A 17-year WWE veteran, Natalya, recently hinted at a heel turn after a lengthy stint as a face on RAW. Following a loss on the red brand, she engaged with Sonya Deville, indicating a shift towards a no-nonsense heel persona, joining other experienced female WWE stars known for their in-ring prowess. The transition to a heel persona seems to be in motion for the star as she embraces this new role.
Despite the shift, Natalya took a moment to reach out to her old rival, Asuka, who is currently portraying a heel character while Natalya remains a face. Asuka, also known as the Empress of Tomorrow, had been sidelined due to an injury for several months, choosing to compete at Backlash before taking a break from WWE to focus on her recovery. She shared a post on social media revealing her injured knee, wrapped in a brace, hinting at undergoing a medical procedure, which stirred concern among fans.
Expressing genuine concern, Natalya momentarily broke character to send well-wishes to Asuka, hoping for a swift recovery with a heartfelt message, “Get better soon, Asuka! Miss you my friend!” The display of camaraderie between the two rivals showcased the bond shared beyond the ring, highlighting the supportive nature within the wrestling community.
With Asuka’s injury requiring time for proper healing, her return to the WWE ring might be delayed significantly. The severity of her knee injury suggests a prolonged absence, leaving fans eagerly awaiting her eventual comeback. Meanwhile, the absence of Damage CTRL, the faction associated with Asuka and others, from recent RAW episodes raises questions about their future direction and prominence on the show, adding an element of uncertainty to their storyline progression.