RAW star seriously considered joining AEW before signing new WWE deal - Reports
The AEW and WWE rosters have seen several additions and departures so far this year. Coming into 2024, it was reported that this could be the biggest year in wrestling history for free agency. Sources are now reporting that a top superstar has seriously considered jumping ship.
Natalya re-signed with World Wrestling Entertainment earlier this month after significant rumors and speculation on her future. WWE's longest-tenured female roster member reportedly had interest from All Elite Wrestling, and there was some hope that she could make it to Tony Khan's company in time to honor her uncle in the 2024 Owen Hart Foundation Tournament.
The Queen of Harts had strong interest from AEW, but now sources are reporting that the 24-year veteran also considered a jump to the competition. It was noted by Fightful Select that Natalya did seriously consider AEW, as she considered all of her options.
It was previously reported how Natalya was weighing her options for the future because she has several outside projects, including a movie on The Hart Family. Part of the reason it took so long for the two sides to agree on the new deal had to do with how the 42-year-old wanted to make sure her non-WWE projects lined up with the new contract terms.
AEW was unable to have any actual negotiations with Natalya because she re-signed with WWE before her deal expired. Officials made a strong offer to the three-time champion back in May as they wanted to lock her into a new deal before she could enter free agency.
Natalya marks anniversary of major WWE moment
The inaugural WWE Divas Champion was crowned at The Great American Bash on July 20, 2008. Michelle McCool defeated Natalya by submission in just over four minutes to win the title.
The Queen of Harts took to X this week to mark 16 years since the title match with McCool. She praised McCool and recalled their series of matches.
"On this day in history…..very grateful to be a part of many special first evers, like the first ever Divas Championship match. And @McCoolMichelleL was an awesome champ! We got to be a part of so many cool matches together- [sparkles emoji] [blue heart emoji]," Natalya wrote with the photos below.
Natalya later ended McCool's second reign with the Divas Championship on November 21, 2010, at Survivor Series, in a Handicap Match that saw Layla team with McCool. Her first and only reign with the title ended 69 days later as Eve Torres dethroned her at the Royal Rumble.