Natalya: Vince McMahon Wanted Women To Have More Visibility In Saudi Arabia, He Really Fought For Us

Natalya comments on being one of the first women to wrestle in Saudi Arabia.

Natalya and Lacey Evans were the first two women to have a wrestling match in Saudi Arabia. That match took place at WWE Crown Jewel in 2019. The women wore their merchandise t-shirts over bodysuits to ensure they were entirely covered, fitting in with the culture.

Since then, women’s wrestling in Saudi Arabia has become a regular part of the shows, and women have their own elaborate gear specially designed for the event. However, it all started with that first match between Natalya and Lacey Evans.

Speaking with DS of Ring the Belle, Natalya explained that she had talked to Vince McMahon about wanting to be the first woman to wrestle in Saudi Arabia. She also expressed her gratitude that McMahon fought hard for women to have that opportunity.

“WWE is my home. It’s where I’ve built so many incredible, amazing moments. I think it is about trust, though; they know that I’m going to deliver. I just feel like the women have come such a long way, and Vince McMahon gave me so many opportunities… The Saudi Arabia match, I said to Vince McMahon, when WWE first started doing stuff in Saudi Arabia, I said, ‘Vince, I really want to go. I want to be the first woman to wrestle in Saudi Arabia.’

“Vince made it happen. I think Vince really wanted women to wrestle there, too, and he really wanted us to have more visibility there, to be able to do what we love. So I will always be so grateful to Vince for that moment, because he fought for the women to have more visibility in Saudi Arabia. He had to fight. So, look at us now.“

Natalya also spoke about her recurrent relationship with Triple H. Learn more about that here.

Check out the full interview with Natalya below.

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