To say E!’s “Total Divas” changed Natalya’s life would be an understatement. Since the behind-the-scenes reality series began filming last year, the former Divas Champion’s triumphs and downfalls have been chronicled by an omnipresent camera crew, capturing everything from a grandiose (but drama-filled) wedding to longtime boyfriend Tyson Kidd to the tearful passing of her beloved cat, Gismo.
After Season 1, Natalya is often perceived as one of the more reserved “Total Divas,” leaving the pot-stirring to the outspoken Cameron or the attention-grabbing Eva Marie. However, with the addition of Summer Rae to the Season 2 cast, viewers will get to know a whole new side of Nattie — one that’s not about to let the sashaying newcomer’s brash attitude go unchecked.
Before the return of “Total Divas,” Natalya sat down with WWE.com to sound off on Summer Rae joining the cast and the catfights and chaos the WWE Universe can expect this time around.
WWE.COM: Let’s get right to it. What are your thoughts on Summer Rae joining the cast of “Total Divas”?
NATALYA: I’m always game to work with new girls, and I think it’s great she was chosen to join the cast. I was a new girl once, too! As far as her ability to hang with the “Total Divas,” I don’t think she realizes how irritating she is, and I would rather tell that to her face than say it behind her back. Summer’s the kind of person that would rather talk behind your back. That’s the biggest difference between us.
WWE.COM: What is it about Summer Rae that really drives you crazy?
NATALYA: One of the many issues I have with Summer is that she’s very, very comfortable. She acts like she knows everybody and that she runs the place. I would like to see her, for once, be real. Just because you have a persona on TV doesn’t mean you can bring that same persona to a gas station or a grocery store or a gym. Be real. That’s all I ask.
Get a sneak peak of the “Total Divas” Season 2 premiere | Relive Season 1
WWE.COM: Why do you think you and Summer Rae had an issue with each other right away?
NATALYA: It’s a vibe I get from Summer. I’m not taking away from the hard work she has put in, and I’m not afraid to tell you that I really enjoy competing against her. She’s talented and gorgeous. But it’s everything else that comes along with it. You don’t see Stephanie McMahon sashaying around backstage. She will actually get out of the makeup chair for us Divas to get our makeup done first. What I wish Summer could understand is that we play roles on TV, and those roles are often an extension of who we are in everyday life, but Summer takes it to a whole new level. If Summer’s like this now, I’d hate to see what she’s like [if she becomes] Divas Champion. That’s just asking for trouble! I’ve never had an issue with somebody at work like I’ve had with Summer. And it’s not just me.
WWE.COM: Yikes. Speaking of how you are in everyday life, you’ve gotten used to being on camera constantly. Does it ever get weird when you’re not followed by a TV crew?
NATALYA: It’s kind of weird because I’m so used to them. That’s why they get so much footage of us. The cameras are with us seven days a week, and we forget they’re even there. That’s when you start letting loose and that’s why Season 2 is so good. Things just start flying out of our mouths. I look back at the episodes and I think, “I don’t even remember saying that!” But it happened. It’s when you let your guard down. It’s going to be an interesting ride for the viewers seeing us go through all that.
WWE.COM: What’s your wildest “Total Divas” moment so far?
NATALYA: When I went into “Brie Mode” and accidentally called Stephanie McMahon when I wasn’t supposed to. I look back on that episode and I can’t believe what I said to her. That’s etched into history now! Thankfully, I didn’t get fired or demoted. But I didn’t get a raise either! So that was a moment where I had to say, “Nattie, you need to settle your damn teakettle.”
WWE.COM: What would “Nattie Mode” be?
NATALYA: I don’t know! Nattie Mode might be a little wilder than Brie Mode because I’d probably throw a couple of snap suplexes in there.
WWE.COM: Sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday night.
NATALYA: [Laughs] Yeah, throw in a couple of snap suplexes, some spinning clotheslines and a Sharpshooter at the end and you’ve got yourself a party.
WWE.COM: Suplexes aside, what can “Total Divas” fans look forward to this season?
NATALYA: This season of “Total Divas” is going to blow up. Last season, I think there were moments when I was still slightly inhibited. I was afraid to do the wrong thing and afraid to come out of my shell and afraid to explode. Now, I’m not afraid to explode. I’m going to be me. People in real life are not happy all the time. We make mistakes. We laugh, we cry, we have conflicts, we screw up at work and we also do great things.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about Brie’s wedding and WrestleMania 30, which is causing a lot of tension between the girls. We all want to be a part of WrestleMania 30, we all want to be Divas Champion, but there’s only one spot. I have a feeling that’s going to be total mayhem. I’m either going to get the claws out or get the tissues.
Don’t miss “Total Divas” Season 2 Sunday nights at 9/8 CT, only on E!