Natalya's Reign: WWE SmackDown Women's Champion!

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive deep into the career of one of WWE's most enduring and respected female superstars: Natalya Neidhart! More specifically, we're going to focus on her memorable run as the SmackDown Women's Champion. Natalya, a third-generation wrestler from the legendary Hart family, has carved out an incredible legacy through her dedication, technical prowess, and unwavering commitment to the sport. Getting to the top of WWE isn't easy, but Natalya's mix of talent and persistence made it possible.

Natalya's journey to the SmackDown Women's Championship wasn't an overnight success. She paid her dues, honed her skills, and proved herself time and time again. When she finally captured the title, it was a testament to her hard work and a moment of pure validation for both her and her fans. She always showed that she was one of the best technical wrestlers, man or woman. Her winning of the title only cemented her in history. For anyone that followed her since her days in Stampede Wrestling, it was a wonderful moment to watch. Natalya wasn't just given the title; she worked hard to earn it. She didn't just depend on her famous last name, but really proved herself in the ring.

The SmackDown Women's Championship is arguably one of the most prestigious titles in WWE's women's division. Holding this championship signifies that you're at the top of your game. Champions are seen as a true leader in the locker room, and someone that represents the brand. For Natalya to hold the SmackDown Women's Championship meant that she was the face of Friday nights. The entire division was looking up to her. This is a lot of pressure, but it's a role that she took seriously. Natalya always wanted to use the opportunity to elevate everyone around her. The Hart name means a lot in wrestling, and Natalya is another example of the family's influence on the sport.

Natalya's Road to the Championship

Before we relive Natalya's SmackDown Women's Championship run, let's quickly recap her journey to the top. Natalya signed with WWE in 2007, debuting on SmackDown in 2008. She quickly aligned herself with Victoria, forming a tag team. Natalya would then make her WrestleMania debut at WrestleMania 25, competing in the 25-Diva battle royal. In 2010, Natalya was traded to the Raw brand and quickly set her sights on the Divas Championship. She would defeat Michelle McCool at Survivor Series to win the Divas Championship, in a 2-on-1 handicap match. She would hold onto the championship for 70 days, before losing it to Eve Torres. She would then form The Divas of Doom with Beth Phoenix, dominating the division.

As part of the Hart Dynasty with Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith, Natalya captured the WWE Unified Tag Team Championship. This win showcased her versatility and ability to excel in tag team competition. The Hart Dynasty was very popular among wrestling fans. Seeing them win the titles was a dream come true for many. Their reign was memorable and made them even more popular with the audience. Natalya played a crucial role in the group's success, often using her wrestling skills to gain an advantage over their opponents. The Hart Dynasty was the best of the division at the time, and one of the greatest tag teams of all time.

Over the years, Natalya continued to evolve as a performer, showcasing her technical wrestling skills and developing a compelling character. She was one of the people who led the women's evolution. All of this set the stage for her SmackDown Women's Championship victory. Fans couldn't wait to see her with the title. She worked for so long and was finally getting the recognition she deserved. Everything was paying off for her. Natalya went on to have a memorable run, with many amazing matches.

The Championship Victory

The big moment finally arrived at SummerSlam in 2017. Natalya challenged Naomi for the SmackDown Women's Championship. The match was a hard-fought battle, with both women giving it their all. After a series of near falls and submission attempts, Natalya finally locked in the Sharpshooter, forcing Naomi to submit and capturing the title. The crowd erupted as Natalya celebrated her victory. She had finally reached the pinnacle of the SmackDown women's division.

Winning the championship was an emotional moment for Natalya. It was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. This was also a huge moment for the Hart family. Natalya proved that she could carry the torch for her family, and keep their legacy going. The fans were very happy to see Natalya win the title. She was respected by her peers and loved by the fans. Natalya had the respect of everyone backstage.

Natalya's Reign as SmackDown Women's Champion

As SmackDown Women's Champion, Natalya embraced her role as a veteran leader and a fighting champion. She defended her title against a variety of opponents. This included Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Carmella. Her matches were always competitive and entertaining, showcasing her technical skills and her ability to tell a story in the ring. She carried herself as champion very well. She always was respectful to everyone in the locker room, and she never forgot where she came from.

Natalya's reign as champion wasn't just about her own success; she also used her platform to elevate other women in the division. She was always willing to work with up-and-coming stars, helping them to develop their skills and gain exposure. Natalya really took the women's division seriously. Natalya was a true team player, always putting the needs of the division ahead of her own. She was a great leader and role model for the other women in the locker room.

Memorable Matches and Moments

• Natalya vs. Charlotte Flair: One of the most memorable matches during Natalya's reign was against Charlotte Flair. The two women had great chemistry together, and their matches were always intense and physical. Fans loved seeing these two compete. They always put on a great show, and they always pushed each other to the limit. Natalya and Charlotte showed a lot of respect for one another. They were always willing to help each other improve.
• Natalya vs. Becky Lynch: Natalya also had a memorable rivalry with Becky Lynch during her time as champion. Their matches were always hard-fought and unpredictable. Becky was very over with the fans, so this feud really elevated Natalya. This showed that Natalya could be a great heel. It helped show a different side to Natalya. Natalya and Becky's matches were some of the best of the year.
• Carmella's Championship Win: Natalya's reign eventually came to an end when she lost the title to Carmella. Carmella won the Money in the Bank briefcase, and cashed in on Natalya. Even though Natalya lost the title, she never lost her passion for wrestling. This was a great moment for Carmella, and Natalya was happy to help her achieve her dream.

Natalya's Legacy

Natalya's SmackDown Women's Championship reign may have been relatively short. However, it solidified her place as one of the most respected and accomplished female superstars in WWE history. She has consistently delivered in the ring. She also served as a role model for aspiring wrestlers. She always put in the work and never gave up on her dreams. Natalya is a true inspiration to everyone in the locker room. Natalya continues to be a valuable asset to WWE, both in and out of the ring.

Natalya is a true veteran of the sport. Her contributions to women's wrestling are undeniable. Natalya has helped pave the way for future generations of female wrestlers. She will always be remembered as one of the greatest of all time. She helped make women's wrestling what it is today. Natalya has won multiple championships in WWE, and has had many memorable matches.

So, the next time you see Natalya in the ring, remember her incredible journey to the top. Remember all of her hard work and dedication. And remember her unforgettable reign as the SmackDown Women's Champion! Natalya is a true legend, and her legacy will continue to inspire wrestling fans for years to come. She has earned the respect of her peers and fans alike, and she continues to be a role model for aspiring wrestlers around the world.