WWE WrestleMania XXVI Almanac: Trish Stratus on ... stunning Diva moments
Today's WWE Divas are sexy, smart and powerful. Name three WrestleMania moments that define each of these words for you.That's easy. At WrestleMania 21, I defeated Playboy cover girl Christy Hemme, proving that it is way sexier to kick butt than to show it. My smartest moment was having the foresight to see Chris Jericho's true colors at WrestleMania XX, when I slapped him and left him standing alone in the middle of the ring at Madison Square Garden. And my most powerful moment was saying "No more" to Mr. McMahon at WrestleMania X-Seven and deciding that from that moment on, I was going to do thing my way. I stood up to the most powerful man in WWE. If that doesn‘t signify Diva empowerment, I don't know what does!
You were in WWE when the term "Diva" was colned. What does being a Diva in the ring mean to you?
To me, it's more than just being in the ring on TV. It means I'm a role model. What I'm doing as a woman–making it in a male-dominated world–is important and special. Sports-entertainment is a small industry, and a Diva has to be the best at what she does. She has to prove to the male Superstars that she can do the same things they can in the ring. WWE Divas aren't only sexy, smart and powerful women. They're also dedicated and determined women who chase after Championship gold.
Speaking of gold, now that there's the new Divas Championship, have you thought of returning to win that title seven times, too?
I'm always open for a challenge, and if the opportunity were presented to me, why not? It would be a nice addition to my list of accomplishments. I think it's monumental that there's a second title for women now. When I wrestled, there used to be only one women's feud because we were all chasing after the same title. Now there are Divas on three distinct brands competing for titles. But nothing compares to winning a title at WrestleMania.
Or retaining a Championship, which you did at WM21. So what other 'Mania moment of yours would you like to relive?
I'd go back to the night of WrestleMania XIX, when I won my fourth Women's Championship and tied The Fabulous Moolah's record. I relive that every night in my head. Victoria, Jazz and I had this pinnacle moment for women, and it was like, "OK, the Divas are here to stay!" And of course, I made history by tying Moolah's record. Nobody has a shot at tying my record seven Women's Championships, however–and if any Diva did, I'd have to come back and take it from her with my eighth win.
At WrestleMania XXIV, Beth Phoenix said she wanted to raise the bar for all women in WWE. What do you think she meant by that?
I imagine Beth was calling out the Divas to bring their A-game. There are so many women on the roster today. Maybe she was saying, "Don't rely on your loolcs or rest on your lawrels." Today, Divas are so lucky to have all the opportunities they do in WWE, and they have the potential to step into the ring and make these memorable, historic moments. With so many women, there's potential for interesting rivalries to drive sports-entertalnment, and I think that's what Beth meant.
Speaking of the Glamazon, we'd love to see you come back to battle her and Natalya in a Triple Threat Match. Thoughts?
I love it! Sign me up right now. Honestly, to me that's an amazing in-ring matchup. Beth Phoenix and I have some unsettled business, and Natalya has amazing talent. She is one of the most underrated Divas. I think that once she peaks, it's going to be incredible and the fans will be in awe. Where she comes from, her background, her training...Natalya has a passion that's been a part of her entire life. So I can only imagine what will happen when she has an opportunity to win gold.
lf you could travel back in time and sit ringside at any Divas match in WWE history, which one would you choose?
Wendi Richter winning the Women's Championship at the first WrestleMania, without a doubt. At the time, who could've thought 'Mania would tum into what it is today? Wendi and Leilani Kai brought a different standard to women's matches, and it was such a good bout. Also, I was a huge fan of Cyndi Lauper, and to watch her accompany Wendi to the ring was fantastic. Her presence there marked the beginning of the celebrity involvement, a foreshadowing of what was to come.
Superstars and Divas don their finest attire for The Show of Shows. Which outfit do you remember most?
Honestly, the most memorable was my Canadian outfit, which I wore at WrestleMania X8. It was at the SkyDome, in my hometown of Toronto, and I wore the Canadian maple leaf on my butt. I was so excited about it, and to wear my country's emblem. The crowd loved it. I still have that outfit hanging up in my closet. To me, it was more than a 'Mania getup; I was representing a nation. That was an incredible night.
With 'Mania XXVI looming, how do you feel the role of the Diva has changed during the event in the past 26 years?
More than anything, the responsibility in terms of what a female Superstar brings to the ring has changed. In the past decade, fans have grown accustomed to seeing strong, athletic women compete the same way the men do. It's amazing to know I was a part of that. Divas now have a responsibility to maintain that legacy. We're going to see great things from the women of WWE in the next 26 years.
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