Natalia Markova’s Triumph at NWA 77

A Global Stage for a New Champion

On August 16, 2025, the National Wrestling Alliance returned to Long Island, New York, for the milestone event NWA 77 held at The Paramount in Huntington.

In the co-main event of the evening, Natalia Markova challenged Kenzie Paige for the coveted NWA World Women’s Championship. Against the odds, Markova delivered a standout performance and emerged victorious, ending Paige’s dominant title reign.

End of an Era for Kenzie Paige

Kenzie Paige had held the title for over 700 days, having captured it from Kamille at NWA 75, and had defended it fiercely ever since. Her run had seen her face and defeat many top competitors, lifting the prestige of the championship during her tenure.

Markova’s Perseverance Pays Off

Prior to this moment, Markova had challenged for the NWA World Women’s title on several occasions, including memorable bouts against Kenzie Paige and Kamille, but had yet to taste championship glory. This win marks her first-ever reign as the NWA World Women’s Champion.

A New Chapter for the Division

Markova’s victory signals a fresh direction for the women’s division. Having finally captured “The Burke,” she now shoulders the responsibility of carrying the legacy forward. Meanwhile, Paige’s storied reign may have concluded, but her influence on the division’s evolution will not be forgotten.

About Natalia Markova

Born in Moscow in 1989, Natalia Markova has steadily built her reputation since her debut in 2007. She’s wrestled around the world, including stops in Japan and Europe, and has been a standout in NWA since 2021. She’s also known for her achievements such as winning the Burke Invitational Gauntlet in 2024.

Match Recap: NWA 77 – Women’s World Title Match

Champion (pre-match): Kenzie Paige — a dominant 700+ days reign.

Challenger: Natalia Markova — a long-awaited breakthrough victory.

Outcome: Markova dethrones Paige to become the new NWA World Women’s Champion for the first time.

What’s Next?

Markova’s Reign Begins: With a new era underway, how she defends the title and against whom will define the coming chapter of the NWA women’s scene.

Paige’s Legacy: A reflective moment on Paige’s elevated reign and what lies ahead for her—perhaps a heel return, redemption arc, or a fresh feud.

Division Momentum: The women’s division enters an exciting phase, full of opportunity and potential for standout storytelling.

In summary, Natalia Markova’s victory at NWA 77 is more than a title change—it’s the spark of a new era, one built on perseverance, passion, and a fitting payoff for a worthy challenger. Let’s see where she—and the division—go from here.