Biography
Natalie Neidhart is the daughter of Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart and the niece of Bret Hart — trained from childhood in the Hart Dungeon in Calgary, one of wrestling's most legendary training facilities. She carries the Hart family technical wrestling tradition more completely than any other active performer, and has been one of WWE's most technically accomplished women's wrestlers for over a decade.
Natalya signed with WWE in 2007 and debuted on the main roster in 2008, quickly establishing herself as the most technically credible performer in the women's division. Her Sharpshooter — the Hart family submission, passed down through generations — is applied with an authenticity and leverage that makes it look genuinely dangerous rather than choreographed.
She has been instrumental in mentoring younger talent and building the women's division infrastructure — a role that has sometimes come at the expense of her own championship opportunities. Her Divas/Women's title reigns are fewer than her talent warrants, though the 2017 SmackDown Women's Championship win was a meaningful acknowledgment of her contributions.
Beyond her ring work, Natalya's longevity — over 15 years on WWE's main roster — speaks to her reliability, professionalism, and ability to reinvent her character across multiple eras of WWE programming.
Finishing Moves
- Sharpshooter — The Hart family submission — applied with the same biomechanical precision taught in the Hart Dungeon; her leverage and hip positioning make it one of the most correctly applied Sharpshooters in WWE history
- Discus Clothesline — Running spinning lariat — used as a setup and as a sudden finish when the Sharpshooter setup isn't available
Championships & Titles
Personas & Characters
The Queen of Harts
2008–present
Carries the Hart family legacy into modern WWE — the technical submission game, the Canadian pride, and the dungeon-trained mat awareness that no Performance Center curriculum can fully replicate.
Career Timeline
Begins training in Hart Dungeon
Formally begins training under her grandfather Stu Hart's system in Calgary.
Signs with WWE / developmental
Signs with WWE; spends time in developmental before main roster debut.
WWE Divas Championship
Becomes the first Hart family member to win the Divas title.
SmackDown Women's Champion
Wins the SmackDown Women's Championship — the highest point of her individual title career.
Longest-tenured active women's performer
Becomes the longest-tenured active women's performer in WWE history.
FAQ
Is Natalya related to Bret Hart?
Yes. Natalya (Natalie Neidhart) is the daughter of Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart and the niece of Bret Hart. She was trained in the Hart Dungeon in Calgary and carries the family's technical wrestling tradition.
How long has Natalya been with WWE?
Natalya signed with WWE in 2007 and has been on the main roster since 2008 — making her the longest-tenured active women's performer in WWE history by a significant margin.
What is Natalya's finishing move?
Natalya's primary finish is the Sharpshooter — the Hart family submission hold, applied with the authentic biomechanics taught in the Hart Dungeon. She is considered the most technically correct user of the hold on the current roster.