Michin shares emotional message following WWE first-time-ever match

The WWE Universe has been treated to countless dream matches and first-time-ever bouts through the decades. Michin began her wrestling journey in 2008 and had matches around the world with numerous top talents. The multi-time champion is still locking up with veterans for the first time and has just revealed a big match that also served as another bucket list item.

The HBIC has wrestled around 700 matches in her career for WWE, TNA, NWA, SHIMMER, SHINE, Stardom, and ROH, among others. Michin has wrestled Chelsea Green, Shayna Baszler, and Dakota Kai the most but has also had notable bouts with Awesome Kong, Gail Kim, Rosemary, Madison Rayne, Bianca Belair, IYO SKY, and Candice LeRae, among others. One veteran she had not wrestled before now is Natalya.

The Queen of Harts has wrestled close to 2,000 matches in her 25-year career against more than 250 opponents. However, her first-ever match against Michin came on today's WWE Speed episode, taped last Friday in Tampa. Michin came up short in the finals but remained upbeat and reminiscent in her post-match statement on X. The SmackDown Superstar included a throwback selfie of her and the daughter of Jim Neidhart.

"FIRST TIME EVER! I finally got to wrestle @NatbyNature ! I remember her giving me advice in my Extra days. She always pushed for me and rooted for me. A true legend I’ve always wanted to wrestle. Finally got to check this off my bucket list," Michin wrote with the photo below.

Natalya and Michin did not team up or wrestle against each other before the Speed match. The only matches they shared were the Royal Rumble bouts in 2020, 2023, and 2024, as well as the RAW Elimination Chamber Qualifying Battle Royal in February 2024.

Natalya earns big title shot on WWE Speed

Natalya conquered the latest WWE Speed women's tournament today on X. She is the new #1 contender to Candice LeRae, who defeated IYO SKY in October's tournament finals to become World Wrestling Entertainment's inaugural Speed Women's Champion.

Today's WWE Speed episode saw Natalya defeat Michin in the finals to advance to the title match against LeRae next Wednesday. As seen below, The Queen of Harts secured her title shot by rolling Mia Yim up with 45 seconds left on the three-minute clock.

Natalya defeated B-Fab in the opening round of this Speed tournament, then defeated Zelina Vega in the quarterfinals. Michin beat Ivy Nile in the first round, then advanced through the quarterfinals with a win over Katana Chance. Next week's Natalya vs. LeRae match will be another first-time-ever bout.