After a hectic week on the road doing live events and filming Smackdown, I was able to get back to my roots a bit with family and catch up at good old FCW!
First off, I couldn't be happier because my cousin DH Smith has just moved down to Florida from Canada. We had a lot of unpacking to do...but got a little sidetracked:) We were supposed to be moving furniture, but that turned into us watching vintage WWE wrestling tapes for a few hours. Nothing beats a good Ricky Steamboat classic or DH's favorite, Jumbo Tsuruta...which was later followed by Karl Gotch. What a night...I guess we will leave the boxes for tomorrow!
I also had a chance to spend the afternoon at Florida Championship Wrestling (WWE's developmental territory). Since I have been on Smackdown, I have not been able to be at the school as much. Prior to my debut, I had been training there for over a year, preparing for my big break. To tell you the truth, I have missed it more than I thought I would. I have enjoyed every single day that I have spent training at FCW,
Mainly it's the people I enjoy being around, and the freedom to spread your wings and find yourself as a performer. I was able to go to "work" everyday and have so much fun being inventive,creative and challenged around people that share my same passion. I had to also face a lot of fears and do things I never thought I could do.
Even though I trained in the Dungeon and wrestled in Japan and England...being coached by Dr. Tom Prichard and Steve Keirn gave me something I needed more than wrestling techniques. They helped me to "come out of my shell" and realize my potential outside the ring. Most of all, they taught me to believe in myself.
I used to say, "I can't" and now I say,"no problem!" It's crazy, but Dr. Tom had us do one hour matches last summer. Everyone thought to themselves, "we will never have to do an hour match...why are we doing this?" But, there was a method behind Dr. Tom's "madness."
I did two of them! I felt this huge sense of accomplishment. I had to go somewhere I had never been, and now I know I can go there again. I have those matches under my belt! It showed me our training was about more than moves, but life skills as well.
Would I say it was as a grueling as the Dungeon? Well, that's comparing apples and oranges...but one day, I will tell the tales of my experiences in that famous, old room in my grandfather's house. Boy, If those walls could talk...
For now, it's time to get some beauty sleep! Goodnight:)
Hey, guys! I am excited to write you all again so soon...I am sure by now all of you have seen the debut of my new hair color on Smackdown. I decided that I wanted to really be bold and do something to stand out from the other divas.
To be honest, I was nervous of leaving my blonde locks behind, because I have always been blonde. But, I decided to do it with the attitude that "change is good!"
I took a deep breath and dove right.in..which is exactly what a third generation diva does in the ring, too! It takes courage to change, to step up to the plate and take the unbeaten path. It's not just about your hair color, either. It's about being you! I feel like that is one of the best parts about being in the WWE... that our differences and "idiosyncracies" are valued and celebrated.
On Smackdown, Mick Foley asked me what my inspiration was for turning red...and I thought about my dad. My dad has that crazy red goatee...and he is an inspiration in my life for many reasons. In this particular case, though, it's because my dad dares to be different! I admire that so much, and I would like to think I have some of those very same qualities from him...
...and yes, my dad did take his shirt off in one of my parent/teacher meetings. He wore spandex with black and yellow stripes, a fanny pack, knee pads, and rode around on a Ninja motorcycle. He was pretty cool but totally crazy at the same time. How he acted in the ring, was just an extension of his personality in his everyday life. He always left an impression and you never forgot him once you met him.
My dad tought me that being authentic and original is something that can't be fabricated. Everything you need is right inside of you.
That brings me to the new Diva's Championship and how I feel about facing Michelle McCool. I have to admit, I have been watching her very closely and carefully studying her in ring ability. I have a different respect for her now, because she has proven to me she is a contender and has the heart of a true fighter. In fact, she is one of the hardest working divas in the WWE and she has a "no quit" attitude. The question remains, though, can she survive in my "dungeon?" Let's go!
I can't wait to be challenged by McCool in every way...
"What's possible has been done, what's impossible will be done." -Dr. Tom Prichard
So, I am now a member of WWE Fan Nation! I can't believe how many people we touch through this site. It is cool to interact with people that share my same passion from all over the world. It sounds so cliche to say that I find inspiration through the fans, but it's the truth. I think all of us Diva's and Superstars in WWE do. We just get such an amazing rush performing for them, and really feeling their energy and their support on a worldwide level.
I, personally, care a lot about what the fans think. That is one of the reasons why I want to interact with them as much as I can, especially through WWE Fan Nation. My whole family believed that wrestling was more than just a sport. It is an art form to us, and the ring is our canvas in which we paint our masterpieces. The fans, the people who believe in us, help contribute to our priceless paintings in the ring and out. In many ways, this drives me to be the very best...or should I say, "The Elegance of Execution!"
Ask me as many questions as you would like. I appreciate the support, and for accepting me for who I am. One of the best feelings for me is that you all have embraced Natalya for my originality. Thanks for letting me "color outside the lines!"
