During tonight’s WWE RAW, emotions ran high as the fallout from the Backlash France Premium Live Event unfolded and the journey to the King and Queen of the Ring Premium Live Event later this month kicked off.
The highlight of the night was the start of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, featuring eight qualifying matches crucial to the event in Saudi Arabia on May 25.
In one of the most anticipated matches, Natalya faced off against IYO SKY in the Queen of the Ring tournament, marking their first-ever encounter. Natalya, known as the Queen of Harts, has a personal connection to the WWE’s royal tournaments, as her uncle Owen Hart won the King of the Ring tournament in 1994.
Natalya paid a touching tribute to her late uncle Owen, who would have turned 59 tomorrow, dedicating tonight’s match to him. She shared a nostalgic photo of Owen and her father, Jim Neidhart, expressing her excitement to face IYO SKY, whom she considers a dream opponent.
Owen Hart’s legacy continues to be celebrated by the WWE universe, nearly 24 years after his tragic passing at the Over The Edge event in 1999. His memory lives on through Natalya, who aims to leave her mark in the Queen of the Ring tournament.
RAW aired live from the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut, marking WWE’s return to its home state. Fans witnessed an intense and emotional night of wrestling as the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments commenced, setting the stage for an unforgettable event later this month.