17-year WWE veteran recalls historic match with Charlotte Flair
A WWE veteran recalled one of the most historic matches in the women's division against Charlotte Flair. This match took place 10 years ago.
Natalya has been part of the WWE roster for over a decade now. During this time, she has accomplished almost everything there is to do. She even has several Guinness World Records in her name. Nattie has faced many opponents during her time and has also been part of many historic moments.
One of those moments took place at NXT Takeover against Charlotte Flair. Flair and Natalya competed in a tournament for the vacant NXT Women's Championship, and the final took place at NXT Takeover 2014. This match was historic because it was the first Takeover Premium Live Event, and the winner would become the second NXT Women's Champion.
Nattie recalled this match on social media saying it was special and proved that the women were ready to "WRESTLE" if given the opportunity.
"Thank you. That NXT Takeover match with @MsCharlotteWWE was so special and proved that the women in WWE were fighting for the opportunity to WRESTLE. We were ready to kick that door open if we were given a chance. And we did!"
Check out her tweet below:
Dutch Mantell believes WWE needs Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch
Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch have been two of the top stars in the WWE's women's division for the past several years. They have competed in several historic matches and were instrumental in the women's revolution. However, Lynch has not been seen on TV since her loss to Liv Morgan on the May 27, 2024, episode of RAW. On the other hand, Charlotte has been out of action since December 8, 2023, due to an injury she sustained in her match against Asuka.
With WWE introducing new women's titles, Lynch and Flair's absence can be felt, as there are fewer experienced women competing in a tournament for these titles.
On his Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast, the WWE veteran also commented on the lack of experience in the women's division without The Man and The Queen and said that their absence has stifled the creative direction.
"See, with the girls it's the same thing; you've got to tell a story in there somewhere. I mean, they've got a couple of stories going on. It's not as in-depth as the men. Most of these girls don't have the experience that the guys have because you don't have Charlotte Flair there anymore. Becky Lynch is out. These are your experienced women. When you take those out, you replace them with talent that's not as experienced, and creativity is limited to who they have," Mantell said. [From 50:18 onwards]
Charlotte Flair is currently recovering from her injury but it is unknown when she will return to the ring.