Natalya sends heartfelt message to former champion amid WWE hiatus

Natalya sent a heartfelt message to a WWE Superstar today amid her absence from television. The veteran has not wrestled a match since her victory over Izzi Dame on the June 4 episode of NXT.

There were rumors of Natalya's contract expiring this summer but the 42-year-old has reportedly reached a new deal with WWE. Angelo Dawkins of The Street Profits turned 34 today. The BOAT took to her Instagram story to send a birthday message to the former champion and you can check it out by clicking here.

"Happy birthday @adawks_cog!!!!!! Truly grateful for your friendship always!!!!!" she wrote.

Natalya sends Dawkins a heartfelt message on her Instagram story.

Natalya is currently listed on the RAW roster but has not appeared on the red brand in over a month. Her last match on the red brand was a loss to Kiana James in her main roster debut on June 3.

Vince Russo believes Natalya doesn't stand up for herself in WWE

Wrestling legend Vince Russo recently claimed that Natalya doesn't stick up for herself in the promotion and it has led to her being booked poorly on WWE television.

Speaking on Sportskeeda's Writing with Russo show, the veteran noted how Natalya is inconsistently booked on RAW. He suggested that the former Women's Champion allows herself to be booked that way and doesn't remind those in power what her legacy is.

Russo added Natalya has paid her dues and deserves more respect from the company.

"Because she allows herself to [be booked poorly], she doesn't stand up for herself. She doesn't remind them who she is and what her legacy is. Natalya should not be 'Yes sir, no sir.' She is royalty in the business. She has paid her dues; she has been around for a very, very long time. She deserves that respect." [From 04:50 to 05:10]

You can check out Russo's comments in the video below:

The Street Profits were a part of Bobby Lashley's The Pride faction on SmackDown, but The All Mighty has reportedly been removed from the company's internal roster. It will be interesting to see what the promotion has planned for Natalya moving forward after she has re-signed with the Titanland.