Another defining moment in the second round of my career was my return in 2023 for a six-month feud with Becky Lynch, culminating in a steel cage match. Back in the day, women weren’t given those opportunities—it was considered something "the boys" did. To return after retiring in 2006 and be part of a match like that, headlining a major event showed the progress of how far women’s wrestling has come. It was everything.

Before WWE, you were studying to become a doctor in university. Did you ever imagine WWE would be part of your journey?

Not at all! People often ask if I always wanted to be a wrestler, but growing up, that wasn’t even an option. Women in wrestling were mostly valets, not competitors. I was a huge wrestling fan, but I never imagined I could do what the men did.

My original plan was to become a doctor—I was laser-focused on that path. But in 1997, when my university went on strike, everything changed. That unexpected break introduced me to fitness modeling. Robert Kennedy, who was pioneering the fitness modeling industry, approached me, which led to magazine covers. Fitness modeling was a natural fit, because it allowed me to put into practice the theory that I was learning with my studies in biology and kinesiology.

Once that part of my career took off, WWE came calling. They suggested I send in my materials, but when I didn’t hear back for months, I figured they weren’t interested. Instead of waiting, I asked myself, “If they do call, how can I be ready?” So I found a wrestling school, knocked on the door, and convinced the trainer to put this girl in with the boys-only training squad and demanded they treat me like one of the boys.

My personal mantra is “preparedness meets opportunity,” and this was a prime example of that.

A couple of months later, WWE finally reached out. They told me, “The job is very physical—just so you know.” I responded, “Oh yeah, I’ve been training for months already.” That preparation paid off. After my meeting at the WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, the next thing you know, there was a contract at my front door in 2000.

And the rest is history! You’ve seen women’s wrestling evolve so much. How does it feel seeing women headline WrestleMania and main event pay-per-views now?

It’s unreal. Back when I was starting, women were lucky to get five minutes on TV. Now? Women are closing the shows, headlining WrestleMania, and putting on match-of-the-year performances.

And it’s not even treated as a “women’s match” anymore—it’s just the match. That’s how far we’ve come.

Your recent match in Toronto at the Elimination Chamber was a huge moment for you. How did it feel to perform in front of your hometown crowd with your family there?

Honestly, it was overwhelming in the best way possible! Toronto crowds have always been electric, but this was different. It was my homecoming, my 25-year celebration, and my kids were in the audience watching me wrestle live for the first time. That meant the world to me.

We had SmackDown the night before, and the energy in the arena was wild. I could hear the crowd chanting "Thank you, Trish!" and it hit me—I almost got emotional in the ring. Then, the next night at Elimination Chamber, stepping into that stadium with my kids, my husband, and my closest friends was surreal.

And my son, Max, actually got interviewed about it! He was asked if it was emotional seeing his mom wrestle, and he was like, "No, not really. It was just so exciting!" (laughs) That’s all I needed to hear.

I didn’t tell my kids this might have been my last time wrestling in Toronto, because who knows? But if it was, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to do it.

You also teamed with Tiffany Stratton that night. How was that experience?

It was awesome—Tiffany is young and incredibly talented. When WWE put us together, people kept calling her the next Trish Stratus. But I told her, "No, you’re the first Tiffany Stratton!"

I see a lot of parallels between us. She came from a non-traditional background—she was a gymnast, just like I came from fitness modeling.

Neither of us grew up training in the independent wrestling scene, but when we were given the ball, we ran with it. Teaming up with her felt like a full-circle moment.

You made a surprise return at the Royal Rumble at No. 25. How did that feel?

That was awesome because it was a surprise. After the cage match with Becky Lynch, a lot of people assumed that was my big finale—like my final bow. I had already retired once in 2006, and I know fans always wonder if it’s truly the last time. But for me, I’ve always said I’ll only come back if the moment is right. When WWE proposed the Royal Rumble, it felt like the perfect fit. We already knew Toronto would be a key part of the story, so we worked backward. It was a great way to commemorate kicking off 25 years and say, “Trish is back”!

Tell us about your Reach for the Stratusphere initiative. What inspired it?

I’ve always believed that sports don’t just build athletes—they build character. I feel like so much of the person I am today is because of the sports I played. The camaraderie I had playing on a sports team I could apply to the wrestling world where it was collaborative.

When I was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, I had this realization: I didn’t get here alone. I had people who guided me, supported me, and helped me navigate my career. Now, I want to do that for the next generation.

Reach for the Stratusphere is my way of giving back. It’s about providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities for young girls in sports. We’re partnering with various foundations to offer mentorship, provide sports equipment, and help young girls develop the confidence to chase their dreams—whether in wrestling or any other sport.

It’s about showing them that if they can see it, they can be it.

Between wrestling, business, and family, how do you manage it all?

I get asked this all the time, and honestly? I don’t sleep! (laughs)

But in all seriousness, I take my health very seriously. I don’t drink coffee, and I don’t smoke—I stay active, eat well, and keep my energy up. I always start my day with my BCAA from Basic Supplements, and you know, some days, I’m in full mom mode, packing lunches and doing school drop-offs. Other days, I’m back in the ring, taking bumps. It’s all about balance. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So, what’s next for Trish Stratus?

We’re launching the Trish 25 Tour, which includes autograph signings, meet-and-greets, and appearances across North America. I’ll also be doing more work in the fitness industry—it feels like I’ve come full circle in that sense.

And WWE? Well, never say never. If the right opportunity comes along, I’d love to step back in the ring one more time.

Twenty-five years in, and Trish Stratus is still setting the bar. She’s no longer just a pioneer of women’s wrestling—she’s a living legend who continues to push boundaries, break stereotypes, and inspire future generations.

And whether she’s in the ring, in a boardroom, or mentoring young girls, one thing is clear—Trish Stratus isn’t done yet.

Because Stratusfaction is always guaranteed.

For more follow Trish Stratus @trishstratuscom or visit her official website.