Nattie has praised WWE’s current leadership for allowing her to pursue opportunities outside the company that she believes would not have been possible under Vince McMahon.
The WWE veteran has expanded her schedule beyond WWE in recent years, competing for promotions and events including Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, GCW, NWA and AAA.
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Nattie explained that WWE President Nick Khan has supported her efforts to work outside the company as part of her personal and professional development.
“Well, first and foremost, I’m able to do the indie shows and all of the work I’m doing outside of them giving me, because Nick Khan is allowing me to do things that will cultivate my, like, personal growth,” she said.
Nattie believes freedom represents a significant change from how WWE operated under McMahon.
“I would not be able to do NWA, Bloodsport, Reality of Wrestling, going to Cauliflower Alley, and presenting Bret Hart with a big award there,” she said. “I never would’ve been able to do that. Again, I love Vince, but I never would’ve been able to do that with Vince because Vince isn’t gonna let me work for Bloodsport. He is not gonna let me work for GCW.”
Nattie Praises WWE For Allowing Outside Opportunities
Nattie credited both Nick Khan and WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque with encouraging her to explore opportunities away from WWE. According to Nattie, the pair have encouraged her to “spread your wings” and pursue projects that make her feel creatively fulfilled.
“Go do stuff that makes you feel alive. We’re proud of you. We have your back,” she recalled being told.
Nattie also revealed that she is working on additional projects with WWE’s support, describing the freedom she has been given as something that would previously have been almost unheard of.
“So, thank you, Nick, thank you, Hunter, because you guys have allowed me to do that, which is, I know, almost unheard of,” she said.
Nattie also praised Josh Barnett for giving her the opportunity to compete at Bloodsport, crediting him as an important influence on the development of the Nattie character she has used outside WWE.
“I’ll never not appreciate Josh Barnett for believing in me and letting me work under him,” she said.
Nattie’s appearances outside WWE have allowed her to present a different side of herself while remaining contracted to the company, something she believes reflects the greater freedom afforded to talent under WWE’s current leadership.
