WWE star Nattie explains in-ring character amid Ronda Rousey comparisons, would entertain MMA bout
Natalya Neidhart has dismissed comparisons between her in-ring persona and Ronda Rousey's mixed martial arts career, while clarifying the distinct origins of her fighting style. Speaking ahead of her fatal four-way match at AAA's Triplemania 34 Night 1, where she will compete for a No. 1 contender spot in the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship, the WWE star addressed a widely circulated headline suggesting her character bore no resemblance to Rousey's.
Neidhart said she found the comparison amusing but emphasized she holds Rousey in high regard, crediting her with pioneering attention for women in MMA and calling her a friend. She traced her own combat approach to her grandfather Stu Hart's legendary training facility, where she was the only woman trained to wrestle men in a bare-knuckle, no-rope environment focused on shoot fighting.
"I'm Stu Hart's granddaughter from The Dungeon," she explained, describing training sessions that took place on mats against walls rather than traditional ring ropes. She stressed that while Rousey's MMA career was groundbreaking, her own character evolved from a different place, particularly after writing her autobiography.
The event takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where UFC and Zuffa Boxing events are also scheduled that weekend. When asked about the possibility of an MMA bout, Neidhart said she would not rule it out, expressing enthusiasm for the idea.
Neidhart also spoke openly about her appreciation for the physical toll of wrestling, saying she relishes the taste of blood and bruises. She cited a recent feud with NXT rival Jaida Parker, noting she sustained a loose tooth during their rivalry and considered it worthwhile. Parker later commented that Neidhart had brought out an aggressive side in her.
"Win or lose, let's go," Neidhart said, promising that opponents Faby Apache, La Hiedra, and Roxanne Perez should expect similar intensity on Friday night. The winner of the fatal four-way will advance to a championship match at Worlds Collide later this month.