Trish Stratus, the WWE Hall of Famer, is making headlines as she gears up to celebrate her 25th anniversary in the wrestling industry this year. Stratus, who made her WWE debut back in March 2000, has witnessed phenomenal changes within the sport, striving hard to pave the way for the women’s division. Speaking on the popular podcast, Busted Open Radio, she reflected deeply on her storied career and the trials she and others faced to be featured more prominently.
"It doesn’t sink in that it’s been 25 years since I debuted… If we hadn’t fought hard for the storylines and the longer matches… We may not have been in the place where we’re in now. We had to fight for that back then," Stratus expressed, highlighting the struggles women wrestlers faced during her early years.
Fast forward to 2025, and fans were delighted to see Stratus return to the ring as she made her surprise comeback during the Women’s Royal Rumble, entering at number 25. Lasting for 13 minutes, she surprised audiences with her performance before being eliminated by Nia Jax. This unexpected entry was not just for nostalgia; it was strategically set up as part of her 25th anniversary celebration.
Following the Rumble, Stratus found herself embroiled in another storyline. After attempting to save the Women's Champion, Tiffany Stratton, from an assault by Nia Jax and Candice LeRae, she was unfortunately taken down as well. This led to the exciting announcement of their upcoming tag team match at the Elimination Chamber, set for March 1, 2025, at the iconic Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Trish noted during her appearances how special it would be to perform there, as she explained to her children the significance of her being busy training and preparing for her comeback: "So I had to sit down with the kids and be like, just to let you guys know, I’m going to be super busy coming up. I’m going to be travelling here, and I’m going to be training... Rogers Centre is 60,000 people, it's a stadium show for Elimination Chamber, so it is pretty huge to know the last time I was there was WrestleMania 18," she commented, underscoring the emotional weight of the moment as it would also mark the first time her children see her wrestle live.
With the anticipation building, the team of Stratus and Stratton will face the formidable duo of Jax and LeRae. WWE producer TJ Wilson shared insights about Stratus’s role and dedication as they prepare for the upcoming match, stating, "It’s awesome. Trish brings a lot to the table. What I love about Trish is that she’s fearless and she’s aggressive in the ring. She just wants to show that she belongs in every era. She fits in."
This hallmark event not only acknowledges Stratus’s legacy but also spotlights the evolution of women's wrestling over the years. Stratus reminisced on how, over time, the new generation of talent began approaching her with ideas for matches alongside Lita, leading her to realize the impact of her contributions to the industry. "Me and Lita were like, ‘Whoah, we’ve really made an impact,'" she reflected.
While celebrating her illustrious career and making history, Stratus shared significant moments she would cherish forever, particularly the bond she feels with the fans and fellow wrestlers alike. Her upcoming match now seems bittersweet, as it could potentially be the last time she performs in Toronto—something she is immensely proud of but recognizes as emotional with her children finally getting to witness their mother’s legacy on such grand stages.
Stratus concluded with thoughts on how the celebration of her 25 years not only marks her achievements but also recognizes other women wrestlers who battled through the challenges of the industry alongside her. "It felt great to celebrate not just my 25 years, but what we went through together as women,” she stated.
The Elimination Chamber on March 1st promises to be both thrilling and nostalgic, as fans are eager to witness Trish Stratus once more leaving her mark on wrestling. Will this match become another milestone as she continues to inspire the generation of female wrestlers to come? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for certain: the legacy of Trish Stratus is not only celebrated but also carries forth the spirit of women’s wrestling, showing how far the division has come.