IN THE RING, LOVE NATTIE

Over the past few decades, we have been a big fan of the WWE - you get it all! There's the athleticism of the sport, the dynamic personalities, the drama of the storylines, the costumes and all of the backstories. Throughout the year, the members of the WWE travel to a number of cities domestically and internationally to perform, while also doing a number of acts of philanthropy to make the world a better place and spending time with their community to engage with fans!

This electrifying experience is fostered by the brands' athletes who put their own fingerprint on what it means to be a part of the WWE Universe! Last summer we worked out with some of the ladies of WWE Divas at TapOut Fitness on the UES to go through workouts that these women do. Included in this group was Alexa Bliss, Alicia Fox, Lana, Maria Menounos, Naomi, Renee Young, Summer Rae (our Feb covergirl) and this month's cover girl - Natalya - also known as Nattie! A few weeks ago, right before her match at MSG, our team shot a gorgeous fashion editorial of this 3rd generation wrestler at Monarch's rooftop and then chatted with her about wrestling, being a member of wrestling's legacy family and her role on E! Total Divas which is back from their midseason break on April 5th and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: You come from an iconic wrestling family - tell us about them and the impact that they made on the sport.

NATALYA NEIDHART: My family has been the biggest influence on me. Starting with my grandpa, Stu Hart, who built an empire by the name of Stampede Wrestling in the 1950's. I'm a third generation superstar and I come from Wrestling royalty. My grandfather is WWE Hall Of Famer, Stu Hart and my uncles Bret and Owen Hart and the British Bulldog have paved the way for me. My father is a two time WWE Tag Team Champion himself and formed half of one of the greatest tag teams of all time. My family's contributions to WWE have been huge and I'm deeply proud of them. 

AM: When did you know that you wanted to continue the legacy by being a wrestler?

NN: When I was 18 years old, I first started training in the dungeon… And from that moment on, I remember it crystal clear… I was hooked on wrestling. I knew it was what I wanted to do as my career. Wrestling is part of my heart... it's part of who I am... what makes me tick. I'm fortunate beyond words that I was able to discover my passion and touch my dreams.

AM: What was your journey to get to the WWE?

NN: I trained in one of the most notoriously hard wrestling schools in the world: the Dungeon, where only men trained. I was one of the only girls to ever train there under my family. I also had a world class Japanese coach by the name of Tokyo Joe, who helped train me for my first tour of Japan where I wrestled some of the very best Japanese female wrestlers in the world. I lived over in Japan for a while honing my craft and trying to be the absolute best I could be. I spent nearly 5 years sending in tapes and resumes and letters and pictures to WWE… Trying to get them to see that I was special. I went to Japan and England and all over the US to try to gain enough experience to get my big break. I was rejected for five years! It was so hard to get hired, but so worth it when I finally got my dream job in the WWE. Finally.... in 2007, I got the call and then the really hard work began!!!
 
AM: Your job allows you to do a lot from participating in the sport, philanthropy and even filming for E! Total Divas - what's that like?

NN: I am so lucky that I get to do so many different things! Giving back to the community is one of the most rewarding parts about my job… I never take that for granted. It just makes me feel good giving back! I love filming Total Divas, it's a great way for us to show that we're human… And it's OK to fall down, get back up. Working in the WWE allows you to wear many hats and be very diverse in so many ways other than wrestling. My job in the WWE has prepared me for anything in life it seems!

AM: What's a typical day like from working out/training, filming for Total Divas, taking time with TJ (Tyson Kidd)  etc?

NN: I am usually very busy. When I'm working on the road, doing live events and Smackdown Live, it's a grind of working out and eating healthy and driving and flying hundreds if not thousands of miles to make it to our shows. It's a whirlwind, but so fun. When I'm home, I run errands, relax with my husband TJ and decompress and enjoy my family. I also work on my weekly columns for the Calgary Sun and OK Magazine.com. I love to write.

AM: You spend a lot of time traveling, how do you bring a piece of home with you? 

NN: When I go away from home, which is a lot. I bring little love letters my husband has written to me. I keep them in the bag where I put all of my wrestling gear. I read them when I get lonely and it truly lifts me up! 
 
AM: Tell us about 2Paws as we're obsessed!

NN: 2Pawz is rich. He's famous. He's a rap guru. Named after the illustrious Tupac Shakur.... he's all about working to OWN... not to rent, lease or refinance! Lol. He's a Lilac Persian and basically the most intense, but sweetest cat I've ever had. I love him more than words can say. 

AM: We loved hanging out with you  during the photoshoot and saw that you're a serious multi-tasker as you had a match right after - how do you keep so many things going at one time?

NN: I just take everything one moment at a time and try to be efficient. In WWE, we are always busy.... we only have time for "one take," so we make everything the best we can possibly make it the first time! It's a lot of hustling at times, though!!!! Sometimes I go "hey... i need to use the washroom!!!! Everything else can wait!" LOL
 
AM: What's a day off look like for you?

NN: A perfect day off is relaxing at my home with my husband and having NO game plan at all!
 
AM: What's on your playlist right now as we know you're a fan of Lana Del Rey. 

NN: I love Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Kings of Leon, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson and anything Lana Del Rey! Love her!!!!!! 
 
AM: What is your personal style when you're outside of the ring if you're running errands versus a night out. 

NN: I love being comfortable. When I'm running errands or working out, I like a pair of great leggings, a cozy hoodie and tank top I can rock if I need to grab a quick workout. Lately I'm obsessed with Adidas, Goldsheep and Lululemon! So comfy and cool! I also love Roots of Fight! They make my favorite Tess with vintage boxers and athletes like Mike Tyson and The Gracie's. Soon they're making shirts with Andre the Giant! Eeeek!
 
AM: You're always busy - what are your go to's meals or snacks for energy and what do you splurge on?

NN: I always carry snacks with me. Protein powder is a go to -- ESP for hotel life! First thing I have when I wake up! And I am obsessed with Lenny and Larry's cookies the Snickerdoodle flavor. I also love to splurge on sushi. Like the fattening stuff with tempura and mayonnaise and avocado in it! I love sushi!!!!! 

AM: Summer is around the corner, what are some moves that you suggest for toned abs, arms, legs, and butt?

NN: Lunges, squats, deadlifts, and clean and jerks. I love Olympic lifting so much because it always gives me a total body workout! And it makes me feel strong and powerful. Keeps my body toned everywhere. I also love running. With the right running partner I can run for hours!

AM: As you're always busy, will you be adding anything new to what you already do in terms of business ventures, charity etc?

NN: I have been writing a fun column as I mentioned before for the Calgary Sun, I am also working on an advice column for OK Magazine.com. My husband and I have dreams to one day open up our own wrestling school since we both share a passion for wrestling .... but it would also be cool to continue to film reality TV too. I've loved the whole process of being on a reality show - SO fun!
 
AM: What's it like to be on the road with the WWE and who are your faves to hang out with?

NN: It's fun being on the road, but it's also a lot of time away from home. So you have to make friends because strangers become family! And sometimes family become strangers. I love Renee Young. I can turn to Dolph Ziggler about anything. I adore our girls in the Smackdown Locker room. I share a strong bond with the Bella twins because we started in the WWE together and have been through so much. Naomi is my girl.... and one of my husband's favorite in the ring. I always get jealous when he says "she's the best!" LOL!!!!! 

AM: Do you mentor other wrestlers in the WWE?

NN: I try to be there for all the girls. I love being able to pass on the knowledge I've acquired over the last 15 years to them. I definitely try to help the girls in any way that I can!!!! It's the best when our work comes together and ALL of us shine! 
 
AM: Tell us about Summer Slam and what we need to know! 

NN: SummerSlam is the biggest event of the summer. It's taking place in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center and you know that the females in WWE will be front and center ... stealing the show! 
 
AM: Why do you enjoy being in the WWE so much?

NN: Because I get to live my dreams! I get to travel the world and I get to impact people's lives in such a positive way through the global platform we have in WWE. And I get to bodyslam my arch enemies and not get in trouble! LOL!
 

Read more from the April Issue here and to see WWE Divas/E! Total Divas Natalya, our April celebrity cover girl in mag!

IN AND OUT OF THE RING DANIELLE MOINET X SUMMER RAE

Our readers are STRONG, SEXY & SPOILED and of course, that means those that grace our covers and are featured in our pages embody this spirit as well! The world of the WWE includes some of the toughest athletes with dynamic personas and ever changing storylines that keep their fans waiting to see more every week! 

The ladies of the WWE are an elite powerhouse that represents vixens and villains. For those that need an extra dose (know and love this world) of the ladies, E! Networks' Total Divas - allowed viewers to see their lives in and out of the ring. Episodes showcase the ladies in the relationships, training, their personality, their personas and more. Our initial introduction to Summer Rae came during the second season of this show.

Summer Rae is a WWE athlete who fights in the RAW brand. Playing a villain role, she has won a number of single and tag team matches which keeps the crowds wanting more. Outside of the ring, Danielle Moinet is the complete opposite of her character; but, she shares the athletic sensibility as her career includes being a former professional football player as a cornerback for Lingerie Football League's Chicago Bliss (in addition to being a professional wrestler and wrestling manager). This Manhasset, LI native is also a model and actress who took the time to chat with us about her athletic career; what it's like to be a part of the WWE; the importance of giving back and insight into who Danielle is!

|  PHOTO COURTESY WWE |  

ATHLEISURE MAG: We love seeing you in the ring and being on E!'s Total Divas. Tell us about your career leading up to the WWE, as we know you played football, were the face of the Lingerie Football League, and you were an ambassador for Nascar's Bobby Labonte's team - how did this all come together with your love of sports?

DANIELLE MOINET: I have always been a fan of sports, both watching sports and playing sports. Growing up, I danced for many years and then I also ran track, jumped hurdles and played tennis. I’ve always had an athletic background and spent a lot of time in the gym in college. Playing football was definitely very fun. It was full contact seven on seven football. The ladies of the LFL hit hard. It’s not a gimmick. I’ve always had a passion for wrestling and loved watching it. I went to Monday Night Raw and watched it in the audience and thought, “Wow I can do that and I think I can do it well.” I decided to try out for WWE.

AM: We grew up in the 80's watching the WWE, when did you realize this was what you wanted to do and what was the process like to get to the ring?

DM: The thing that I love about WWE is everyone has a story. Everyone has someone they watched growing up. With me, my dad has no sons, only daughters, and I’m the oldest. I watched with my dad on Saturday mornings and when I was an adult I would sit at home and watch Monday Night Raw. I loved the soap opera! I became a fan again after college and that’s when I realized I wanted to submit. Now with NXT, Triple H has given people a great outlet to submit their resume and portfolio and be able to try to become a WWE Superstar. 

AM: We see the physicality that is needed to be a Diva, while also being able to be a total boss by being glam. It's such a unique sport that allows both - how is Danielle Moinet similar and different to Summer Rae?

DM: Very good question! Some people like to form their WWE persona based on an extension of themselves. For me it’s the total opposite. Summer Rae is everyone I wanted to be growing up: all of the girls I wasn’t and all of the things I wanted to say to people that I couldn't because I was too nice. Summer Rae is a conniving egotistical villain who will do whatever she needs to do to get what she wants. That’s why it’s so much fun to play her! I have never once been a good guy in WWE and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

|  PHOTOGRAPHY Vince Trupsin | MUAH Stella Kae | 

AM: This summer, we worked out with you and additional Divas during Summer Slam at Tapout here in NYC - between matches and doing PR events what is the schedule like when you're traveling and how are you able to balance your day to day life with that?
 
DM: Wow! That’s so cool that you came and worked out with us! That was the first time we had tried anything like that and my first time teaching an exercise class! It was inspiring to talk to different women. It was a special event for me. It's hard to find balance and in 2017 that is what I am going after. Balance. It is hard being a Superstar, being on the road 300 days a year filming and working events on your off days. Traveling and everything that comes with it is really hard. Having a group of people, whether they are family or friends that ground you when you’re home, it's important on those off days to step away from work. Otherwise, you will lose who you are. It’s something I’ve struggled with in the past and its something I am really working towards in 2017.

AM: As an athlete, the physicality of the sport is demanding, what does your workout day look like when you're preparing to be in the ring versus when you have down time?

DM: Very good question! I've never had someone ask me this in an interview! I train very differently on days when I have a match versus days I don't. I don’t do my legs as much on days I have a match. I save my cardio days for TV. Sleep is the most important thing in this business. I like to do circuit training so I don’t overstimulate one body part. When you bump and have five matches in a week you’re going to be sore.

AM: Recovery is always essential when you're working out - we're fans of foam rollers, KT Therapy ice packs etc, what do you have on hand for a little TLC for your body?

DM: Recovery is very important. The number one thing I find that helps is sleep and I am the first person to say I don’t sleep nearly enough. On the off days I will force myself to sleep. Massage is something really great. I live by a great chiropractor and physical therapist. In Los Angeles, I have gone to PEAK Wellness and I have absolutely loved the practice. The people there have been so amazing to me. Dennis at PEAK is so amazing and I’ve loved working with them.

|  PHOTOGRAPHY Vince Trupsin | MUAH Stella Kae | 

AM: What is your favorite moment in the ring and who has been your favorite partner?

DM: My favorite moment in the ring is actually not a wrestling match. It was when I got to write my own promo and do it for everyone. It was in Chicago where I was living at the time. I got to break up with Rusev on screen. I really felt it and felt so fortunate that they let me write it. It was so amazing and the crowd was so behind me. It gives me chills to think about.

My favorite person to wrestle is Nattie. I always loved wrestling her. She’s someone who challenges me and made me try to be better every time I stepped in the ring with her. I also love Sasha Banks. The chemistry we have is amazing!
 
AM: Besides your life as an athlete, what other passions do you have as we know you have acted?

DM: Being in the Marine 4 was an amazing opportunity. I loved being on set and learning the way that works! Being in more films and being able to act is a goal. I love the idea of having an amazing day and channel different emotions into my work. It is such a talent to be able to do that and of course that is something I would love to do and love to study more. Being able to publicly speak and host as well and spread positivity.
 
AM: When you have personal time how do you take time for you to center yourself?
 
DM: Personal time is something that I am trying to work on more and have more of, and give myself. Being able to center myself is having a good support system. I center myself by going into the gym and having a great workout and catching up on some of my favorite shows. Taking time for me. Our personal time is so few and far between, that it’s something I really have to cherish when I have it.  

|  PHOTO COURTESY WWE |  

AM:  What is your personal style from what you wear when you workout, when you're going out to brunch and for a night out with your friends? 

DM: My personal style ranges. I live in workout clothes and I can be a tomboy. The word ATHLEISURE definitely suits me. I’m always in my hat on my day off, because I hate wearing makeup.  I have to let my skin breathe. Workout clothes all day! Whatever fits and is comfy. I love the girly side too and get styled. My style is very diverse.
 
AM: Clearly, you have a great body! What are 3 exercises that we can incorporate for great legs, arms and abs?

DM: For me, something that I started in the Fall that I had never tried before was Pilates. I had a lot of restrictions from wrestling as far as my mobility and neck. The thing I love about Pilates is that it's 50 minutes and it's full body, but you also use weights. I’ve tried a lot of different exercises. Pilates really helps shape my arms legs and abs. I had never done a plank until Pilates and now I see it in my shoulders and abs. It's long and lengthening. Pilates gives me the flexibility and is so safe on the joints and knees. It’s something I really have to think about. You can find all three in Pilates.
 
AM: When it comes to getting energy before a workout what do you suggest we should eat?

DM: Some people are very different when it comes to eating before working out. Some people like to eat and some people like to be empty. I like to be full. I don’t like my stomach growling. I like to eat a high protein meal. I prefer fats and carbs in each meal I eat. Having a good piece of chicken or turkey meat, a good 25/35 gms of protein. You don’t have to get fancy when it comes to caffeine pre workout. Black coffee is great. You can’t beat a double shot of espresso or a black coffee before you work out. I always have a shake right after I work out to get my protein in.

|  PHOTO COURTESY WWE |  

AM: When you're having a bit of a splurge, what is a treat that we can enjoy that tastes decadent, but isn't really that bad for you?

DM: I have a sweet tooth. Something for me that I crave is ice cream like crazy and want it all the time. Instead, I buy the fat - free Cool Whip from the market and freeze it. Then it’s like fake ice cream. I just need a little bit. It’s no fat or carbs and not nearly as bad as ice cream. I find myself only having one or two spoonfuls. It gives me that satisfaction. 

AM: What charities or foundations do you work with and tell us about them.

DM: I work with the DTM Foundation which was started and by my sister Nicolette Moinet. They work with medically fragile children at UNC and Duke hospital. Anytime I’m back home in North Carolina I love to help them in any way I can whether it be hospital visits or the comfort cooks program. We make food for the families that are basically living at the hospital with their children. With WWE, we are so fortunate to work with so many other great initiatives include our anti-bullying program Be a STAR, Special Olympics, Make a Wish, Susan G. Komen and so many others. 

Read more from the Feb Issue and the In and Out of the Ring Danielle Moinet X Summer Rae feature specifically here.