WWE: Natalya says "greatest unsigned female wrestler" traveled 18 hours to train with her (Exclusive)

Natalya says "greatest unsigned female wrestler" traveled 18 hours to train with her (Exclusive)

Modified Apr 17, 2025 15:58 GMT

Natalya joined WWE in 2007 [Image Credit: wwe.com] — Natalya joined WWE in 2007 [Image credit: wwe.com]

Natalya has competed in more WWE matches than any woman in the company's history. Ahead of her GCW Bloodsport debut, The Queen of Harts explained why she chose Miyu Yamashita as her opponent.

In 2024, Natalya enjoyed watching Shayna Baszler appear in GCW ahead of WrestleMania XL. Inspired by Baszler's win over Masha Slamovich, the former SmackDown Women's Champion will face Yamashita at Bloodsport XIII on April 17.

Speaking to Sportskeeda Wrestling Senior Editor Bill Apter, Natalya revealed she previously trained with Yamashita at her wrestling dungeon in Florida:

"I want Miyu because Miyu has trained with me in my dungeon and I believe, in my heart of hearts, that she is the greatest unsigned Japanese female wrestler in the world. If not, the greatest unsigned female wrestler in the world. She is phenomenal. She's a striker, but she's also a mat technician. When she's come and trained with me, she can do it all. She's phenomenal, but she has this energy about her." [7:40 – 8:05]

John Cena's last PPV's name revealed by Kurt Angle? More details HERE

Natalya added that Yamashita once traveled from Japan to America for a training session:

"One time she came to train with me, Bill, and this is maybe a year ago. Miyu traveled from Tokyo to train with me for one day. She traveled 18 hours to get to me to train because that's how passionate she is." [8:05 – 8:22]

Watch the video above to hear the WWE star explain why many of today's wrestlers look up to her uncle Bret Hart.

Natalya predicts big things for Miyu Yamashita

Over the last decade, Miyu Yamashita has mostly performed for the Japanese promotion Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling. She has also appeared in Ring of Honor and TNA.

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Natalya has kept tabs on Yamashita's career and is looking forward to sharing the ring with her:

"I've been following a lot of her matches, and I'm watching her work. She's phenomenal. I think she's one of the greatest unsigned female independent talent in the world, so I handpicked her. I said I want Miyu because I want to remind the world of what I can do, and I wanted to pick the very best to do this match with." [8:25 – 8:42]

In the same interview, the RAW talent disclosed details about her upcoming appearance at the NWA's Crockett Cup event.

Please credit Sportskeeda Wrestling and embed the video if you use quotes from this article.

About the author

Danny Hart is a journalist who has been reporting on pro wrestling (WWE) at Sportskeeda since 2017. He grew up as a massive fan of football/soccer and wrestling, leading him to pursue a career in sports journalism.

Before assuming his current role, Hart worked as a football writer at Goal.com between 2009 and 2016. He prides himself on writing original content that is fact-based and highly accurate. Hart thoroughly proofreads his work before submitting it and relies only on credible sources for information.

Hart’s favorite pro wrestler is The Undertaker. He admires the 2022 WWE Hall of Famer’s ability to reinvent his character and remain relevant across his decades-long career. If given the keys to WWE’s creative department, he would bring back The Phenom for a farewell bout against AJ Styles in a stadium full of fans. Not only that, but he would love to have the multi-time world champion’s greatest rivals seated at ringside for the spectacle.

When not watching and covering sports, Hart enjoys long-distance running, playing video games, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

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Edited by Danny Hart