Natalia Markova loves pro wrestling so much that she paid homage to one of the sport’s most infamous images.
In 1996, Shawn Michaels posed for Playgirl magazine. The magazine featured Shawn Michaels posing in several risque and provocative poses. The feature included one centerfold of Michaels lying down, wearing nothing but the WWF “Winged Eagle” Championship covering his privates.
The image has been recreated by various pro wrestlers over the years, including Roderick Strong and Mandy Rose. The spread has also been (more humorously) recreated by Tommy Dreamer and Hornswoggle. NWA Women’s World Champion Natalia Markova is the latest to pay homage to Michaels, sharing the following message along with a photo of her posing with her NWA and Jericho Cruise titles:
“I love Pro Wrestling! ? @nwa Women’s World Champion ? @jericho_cruise first ever Oceanic Women’s Champion ✨ Best regards to Shawn Michaels ?,” Markova wrote on Twitter/X.
Natalia Markova won the NWA Women’s World Championship at NWA 77. She defeated Kenzie Paige, ending her two-year reign as champion.
Markova’s title win took place at the NWA 77th Anniversary Show in Huntington, New York, on August 16. The match aired on tape delay on November 11, but she is credited with a title reign of 109 days and counting.
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