Natalia Markova says re-signing with NWA wasn’t about looking for something new, it was about valuing what she already had.
Markova is one of the pillars of the National Wrestling Alliance. She’s regularly featured on NWA programming and has gone on tour with NWA owner Billy Corgan’s Smashing Pumpkins.
Markova signed a new, multi-year contract with NWA this summer, and she shared her mindset behind the decision during an exclusive interview with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard. The Russian-born wrestler said she’s very happy in NWA and called it a perfect fit.
“It’s not even about what I was looking for, it was about what I already had. I’ve worked with NWA for over two years by the time I got signed. So, I already knew what I am getting into,” Markova explained. “I really had a good relationship with Billy Corgan. I think he’s a great boss, one of the best in the world. We have a really good understanding about the path and what to do with the company. And I think we have similar mindsets.
“So, that means a lot to me obviously. And I like the whole idea of NWA. I like the message they send, I like the style, and I think it fits me perfectly,” she added. “I was so happy, perfectly happy with the company. So, it was just… It was not a hard choice for me to make.”
Natalia Markova on one constant that stayed the same throughout the changes
There have been several changes in NWA since she started there, and since Corgan bought the company overall. Markova shared that despite all the changes, the vision of NWA’s President Billy Corgan has not changed.
“Oh yeah. Of course. I mean, I am glad that I improve with the company. Because none of this is an accident. All those changes — the thing that Billy has is this long-term thinking. So he plans everything ahead or 55 million steps ahead, years ahead. He’s seen the big picture,” she explained. “He knows what he’s gonna do. So, all those changes are part of the plan, and I am happy to be there for all of it.
“I also see the big picture and I am glad at this point I’m almost the face of the company,” she continued. “Maybe not the only face of the company but one of those. And I like being a representative, like representing the brand the way it is right now.”
Natalia Markova on multiple people being the face of a wrestling company
Markova agreed that there are multiple stars in the company who could call themselves ‘the face of the company.’ Markova said that’s a good problem to have in a wrestling promotion, and the roster shares the same mindset in wanting NWA to prosper.
“I think that’s a great thing about NWA. It’s never one person. It’s a team,” Markova said. “The whole company is a team and I gotta point it out, that backstage atmosphere is great. It almost feels like a family. There’s no bad vibes or nothing. You just go there, you feel great. We all do this together and we’re on the same page. I think it’s so rare on wrestling and I really value that a lot.
“And yeah, it’s not just one person,” she continued. “Like I said, I am one of those… I like bringing new people and help them improve. And you know, I want to see the growth. I want to see everybody succeed and that way the whole company is back. You don’t want to be the only person there and everybody is like, ‘Eh.’ Like, what’s the point? You want everybody to be good and then the whole company wins.”
Watch our full interview with Natalia Markova below:
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