Former WWE Women’s Champion and Hall of Famer Trish Status was interviewed on Corey Graves’ “After The Bell” podcast. Here are some highlights and scroll down to listen to the entire interview.
Trish Stratus on why she turned on Becky Lynch:
“I think maybe coming back this last time, it could have been an underlying thing. I’ve seen the interviews. To be honest, I guess being there with Becky and seeing that there were no moments of acknowledgment and there was no recognizing how special this was, it kind of irked me a little bit to be honest because I was fully aware of the WrestleMania match itself, what an interesting, dynamic, right? We have this multi-generational face off. You have the past, the present, and the future. Me and Lita being the past, Becky and Bayley being the present, and Dakota and IYO being the future. I, as a fan, as a superstar, everything was nice, how amazing it was. I love watching everyone in the ring. I love seeing how I’ve influenced them and I could see my mannerisms. I know that Bayley has talked about how me and Lita have influenced her.”
“The one person that really didn’t acknowledge it much was Becky, and I thought that’s a bit off. Maybe she’s super focused on the match and we’ll get through these things. I’m all about real recognizing real, so that’s why for me, Becky to me is top tier. She is amazing. She’s the number one female to me in the current landscape, so that’s all I was kind of looking for. I don’t need my ego rubbed, but it was just a little bit aloof and not just that thankful. I am where I am in my career, but I’ve definitely made a point of thanking the people, the golden era, the division that made all you guys care about women’s wrestling, the Mollies, the Victoria’s, the Jazzes. I recognize those are the ones that made me in the ring. Those are the ones that all together, we did it. I mean, it was me more consistently, but for the most part, I’m always recognizing that it’s a team effort and whatever, but I just didn’t feel that from her and it kind of bugged me a bit to be honest.”
On why she attacked Lita:
“Well, I felt like in order for my message to be clearly delivered and to make a statement that you would sit up and take notice would be to just sort of shift her out of the picture and now it all lies are here, and I can have all your undivided attention and tell you what’s on my mind.”
If the current talent asks her for advice:
“I’ve always had great relationships with the current crop. When I got the role to be on Tough Enough, I was so excited about that role, because it was a moment to give back all the experience you have. I had people in my life who, you know, I was able to do what I did and achieve what I did because I had people backing me. I had Fit Finlay. I had Regal who would go in there and do 100 Hindu squats, and then show me. I had Lance Storm. I had Tommy Dreamer. I had Bubba. I had all these guys and people who saw my potential or saw my passion and took me aside. I loved it. I ate it up and I was a sponge, and that’s why I got better because I had that. I try to now be that ear for them because there’s a lot of frustrating moments, especially as a female Superstar in the WWE. I want to be like, ‘Listen, we’ve been there, but do this or say this.'”
Thoughts on Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair:
“I’m loving watching the development, because for me, it was about being this valet, but then having a character, developing, and getting to know her as a character, and then watching her in her role, and I’ve seen this with Rhea Ripley. It’s been wonderful to watch. She’s pretty special and I’m so happy to see where she’s at. Bianca, she’s someone special. She’s so athletic. I feel like she’s someone that is born to do what she does. It’s so natural and so effortless. I love seeing her. She’s a great champion. I mean, could I dethrone her? Maybe? Probably, but I enjoy watching her. I think they’re both great and also both beautiful.”
On if she will challenge for the RAW or SmackDown Championship:
“Pretty high. I guess the odds could be high. Do I look good in gold? Yes I do. Do I represent well? Yes, I do. Can I do your press conference? Yes, I can.”
On being a judge on Canada’s Got Talent:
“I’m a judge on Canada’s Got Talent, which has been so much fun as a performer, as an entertainer. I remember getting the job offer, and I was like, ‘I don’t know because I don’t sing. I don’t dance.’ It was tough for me to get them to say, ‘But you performed at this level’, and it was like, ‘Yea, I did.’ So to give back and then I see these people in their moments. It’s preparedness meets opportunity. They have this one shot, one opportunity as Eminem says, where they’re going to come out and they prepared for it. This is their whole moment that could change their life. It’s such an honor and it’s very humbling to know that I’m a teeny part of their journey. Even with my Golden Buzzer, like I’ll have a Golden Buzzer moment. I get to be a part of something that could possibly change the trajectory of their life or their career. Wow, what an honor. It’s super special and to do it for Canada is cool. Howie Mandel is with us, Lilly Singh and Kardinal Offishall. It’s so fun. It’s such a nice thing.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit After The Bell with Corey Graves with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.