WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus has shed light on the dramatic journey that led to her recent run with WWE, discussing her highly anticipated feud with Becky Lynch and the strategic plans that shaped her return. In an engaging interview with “Inside the Ropes,” Stratus opened up about the motivations behind her return, her initial creative ideas, and how her storyline evolved in unexpected ways.
The Heel Turn That Almost Was
When Trish Stratus made her comeback to WWE, she envisioned a dynamic shift in her role—one that would see her embrace the villainous side of her character. Stratus, known for her iconic face persona throughout much of her career, was eager to explore the darker side of wrestling.
“I’d like to surprise people too,” Trish explained with a spark of enthusiasm in her voice. “And do it a little different and then I thought as a performer, I would like to challenge myself and do a heel run because I hadn’t touched that for so many years.” The plan was to reinvent herself and captivate the audience with a fresh and unexpected character arc.
A Twist of Fate
However, the storyline took a different turn than initially planned. Stratus’ heel turn was intended to be a pivotal moment in her WWE return, potentially setting the stage for a dramatic feud with Becky Lynch. The original idea involved turning on her longtime friend Lita, creating a compelling narrative twist that would enhance the emotional investment of the fans.
“She [Lynch] called me and said do you want to come back and do a match with me at WrestleMania,” Stratus recalled. “We thought it’d be cool of like me turning on Lita as you’re more invested on me turning on my friend of 20 years than me and Becky, we had no television history at that point.” Despite the initial plan, Stratus found herself deeply involved in the WWE storyline, much more than anticipated.
From a Brief Appearance to a Full-Time Role
What was initially envisioned as a brief stint evolved into a full-fledged return to the spotlight. Stratus was scheduled to come in for a short period after WrestleMania, execute her heel turn, and then take a step back. Instead, she ended up engaging in a six-month storyline that kept her in the spotlight week after week.
“We had no idea it would turn into this six-month adventure,” Stratus admitted. The unexpected extension of her storyline saw her teaming up with Zoey Stark, competing in the Money in the Bank ladder match, and embarking on a summer-long feud with “Big-Time Becks” Lynch. This extended run not only surprised fans but also showcased Stratus’s remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in evolving storylines.
Building Bonds Beyond the Ring
Throughout her time back in WWE, Stratus and Lynch formed a strong bond beyond the confines of their on-screen personas. Their relationship deepened as they navigated their roles, with Lynch recently embracing motherhood, a journey Stratus found relatable and inspiring.
Stratus expressed admiration for Lynch’s growth both professionally and personally. “We bonded over motherhood,” Stratus said. “It was a new chapter for both of us, and it made our on-screen chemistry even more authentic.” Their off-screen friendship added a layer of genuine emotion to their rivalry, making their feud all the more compelling for fans.
A Journey Full of Surprises
Reflecting on her return, Stratus acknowledged the unexpected twists and turns that shaped her recent WWE journey. From initial plans of a brief return and a heel turn to a full six-month storyline, her return was filled with surprises and new challenges. Stratus’s dedication to her craft and her ability to adapt to unforeseen changes have only cemented her legacy as one of WWE’s most versatile and enduring stars.
“I thought I was going to retire in 2019,” Stratus noted, referencing her final match against Charlotte Flair at SummerSlam in Toronto. “But coming back in 2023 and seeing how things evolved has been an incredible experience.”
Stephen’s Insight
Trish Stratus’s recent WWE run has been nothing short of remarkable. Her ability to adapt to shifting storylines and her commitment to enhancing the WWE product exemplify her enduring legacy in the wrestling world. As Stratus continues to inspire both fans and fellow wrestlers, her journey serves as a testament to the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of professional wrestling.
