Professional wrestler Natalya recently appeared on the “Growing Up Erich” podcast and shared her journey in wrestling, despite her father and extended family’s initial resistance. She also talks about the family’s reaction to her late cousin Owen Hart’s passing.
Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, Natalya’s father, was hesitant about his daughters picking up wrestling as a career in the ’80s due to the male dominated sphere. The limited presence of women wresters like Sensational Sherri [Martel], and Miss Elizabeth further added to his worries.
As a teenager, Natalya was fascinated by the emergence of women wrestlers like Trish Stratus and Lita, resulting in her being drawn to wrestling. She decided to practice in ‘The Dungeon,’ a training ground established by Stu Hart, her grandfather, becoming the only girl in her family to pursue wrestling.
Her entry into the wrestling field was met with resistance by her grandfather as well, who was traditionally opposed to women wrestling.
Natalya also shared her family’s emotional turmoil following the death of her cousin, Owen Hart. She mentioned how still to this day, she often imaginatively seeks Owen’s guidance in wrestling. Through her profession, Natalya views herself as the torchbearer of her grandfather’s legacy.
Viewers can see the full exclusive interview with Natalya on YouTube. If you have any news or recaps of podcasts, you can send them in for posting.