London Free Press: Ex-wrestler follows passion for yoga, fitness
This condensed version of Trish's Q&A session appeared in The London Free Press following her appearance at the 2014 BBB Integrity Awards.
By Hank Daniszewski / @HankatLFPress
Trish Stratus, professional wrestler turned health and fitness entrepreneur, was the guest speaker at the Better Business Bureau of Western Ontario Awards Wednesday.
The Toronto native was a seven-time champion with World Wrestling Entertainment and went on to open a yoga studio, start a line of health and fitness products and become a cover model, movie actor and TV personality.
She had 800,000 followers on Twitter and one million likes on Facebook.
Stratus held a question and answer session with the audience:
Q: Was it hard to retire in 2006 at the top of your wresting career?
I had a robust career. ... I had done it all. The wrestling world has a short shelf life and there were all the injuries. I have no knuckle on the middle finger of my right hand, a couple of missing teeth, herniated disc in my back, broken anklem ... my mom was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It was time to move on and concentrate on my personal life.
Q: How did you handle the transition from wrestling superstar to entrepreneur?
Wresting was not my life. It was part of my life. I got into yoga, practised all over the world and got certified and turned my passion into a business in 2008 ... I produced my own television show and that allowed to me to control my image and my brand.
Q: How does integrity play a role in your business?
It's my name on the door, my face on the billboard. When I retired I got lots of offers including one to endorse an energy drink, but I don't use energy drinks. I do feel passionate about my yoga, it's part my lifestyle. My client base believes in me and they believe in my brand.
Q: Are professional wrestling matches scripted?
We know the beginning and the end. What happens in the ring is a dance that we do and a lot too is improv, staying in character and based on the reactions of the audience. It's scripted, but the performances are real with real athletes.
It's very much like Shakespeare with the fans cheering for the good guy and booing the bad guy. There's a lot of buildup to the story lines so we can create characters that the fans can relate to.
source: lfpress.com
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