Published: May 17, 2025 by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: May 17, 2025 by Sanchez Taylor
Sanchez has over six years of pro-wrestling news writing experience, covering the biggest news stories in WWE, NXT, AEW, TNA Wrestling and more. He has personally interviewed a number of top stars, producing exclusive content with the likes of AEW's Swerve Strickland and WWE's Nick Aldis.
WWE
A big change has been announced for a current WWE star’s championship match outside the company, with a notable name pulled from the bout.
With NWA holding its Crockett Cup event on Saturday (May 17), WWE’s Natalya has been preparing to challenge for Kenzie Paige’s NWA Women’s World Championship.
While it was only recently announced that Gail Kim would be the special guest referee for this bout, Gail Kim has now confirmed that she will NOT be able to appear at this weekend’s show due to illness.
The former WWE star shared the following statement on social media:
“I am sorry to have to announce that I cannot make it to the Crockett Cup today in Philadelphia. I hate to let the fans down and most of all Nattie and Kenzie but post cruise last Sunday, I went down hard and have been suffering severe flu/covid symptoms. I did not want to announce in hopes to make a full recovery by today, but I am still experiencing a high fever and have had to cancel this AM.
“I promise to make it up to the NWA fans and Billy and hope to come back for another event. I am so disappointed as I was looking forward to being the referee for the women’s championship title today.
“Wishing the best of luck to everyone in Philadelphia today and especially the ladies who I know will be bringing down 2300 Arena tonight!
NWA shared Kim’s statement. The promotion hasn’t announced a replacement referee at the time of writing.
Natalya has been using her recent independent run to reinvent herself, with the WWE star notably defeating Miyu Yamashita at GCW’s Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII during WrestleMania 41 week.
Natalya recently invited another former WWE star to train with her following that star expressing interest in a potential WWE return.
We wish Gail Kim a safe and healthy recovery.
IMPORTANT UPDATE pic.twitter.com/gXk25Doovv
— Gail Kim-Irvine (@gailkimITSME) May 17, 2025
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