Trish Stratus inducted into the International Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame
Photo: Joshua Scarselli of Powder Keg Pictures
This past weekend in Albany, NY, Trish Stratus was inducted into the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame alongside Tito Santana, Tony Atlas & Rocky Johnson and Johnny Rodz. Awards were also given to Clarence Bouldin and NWA President Billy Corgan.
The honor came at a fitting time as she celebrates her 25th anniversary in the industry.
This was Stratus' first public appearance in months after losing her mother to cancer this summer.
Inducted by her longtime rival and best friend Amy "Lita" Dumas did the honor after local independent wrestler Kayla Sparks, who credits Stratus for inspiring her to pursue this business, ran through a beautiful 'Trish-tory' session for those in attendance.
When Stratus took the stage as the final inductee of the 2025 class, she couldn't help but smile at headlining once again.
"It's a good day when a woman is in the main event, isn't it?" she remarked.
Photo: Joshua Scarselli of Powder Keg Pictures
Stratus thanked the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame for the recognition and expressed her gratitude to President and Co-founder Seth Turner for the work they do to ensure the longevity of the legacies of those in the wrestling industry.
"They're not just displaying artifacts – they're preserving the sweat, the struggle, and the legacy of those who made this industry what it is".
Stratus joins Mildred Burke and June Byers as the third woman ever to be inducted, calling the honor "incredible." She reflected on the progress women's wrestling has made since her debut, stating, "Representation matters. When we show young girls and boys what's possible, we're not just breaking barriers – we're building dreams."
Stratus also shared her mother's influence and the personal challenges she faced this past year. Before her passing, her mother encouraged her to wrestle at Evolution, where she faced Tiffany Stratton in a WWE Women's Championship match, despite her hesitance about the circumstances.
"She told me, 'Do it. Do what you can while you can," Stratus recalled. "I'm so grateful I listened. Exactly one month later, she passed, but she got to see me do what I love one last time."
Photo: Joshua Scarselli of Powder Keg Pictures
She closed her speech by thanking her Stratuspherians for their unwavering support. "You're the reason I got to live this dream," she said. She also showed appreciation to her peers, "the men and women who shared the ring and the road," conveying her pride in the legacies built together.
And finally, she gave one final thanks to Seth Turner and those in attendance for giving her a reason "to get out of sweatpants and get back to life."
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