By Jason Jordan, USA Today High School Sports:
Thought WWE Diva Natalya only dominated in the ring, executing devastating “sharpshooters” in abundance?
She’s equally dominant outside of the ring when it comes to board games against her husband, WWE star Tyson Kidd.
“I’ve got a lot of talents and he knows he can’t beat me in any board games,” Natalya said. “I’m pretty competitive at it so I won’t lose.”
And with good reason…
“Oh, I absolutely cheat at board games,” she said with a laugh. “When I’m right, I’m right and when I’m wrong, I’m still right. That’s how I get it done. … I win. That’s all that matters!
The daughter of former WWE star Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, Natalya also has been part of the cast of “Total Divas” on E! since its inception. The show just finished its this season and returns in July.
I caught up with the former WWE Divas champion to chop-it-up about everything from her background in dance and jiu jitsu to why she’d win a UFC tournament involving only WWE Divas to why she’d never want to meet WWE champion Brock Lesnar in a dark alley.
Jason Jordan: I always like to hear about the sports backgrounds and experiences of all of my guests on the Celeb Chop-Up. What sports have you tried?
Nattie: Well, I was born in Calgary, Alberta, home of the Hart family. My whole family is pretty much from there. I was always pretty diverse. I actually did dance, gymnastics, jiu jitsu and, of course, wrestling. My true love was amateur wrestling. Pro wrestling is different, obviously, but having that background really helped.
JJ: What was your shining moment in amateur wrestling coming up?
N: I actually trained with my cousin Harry, who is the son the British Bulldog. Any time I could take Harry down it was a pretty major accomplishment.
JJ: Worst wrestling-related injury you’ve ever sustained?
N: I tore my ACL when I was wrestling in Japan at the end of 2005.
JJ: Who wins a UFC Tournament involving only WWE Divas?
N: (Laughs) Well, first of all I’d have to say myself. I’ve got a lot of pent-up anger from my childhood. Just kidding! Other than me, I’d have to say Brie Bella. She’s one of the feistiest divas I know. Everyone thinks Nicole is the more aggressive one, but Brie brings it! When things go down backstage don’t be afraid of Nikki, be afraid of Brie!
JJ: Time to go random; what fast food restaurant has the best burgers?
N: Hmm, In-N-Out!
JJ: Everyone plays Paper, Rock, Scissors. Which object have you found that you get the most wins with?
N: (Laughs) Scissors! That’s a Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake inspired answer!
JJ: What was your worst pre-fame job?
N: Oh my God, I had a job when I was 18 years old selling Kirby vacuum cleaners for one week then I quit. I didn’t realize that you had to basically clean everyone’s house to sell one of those things. I turned into a cleaning lady and the only person that bought one was my grandfather.
Read the rest of the interview here!