Anticipation and excitement line the path to WWE NXT Battleground. The Triple Threat match with Oba Femi, Wes Lee, and Joe Coffey is expected to provide an exciting competition for the North American Championship. With anticipation building in the wrestling community, the scene is ready for a memorable evening at the Apex location.
The Birth of a Revolution
In 2014, WWE was on the verge of starting the “Divas Revolution,” an initiative to improve the standing of women’s wrestling in the company. A crucial point in this revolution occurred during the match between Natalya and Charlotte Flair at NXT TakeOver. The competition was for the championship title of NXT Women’s Champion left open by Paige moving up to the main roster.
A Milestone Match
This match is frequently praised as one of the top moments in the professional careers of Natalya and Charlotte. The focus was not solely on winning a championship; it was also on demonstrating the wide range of talent and storytelling that women’s wrestling had to offer. Natalya recognizes the importance of this match, saying it gave her the opportunity to really establish herself in WWE.
Natalya’s Reflections
In an interview with The Wrestling Classic, Natalya discussed the impact of the match and the unique opportunities it presented. For her, this bout was a chance to wrestle without the usual constraints of time, something that was rare for women’s matches on TV at the time.
Triple H’s Support
One of the key elements of this contest was Triple H’s support, which played a vital role in the growth of NXT. Natalya remembers how Triple H assured her and Charlotte that they were not constrained by a strict time limit, stressing the significance of crafting a compelling narrative rather than sticking to a set length.
Natalya: My NXT TakeOver Match Against Charlotte Is Where I ‘Made My Mark’ https://t.co/cmLi5e7NOI pic.twitter.com/Eh28MFKNKS
— WrestleZone (@WRESTLEZONEcom) May 27, 2024
“I really felt like I had made my own mark in 2014 when I worked with Charlotte at NXT. It was such a huge honor.Triple H inquired if I was interested in doing it, and once again, I eagerly accepted the opportunity. I was eager to demonstrate my abilities.It was so hard to get an opportunity to wrestle for longer than a couple of minutes on TV,” Natalya said.
This freedom allowed both competitors to fully express their in-ring abilities, creating a match that would be remembered as a classic.
Paving the Way for Future Stars
Natalya’s bout with Charlotte Flair not only boosted her own career but also laid the groundwork for the future of women’s wrestling. Natalya and Charlotte proved that women’s wrestling can be just as captivating and intense as men’s by expanding the limits of a women’s match.
A Shining Moment
During a recent conversation with WrestleZone, Natalya expressed her satisfaction with the match and referred to it as a significant achievement in her career. She talked about how the game let her demonstrate her abilities and assist Charlotte in realizing her potential as an artist.
I have a fondness for the match I had with Charlotte Flair at NXT Takeover in 2014. I witnessed that game, and it was the beginning of Charlotte’s career in WWE, marking her first major opportunity. Natalya explained that she was proud of the match because she was able to display something special about herself that she hadn’t shown before.
This match not only showcased Natalya’s skills but also was instrumental in Charlotte’s rise to stardom.
The Legacy of NXT TakeOver 2014
The battle between Natalya and Charlotte at NXT TakeOver 2014 is recognized as a pivotal moment for female wrestling in WWE. It aided in dismantling the obstacles and establishing fresh benchmarks for the potential of women’s matches. This fight, together with backing from personalities such as Triple H, played a crucial role in the continuous advancement of women’s wrestling, setting the stage for the future “Women’s Evolution.”
A Catalyst for Change
The impact of this match extended beyond the ring. It served as a catalyst for change within WWE, inspiring a new generation of female wrestlers and fans alike. The performance of Natalya and Charlotte showed that women’s wrestling deserved the same respect and recognition as men’s wrestling, helping to shift perceptions and expectations within the industry.
Looking Ahead
The legacy of Natalya’s battle with Charlotte at NXT TakeOver 2014 continues to be a crucial part of women’s wrestling history as WWE progresses and changes. It serves as evidence of the skills, commitment, and enthusiasm of the female athletes in the ring. Natalya views this match as a source of great pride and a reminder of the potential that can be realized with the chance to showcase one’s abilities.
Continuing the Revolution
The “Divas Revolution” sparked by this match has evolved into the “Women’s Evolution,” with women wrestlers now often main eventing big events and receiving praise previously only given to men. Natalya’s impact on this movement is beyond question, and her bout against Charlotte still motivates those who come after her.
Final Thoughts
Natalya’s thoughts on her bout against Charlotte Flair at NXT TakeOver 2014 underscore the importance of that moment in wrestling history. It was a match that went beyond its immediate circumstances, impacting the overall direction of women’s wrestling in WWE. As Natalya progresses in her career, she upholds the pride and heritage of that revolutionary performance, motivating upcoming generations to surpass limitations and attain excellence in the ring.
