WWE's Two-Time Women's World Champion: Nattie Neidhart on Life, Loss, and Legacy - THE ED MYLETT SHOW Recap

Podcast: THE ED MYLETT SHOW

Published: 2026-01-06

Duration: 53 min

Guests: Nattie Neidhart

Summary

Nattie Neidhart, a WWE legend, delves into her personal journey of overcoming family challenges and finding her voice in a male-dominated industry. Her new book explores themes of self-worth, perseverance, and healing from trauma.

What Happened

Nattie Neidhart opens up about the challenges of growing up in a legendary wrestling family, where dominant male figures like her father and uncles cast long shadows. Despite these challenges, Nattie, the first female in her family to compete in wrestling, found her voice and established her own identity in a male-dominated space. The transition of WWE to include more female wrestlers only began around 2015, highlighting Nattie's role as a pioneer during a time when women were scarcely represented in the industry.

Her personal journey was marked by struggles, notably when her father lost his job, leading the family to near-homelessness. Living in her grandfather's house, she found inspiration in the wrestling ring outside her window, sparking her desire to build her own path. This resilience was further tested as she worked various jobs to gain independence, eventually finding her way into WWE.

Nattie discusses the duality of her father's influence - a man who both loved and hurt her. After his passing, she learned about his struggles with a brain injury and substance abuse, which taught her compassion and understanding. This insight allowed her to forgive him and share her story without fear of betrayal.

Throughout her career, Nattie has been recognized for her skills in the ring, earning respect from peers and fans alike. Her book is not just about wrestling but serves as a masterclass on confidence and identity, encouraging readers to find their own voice and step out of others' shadows.

Her husband TJ's life-threatening injury was another turning point, where faith played a crucial role. The experience strengthened both their relationship and her belief in a higher power, as she prayed for his recovery during a critical surgery.

Nattie emphasizes the importance of building your own table rather than waiting for opportunities to come. Her proactive approach led her to create a new wrestling character and write a book, showcasing her determination to succeed despite challenges.

The episode concludes with reflections on how Nattie's past struggles have shaped her present success. She acknowledges the journey she has taken and the work ethic instilled in her, which has allowed her to thrive in WWE for nearly two decades.

Key Insights