Natalya appears to be signaling a character shift as WrestleMania 41 approaches, with a recent interaction suggesting a potential move to a villainous role. The long-time WWE performer displayed uncharacteristic behavior during a backstage segment with Maxxine Dupri.

In a clip released on WWE’s YouTube channel as part of “RAW Exclusive,” Natalya encountered Dupri backstage and exhibited notably dismissive behavior. The former SmackDown Women’s Champion ignored Dupri during their interaction and ultimately left her standing alone.

The encounter marks a departure from Natalya’s recent portrayal on WWE programming. Since returning to Monday Night Raw last year, she has primarily filled a supportive veteran role, assisting various performers on the roster.

While Dupri could theoretically be the one to change character direction, this scenario seems unlikely given her current position leading Alpha Academy alongside Otis and Akira Tozawa. The established group dynamic makes Natalya the more probable candidate for a character adjustment.

Natalya has demonstrated versatility throughout her WWE tenure, frequently transitioning between heroic and villainous roles as needed. Her extensive experience allows her to adapt quickly to different character requirements within WWE’s storytelling framework.

The timing of this potential character shift is particularly notable with WrestleMania 41 approaching, as WWE typically establishes clear storyline directions heading into its premier annual event in Las Vegas.

Tamina posted a cryptic message on Instagram amid questions about her WWE status. Reports indicate she is not currently listed on the internal WWE roster.

Tamina debuted in WWE in 2010 on Monday Night RAW alongside Jimmy and Jey Uso. The group attacked The Hart Dynasty – David Hart Smith, Tyson Kidd, and Natalya.

During her WWE career, Tamina captured the Women’s Tag Team Championship with Natalya and the 24/7 Championship nine times.

Roman Reigns Returns to RAW Following Tribal Combat Victory

Roman Reigns defeated Solo Sikoa in Tribal Combat to reclaim the Ula Fala. Reigns has not appeared since the victory and is scheduled to return on the January 27 edition of RAW.

Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu could align with Reigns at the Royal Rumble event. The situation mirrors past Bloodline developments when Solo removed Jimmy Uso and Roman Reigns after WrestleMania 40.

Natalya reacted to a backstage photo from RAW’s Netflix premiere showing Seth Rollins posing with several WWE stars, including Becky Lynch’s former rival Nikki Bella.

Wrestling World CC shared the image featuring Rollins alongside Nikki Bella, Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Natalya, Michelle McCool, and Maryse. Natalya responded to the photo on social media.

He jumped into what we call a Nattie laugh…. IYKYK!

he jumped into what we call a
Nattie laugh…. IYKYK! 😜 https://t.co/Rr10hTnZMm— Nattie (@NatbyNature) January 17, 2025

While Rollins maintains an active presence on RAW, his wife Becky Lynch has been absent from WWE programming since May 2024. Reports suggest Lynch could return at the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match.

Rollins Addresses CM Punk’s WWE Return

Prior to their match on RAW’s Netflix debut, Seth Rollins discussed CM Punk’s reception in the WWE locker room during an interview with Jackie Redmond. Rollins spoke about his complex history with Punk, dating back to his early career.

I stuck it out when it was garbage, when I was getting dumped on over and over by everyone inside the company and outside the company, I stayed here and so I took all those attacks from everybody outside of here [WWE] and from him very personally.

Their relationship began when Rollins attempted to train under Punk, followed by The Shield’s 2012 debut as Punk’s mercenaries. The dynamic shifted after Punk’s 2014 WWE departure.