Ryderwear introduces their newest athlete, Natalie Eva Marie — former WWE superstar, current fashion designer, entrepreneur, athlete, and actress. We were lucky enough to sit down with this superwoman, to chat about her career and her personal journey through life. womens gym wear and leggings.
What were some of your goals growing up, before becoming a WWE Diva?
“I originally wanted a career in soccer, that was my jam, that was my deal, it was my love and passion. I played while I was in college, but I tore ligaments in my ankle which made it difficult to pursue. After graduating college, it took me a really long time to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I knew that I wasn’t cut out for the 9-5 world, I’m just not bred that way. But what I did know was that I wanted to be my own boss. So I moved to LA and started out modeling and auditioning during the day, and then bottle service at night. But initially there was no specific goal, I just moved cities and went for every opportunity I could.
How did WWE come about?
“WWE came into town when I was living in LA. I had already done some auditions that had given me a bit of practice. I had booked some small gigs, and it was enough to keep me motivated to keep going in that industry. So when I tried out for the Diva Search, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, the stars aligned and it worked out. I didn’t have a clue about wrestling, but I auditioned the best I could and WWE saw something in me….they really took a chance on me. And that role filled a void that I had been feeling for so long, it was such a perfect fit for me.”
What did you love most about WWE?
“I loved how versatile it was, not only was I doing work that required a lot of athleticism, I was competing and performing live. It was a dream job. And then I was also doing community work, as well as acting and building a character. And the fans too, there was so much to love about WWE, it was such a great time for me.”
What about being on the reality show Total Divas, what was that like?
“It was so wild being on that show. Having people know your personal life and seeing the real you was confronting but also such an exciting element of my WWE journey. And with Total Divas, you are then being exposed to a whole new audience — the E! Demographic, meaning that people who had never even watched wrestling before, were still watching me. In the States, wrestling is a little bit of a cult, they never really peel back the curtain but Total Divas exposed it all. It was tough at times though because it was really competitive, the girls tag match at Wrestlemania had been cut meaning that all the girls were fighting for one spot. But I guess that made it exciting too, having to work hard for what I wanted so badly.”
Do you think you could make a return to WWE?
“I have such a love for WWE and Vince McMahon, they took a chance on me when I was the new kid on the block, so I always look back on that time so positively. I wouldn't rule it out. But right now I have some really exciting film projects that I am working on. I’m currently shooting a film with Bruce Willis!”
How did WWE prepare for your acting career? What did that transition look like?
“Going from WWE to Hollywood was a piece of cake! When I was with WWE, I was contracted, so I wasn't supported by a union, meaning if I only had four hours of sleep and rest in between my working days, then that’s just how it was. But in Hollywood, you are protected under a union, so you have to have at least 12 hours between each of your working days, it was fantastic! So I found the transition super easy. And WWE is certainly the reason why I got my first film opportunity. I knew that it wasn't sustainable to just have a career in WWE, like I’m not going to be wrestling when I’m 40. But admittedly, the movie opportunities came at a weird time, I was reaching a really good height with wrestling and then I got booked for a film, so it was a massive fork in the road but i just went with it”
So, how do you keep yourself motivated in all that you do?
“I really work hard I admit, I am relentless no matter what I’m doing. I am so grateful for everything I have been given in life, and that's what keeps me motivated. I have been given so many wonderful opportunities and I want to make the most every day I have. It all comes down to hard work and taking risks, and I know that the only way I can have more of these opportunities coming is by keeping on the grind.”
You do so much in your everyday life, how do you juggle all of your business ventures?
“I am always telling myself, one day at a time. It's about doing what is in front of me, but also doing things that I am passionate about, things that make me feel alive. But I refuse to be put in a box, I am versatile and I can do anything I put my mind to. I don't want to be held back, so it’s all about planning out what I want, taking risks, and enjoying everything that I am doing.”
Are you excited about being the face of the Natalie Eva Marie x Ryderwear collection launching soon?
“You know, I have so much love and respect for Ryderwear, the story of how the brand all began, and they were so good to me when we were in Australia. So being able to collaborate and work with the team on something that reflects me, my personality, and my lifestyle is a dream come true. It is so important to have activewear that I can do all my hardcore workouts in, as well as my every day life activities in too. I am so excited to launch this collection and share what we have been working on with everyone.”
The Natalie Eva Marie x Ryderwear collection will drop soon, so keep your eyes peeled on our website and socials to know when you can get your hands on it. A big thank you to Natalie Eva Marie for sitting down and chatting with us, you can keep up with her Instagram account here.
