Major star not at RAW amid WWE future uncertainty - Reports
Tonight's WWE RAW will feature the final build for the red brand for Money In the Bank Premium Live Event. As the company moves forward with its new era, one top superstar is facing increased uncertainty about the future. Backstage sources at RAW have just provided an update.
Natalya's future with World Wrestling Entertainment has been a hot topic of discussion in recent months, as her contract was set to expire in early July. She was expected to receive a significant offer, but as of a few weeks ago no new deal had been reached, and some within the promotion were surprised at how officials were handling the negotiations. The 24-year veteran has been with WWE since January 2007.
The Queen of Harts is not currently backstage for tonight's RAW at the TD Garden in Boston, according to a new report from Fightful Select. She has not been planned for the show, and internally the company continues to be very quiet about any potential contract developments.
Backstage sources confirmed the two sides have been engaged in contract negotiations. However, the report notes that this development from tonight's RAW does not indicate the direction of those talks in any way. WWE officials want to keep Natalya on the roster, but sources have not confirmed whether a new deal has been reached.
All Elite Wrestling sources continue to report on how multiple staff and talents are pushing for Natalya and her husband Tyson Kidd to leave WWE for AEW. It was previously speculated that Kidd would go with whoever his wife signs with, and would be legally able to as he is not under contract. The six-time WWE champion currently works as a producer and is believed to be a standard employee with no deal.
Natalya is the longest-tenured female superstar in the entire roster. The 42-year-old has not wrestled since June 4, when she defeated Izzi Dame on NXT. She was defeated by Kiana James on RAW the night before, in James' main roster debut on the red brand.
WWE RAW updated lineup for tonight
World Wrestling Entertainment will return to the TD Garden in Boston tonight for RAW on the USA Network.
The go-home episode for Money In the Bank will see the card finalized for next Saturday. There are currently five matches announced for tonight's RAW. Below is the current lineup:
- Karrion Kross vs. Xavier Woods
- Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio
- Women's Money In the Bank Qualifying Match: Dakota Kai vs. Ivy Nile vs. Zoey Stark
- Men's Money In the Bank Qualifying Match: Sheamus vs. Ilja Dragunov vs. Drew McIntyre
- Women's World Champion Liv Morgan defends vs. Zelina Vega
Morgan vs. Vega was originally rumored for Money In the Bank. It remains to be seen if tonight's match will lead to a rematch for the premium live event next week in Toronto, Canada.