– In a post on Instagram, Natalya reflected on the first-ever NXT Takeover event which happened on May 29, 2014. Natalya had a match with Charlotte at the event. The first ever NXT special, Arrival, happened on February 26, 2014.
She wrote: “One year ago today I had a “WrestleMania moment” in front of 400 people in Winter Park, Florida. Everything I’ve ever learned from The Dungeon in Calgary, training in Japan, wrestling in England & of course WWE Developmental, were put to the test. All of the places I traveled to wrestling for very little money (OK 8 loonies) and sometimes very small crowds (9 people in Cold Lake, Alberta anyone? AND wearing a hideous fuchsia singlet my uncle Ross designed for me) proved to be invaluable experiences preparing me for a ‘moment’ like this. (I’ll save the rest of the sob stories, because we all have them across the board! Cry me a river and then get over it!) It was all worth it to be given the opportunity we were given at #NXT. We were afforded the TIME, the HYPE and most importantly the RESPECT of serious women athletes. It was surreal and unforgettable. And I wish so much I could experience more of this. That is a dream I have: That EVERY girl I work with, who has a real passion for this, gets a chance to paint their own masterpiece in the ring and feel on top of the world. #TBT to when @charlottewwe vs. @natbynature stole the show at the first ever #NXTTakeOver! Watch us now on the Award-Winning #WWENetwork!”
— In an interview with WWE.com, Dana Brooke spoke about her transistion from modeling and bodybuilding to wrestling.
She said: “I have always been active and into sports my entire life, and I’ve always wanted to be a star and inspire others. It all started when I was a little girl wrestling with my father and he became my manager; “Mr. Perfect” and I would hold matches with my stuffed animals. Soon I started modeling at a young age for little tikes where I became a little camera hog and loved to pose. I did gymnastics for 18 years but had a major ankle surgery that set me back. In college, where I graduated with a Fashion Merch & Business & Bachelors of Science Degree, I was bored. I just couldn’t work a nine-to-five job. I then started bikini competitions in 2010, where it was about training and looking good, but I wanted more. I ended up falling in love with fitness and earned my IFBB Pro card. Eventually, WWE contacted me but I was a bit hesitant because I had never wrestled a day in my life. But my motto has always been, if you want something, you will make it work and achieve anything you put your mind to. I started my journey and it’s been the best journey of my life. I’ve learned a lot about myself and life in general.”
She also talked about her rivalry with Charlotte, being the “total diva” and more.