Natalya teases risqué project amid WWE future speculation

Natalya is WWE's longest-tenured female superstar and one of the longest-signed on the entire roster. Her future has been a hot topic of discussion for months, and recent developments have raised more questions than answers. The third-generation grappler has now released viral photos to increase the speculation.

The Queen of Harts almost became a free agent as her WWE contract expired amid rumors and speculation on a possible jump to AEW. World Wrestling Entertainment made a good offer in May in hopes of re-signing her before free agency. There was departure concern until mid-July when sources said a new multi-year deal was completed at the end of June. The 24-year veteran weighed her options to make sure several non-WWE projects lined up with new contract terms.

Natalya took to Instagram today to share a few risqué photos from an undisclosed project she is working on. The 42-year-old also captioned the pictures with a motivational quote. She thanked photographer Sean Nelson and stylist Mickey Fitzpatrick III, who interestingly works with AEW as well.

"Overnight success is hidden under thousands of quiet nights. ... shooting something fun with @seannelsonphoto, thank you for the beautiful glam @themickeyfitzpatrick [folded hands emoji]," Natalya wrote with the photos below.

Interesting updates on Natalya's WWE status

Natalya re-signed with World Wrestling Entertainment in late June. There was talk of the former Divas Champion jumping ship to AEW, and while she did consider the move, the two sides never actually discussed it.

She was not backstage for WWE TV tapings during most of the contract negotiation period. An update from Fightful Select reveals that Natalya has not returned to the road since finalizing her deal.

There's no word yet on whether Natalya was backstage for tonight's post-SummerSlam RAW, but she was not there on July 30. The Diva of Doom has not wrestled since defeating Izzi Dame on the June 4, 204, episode of NXT. Her last RAW match came the night before when the debuting Kiana James defeated her.