her interview:
On finally becoming the Women’s Champion:
“When we got the [new] women’s championships, I felt like this is part of my destiny, I grew up in this huge, incredible wrestling family, but I’ve never ridden on my family’s coattails. I’ve always fought very hard to have everything that I have on my own, and I’d feel like it would be a huge injustice to myself, to Nattie, to not say that I was once a Women’s Champion. So for me to be Women’s Champion now, it just feels like it’s destiny, and that it was meant to be and it was part of my wrestling journey. I really feel like it’s been one of those important things that was a life lesson to me about not giving up and persevering.”
On the seemingly imminent return of Paige:
“I can’t wait for Paige to come back, I love wrestling Paige, she’s one of my favorite opponents. But if she thinks that she’s gonna take my SmackDown Women’s Championship, she’s got another thing coming. I’m gonna be the SmackDown Women’s Champion forever. I would love to dance again with Paige in the ring, but she’s definitely not taking my championship.”
Her full interview can be seen below:
Posted October 12th, 2017 in WWE, News. Tagged: Natalya.
– WWE SmackDown has a live event tonight from East Lansing, Michigan. Tomorrow’s SmackDown Live will broadcast from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
– WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus wrote a blog post on her website talking about Natalya breaking her pay-per-view match record at last night’s Hell in a Cell PPV:
“I’m not surprised, Nattie is hands down the hardest working WWE Superstar male or female! In the ring she is as solid as it gets, as a performer she always delivers, and she is a excellent representative of not only the company but of woman in wrestling. She truly exemplifies what you can accomplish through hard work and what can happen when you follow your passion.. And it is for all of those reasons and more that I have always said following my retirement, that I wish I had worked with Nattie.”
– The conclusion of Sunday’s WWE Hell in a Cell pay-per-view saw Sami Zayn turning heel, saving longtime rival Kevin Owens from a top-of-the-cage attack by Shane McMahon and helping Owens get the victory in their Falls Count Anywhere match.
Following the show, Owens took to social media to share the following throwback photo of himself and Zayn.
SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Natalya recently did an interview with M Live ahead of her title defense against Charlotte Flair on tonight’s (Sun. October 8, 2017) Hell In A Cell pay-per-view (PPV). Natalya discussed which WWE Superstars catch her attention when they’re in the ring, her match with Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Live Women’s Title, and the possibility of Carmella cashing-in her Money In The Bank (MITB) briefcase. You can check out the highlights here:
Which WWE Superstars catch her attention when they’re in the ring:
“It’s funny because I work with so many talented people. Everybody from Randy Orton, Dolph Ziggler and Jinder Mahal. Mahal has blown me away this year. He actually started his training with my family in ‘The Dungeon’ the same time I did. To watch him succeed is really cool. For me, the person who I love to watch is Cesaro. Whenever he’s the ring, cool stuff happens. Can you think of anyone other than myself, I got my teeth knocked out last October and finished the match. But Cesaro, I watched last week his teeth get shoved up into his gums and he doesn’t miss a beat. He’s just so good. Cesaro is just fun to watch. He and Sheamus formed an awesome tag team and have just grown. Whenever they are on I don’t want to miss what they are doing.”
Facing Charlotte Flair at HIAC for the SDL Women’s Title:
“I think about all of the incredible women I’ve competed against and I would put Charlotte Flair on top of the list of my favorite opponents. At the same time, the tables have turned. In the past, Charlotte was always the ‘bad guy’ facing me and was always the champion. Now she’s turned over a new leaf and the tables have turned. I’m the champion. It’s my house. It’s going to be interesting to see her prove to herself and to the entire WWE universe that she can hang with me. There’s probably no other women in this industry I respect more than Charlotte, but she’s going to have to show me why she’s fit to be champion.”
Carmella possibly cashing-in her MITB briefcase:
“Charlotte is not taking my SmackDown Live Women’s Championship and neither is Carmella. If Carmella even gets close to me, I promise you I’ll be putting her and James Ellsworth in the sharpshooter at the same time.”
Check out Natalya’s full interview with M Live by visiting this link here.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Natalya, who will be defending the title against Charlotte Flair at this Sunday’s WWE Hell in a Cell PPV, recently spoke with Scott Fishman to promote the event and the upcoming season of Total Divas on the E! Network. Here are the highlights:
Tyson Kidd returning to Total Divas this season: “Tyson came back to the show and jumped into a new role in WWE that he loves. So, we are both in happy places. But the first time I met Brie and Bryan’s Birdie I was telling my husband, ‘So much has changed for us. Birdie almost makes me want to have a baby.’ Granted, I’m not in that place in my life yet, but Birdie is like no other baby I ever met. She is the best of Bryan and Brie. She is just so good-natured. I’ve never seen her cry. She could give any girl baby fever.”
Setting a WWE record at the Hell in a Cell: “Come Hell in a Cell, I would have had the most pay-per-view matches out of anyone in WWE history. I will surpass Trish Stratus’ record. To know how hard I worked, and to get this opportunity, it’s so great because 100 or so episodes later you see me achieve my dream. It’s a great message for men and women alike that if you believe in yourself and don’t give up, no matter how many times you want to throw in the towel, you can reach your dreams. Everything you ever wanted to happen can. You just have to keep going.”
Charlotte Flair made her return to SmackDown tonight and cut an emotional promo about how difficult the past six weeks have been for her and her father. Charlotte stated that life is fragile and that she is going to make every moment count from now on.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Natalya interrupted and announced that she was hosting a celebration for all women. The celebration quickly turned into Natalya gloating about herself and even revealed a large photo of her winning the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Charlotte said that she was glad that Natalya interrupted her because she wants a shot at the title. This then led to Becky Lynch, Naomi, Tamina and Lana coming down to the ring. Becky, Naomi and Tamina demanded a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship as well. SmackDown General Manager came down to the entrance ramp and announced that there will be a Fatal 4-Way in the main-event to determine who will face Natalya for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WWE Hell in a Cell on October 8th.
Charlotte wound up winning the Fatal 4-Way to close this week’s episode of SmackDown. Charlotte connected with a big boot to Tamina’s face for the pinfall victory. Charlotte was visibly emotional in the ring after the match and celebrated in the ring as Natalya watched on a monitor backstage.
– During a WWE Live Event last week in Brisbane, Australia, Monday Night RAW star Finn Balor was attacked by Bray Wyatt prior to their match-up getting officially underway. Shortly after, Balor took to social media and posted the following picture of his signature leather jacket getting ripped during the attack by Wyatt, and he wasn’t very happy about it. The pair will go one-on-on at No Mercy on pay-per-view (PPV):
– WWE held its first Live Event in China yesterday (Sun. September 17, 2017) as part of the company’s overseas tour. Prior to the show getting underway, SmackDown Live stars Lana, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Natalya got to hang out around the country. Check out some photos here:
Natalya made history when she dethroned Naomi to capture the SmackDown Women’s Championship last weekend at SummerSlam. During an interview with the Calgary Sun, the Calgary native said she can’t stop reliving that moment.
Natalya got so excited after the victory that she was shaking and almost started crying, which would have been a deviation for her heel character.
“I can’t stop myself from replaying that moment when Naomi tapped out to the Sharpshooter and the ref signalled the end of that match, and my women’s championship drought. I was so happy that I was shaking and wanted to burst into tears when I took that title and launched it above my head.
So lost in a moment that I’ve dreamed of since I was a young girl that I almost forgot to stay in character. I am currently a ‘bad girl’ in the WWE! I composed myself and saved the tears for when I got backstage. I also should have worn waterproofmascara, but I digress.”
Natalya said even though she’s a villain, she recognizes that she’s still a role model for young girls around the world.
“For most of my life, I’ve envisioned that moment I was crowned the women’s champ. After 10 years in WWE, my vision became a reality.”
Visit CalgarySun.com to read the full interview and check out her post-match interview from SummerSlam below:
Naomi defended her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Natalya during WWE SummerSlam.
Natalya slapped Naomi in the face to start off the match. Natalya then attacked Naomi in the corner and then slammed her to the mat. Naomi battled back and delivered a slap of her own to Natalya and Natalya rolled out of the ring. Naomi got on the ring apron and booted Natalya in the face. Naomi then connected with a Blockbuster off the ring apron.
The action returned to the ring and Natalya took control. Natalya stomped on Naomi in the corner and the referee was forced to break it up. Natalya then posed in the ring and then planted Naomi with a Suplex for a two count. Carmella and Ellsworth were shown watching the match backstage. Carmella was holding the MITB briefcase.
Naomi went for a roll up but Natalya kicked out at two and then leveled Naomi with a Clothesline. Naomi connected with a couple of kicks but Natalya responded by slamming her to the mat with a two count. Natalya then shouted “shut up” at the crowd who wasn’t making any noise at all. Natalya locked in the Abdominal Stretch in the middle of the ring.
Naomi battled out of the hold but Natalya once again connected with a Clothesline for a two count. Naomi hit a Russian Leg Sweep off the second rope and both Superstars crashed to the mat. Both Superstars got back to their feet and traded punches. Naomi got the upper-hand and connected with a spin kick. Naomi then slammed Natalya’s head into the mat for a two count.
Naomi hit a series of kicks but Natalya grabbed her leg and Naomi did a split in the ring. Natalya then hit a Dropkick to Naomi’s face for a two count. Naomi hung up Natalya between the ropes and then booted her in the back. Naomi then went to the ring apron and connected with a Leg Drop for a two count.
Natalya bounced Naomi’s head off the second turnbuckle but Naomi rolled Natalya up for a two count. Naomi went to apply a submission hold but Natalya blocked it and locked in the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring. Naomi tried to get to the bottom rope but Natalya dragged her back to the center of the ring. Naomi was able to roll through and Natalya fell into the turnbuckle head-first.
Naomi went for the split-legged Moonsault but Natalya got her knees up. Natalya once again locked in the Sharpshooter for the submission victory.
As we previously reported, the WWE announced its first ever female Money In The Bank Ladder match on last night’s (Tues. May 30, 2017) episode of SmackDown Live. Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Carmella, Natalya and Tamina will be competing in the contest, and the winner will receive a guaranteed shot at the SmackDown Live Women’s Title whenever they’d like.
The WWE released the following statement regarding the historic bout:
FIRST-EVER WOMEN’S MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH TO BE STREAMED LIVE SUNDAY, JUNE 18 ON WWE NETWORK
WWE (NYSE: WWE) announced today that the first-ever women’s Money In The Bank Ladder match will take place on Sunday, June 18 at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo, and streamed live around the world on WWE Network at 8 p.m. ET.
The match will feature WWE Superstars Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Carmella, Natalya and Tamina competing for the opportunity to receive a contract to challenge for the WWE SmackDown® Women’s Championship anytime within the next year. The match was made official tonight by SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon.