Natalya Neidhart, who writes a column for the Calgary Sun, recently interviewed WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus about her return to the ring at WWE Evolution, what she thinks about the current crop of female WWE superstars and her secret weapon for looking like she’s never missed a step in the ring since her retirement 12 years ago.
How she feels leading into WWE Evolution:
“Proud. Honoured. Nervous. (But don’t tell Alexa Bliss that!). When we were competing in the so-called ‘Golden Era’, we never could have imagined we’d be where we are today – an all-women’s pay-per-view. It’s amazing, as back then we felt accomplished just getting a match on a pay-per-view event, and here we are with an entire event devoted to us!
“It makes me proud knowing the blood, sweat and tears we shed have helped pave the path, but it’s the work of the women of today that have carved a viable and credible place for women in WWE. I’m honoured and humbled to have been asked back to participate. I think pairing me with Alexa Bliss – a woman who in a very short time has accomplished so much – is great as there is a definite parallel to our careers. I think seeing the generational faceoff is intriguing to fans. We’re bringing together the past and present – conceptually it is exciting.
“To be honest, I’m more excited than nervous,” Trish said. “The fact that I haven’t been in singles competition for seven years (and birthed two children in the meantime!), gives me a bit of nerves, but it also is driving me to train harder than I probably ever have. I feel like I have to prove not just to everyone watching but to myself that I can do this. Also, to get back in the ring, with a competitor I’ve never faced is exciting. I’m excited to give the WWE Universe a blissfully Stratus-fying experience.”
Seeing her signature moves used by today’s talent:
“I’ve seen some of my signature moves from today’s talent. I don’t blame them, as they are effective moves. Carmella does the Stratusphere, Liv Morgan does The MaTrish … but it’s Alexa Bliss’ in-ring presence that got people talking (and making comparisons). She has spoken about being a fan and studying my work and so it is humbling to see shades of Trish Stratus in her matches, which I think is what makes this matchup special.”
How she stays in such great shape after 2 kids and 12 years of retirement:
“Yoga! I discovered yoga at the tail end of my career, using it to avoid surgery and rehabilitate the herniated disks in my back. I returned to the ring stronger, more agile, that’s when I invented my signature move ‘The MaTrish,’ and most importantly with a clearer head and a more determined focus. Once I retired, I delved into yoga. I got certified and studied it all over the world at retreats and workshops and it eventually led to me opening my own studio and creating my yoga fitness lifestyle brand, Stratusphere. Yoga, whether it’s my daily 20-minute routine, my meditation or the way I set my intention each day, will always be a part of my life.”
