On May 25th, 2025, WWE’s Natalya praised the exceptional quality of women’s wrestling showcased during a night when NXT and AEW events clashed head-to-head. While Natalya did not specify which show she was referring to in her tweets, she highlighted the incredible talent and potential of female wrestlers, stating, “Give us the opportunity and we’re going to crush it, and put it on top.”
That night, AEW held its Double or Nothing event in Glendale, Arizona, where Anna Jay and Harley Cameron triumphed over Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford in the Zero Time Pre-Show. Mercedes won the Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament by defeating Jamie Hater, and Toni Storm successfully defended the AEW Women’s World Championship against Mina Shirakawa, setting up another anticipated match in Texas on July 12th.
Meanwhile, WWE’s NXT featured Sol Ruca defending the NXT Women’s North American Championship against Kelani Jordan in a match Natalia described as “great.” Jordyn Grace also challenged Stephanie Verker for the NXT Women’s Championship but was unsuccessful. Natalya praised both athletes, saying, “You were both wonderful,” which resonated well with fans.
Natalya, who recently took part in the NWA Crockett Cup, also mentioned “Natty Friction,” a playful nod to her recent opponents, including Kenzie Page and WWE’s Charlotte Flair, labeling them as noteworthy winners.
Fan Take: This recognition from a respected WWE star like Natalya brings much-needed spotlight to AEW’s women’s division, highlighting its rising prominence in the wrestling world. For AEW fans, it signals growing respect and potential for their favorite athletes to truly shine on a national and international stage, further elevating women’s wrestling as a key part of the sport’s future.
