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.

Natalya addressed her future plans in WWE during a recent interview with AM FM Magazine. The 42-year-old competitor discussed her aspirations to capture championship gold once again.

Natalya joined WWE in 2007 and has held multiple championships throughout her career, including the Divas Championship, SmackDown Women’s Championship, and Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Tamina. Her last singles championship reign ended in 2017.

During the interview, Natalya outlined her championship goals, noting the expanded opportunities with WWE’s newest women’s titles.

For me, like, the goal’s to become women’s champion in WWE. And now, of course, this is an unprecedented time for women in WWE. We have two brand new championships, the [Women’s] US Championship and the Women’s IC Championship. So, for me, to be a women’s champion again. That’s the goal, and I’m gonna make it happen.

Natalya Discusses Women’s Division Evolution

Natalya recently appeared on Denise Salcedo’s YouTube channel to share her perspective on women’s wrestling. She specifically praised recent performances in the Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament.

You know, I just love watching the women perform. I watched Iyo [Sky] and Lyra [Valkyria] last week for the Women’s Intercontinental title tournament. Of course, like, I wanted to make it out of the first round of the tournament, but it’s not my time.

Lyra Valkyria went on to defeat Dakota Kai in the finals to become the inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion.

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.