Trish Stratus was honored to headline WWE Raw in 2004, an opportunity that the Hall of Famer had to fight for in every sense. This week marks 20 years since Stratus and Lita headlined the December 6, 2004, edition of the red brand which saw Lita capture the Women’s Title from her friend/rival.
Speaking to TV Insider, Stratus recalled only learning of the main event match when she arrived at the arena, and even then, believed it was a prank by male talent. It was only after speaking with Vince McMahon that the magnitude of their upcoming match truly sunk in.
“We knew it was a big opportunity, but at the time, we didn’t realize how big of an opportunity it was. Let alone the impact that night would have.”
20 years later, the match is still considered one of the best women’s matches in WWE TV history and came at a time when women were firmly behind the men. Just two years earlier, Stratus had faced Victoria in a hardcore match, one where many backstage didn’t want the pair to come close to delivering on the stipulation.
“We were thinking about doing a chair shot. ‘Women can not do that’… Only in the wrestling world where I have to fight to be whacked in the back with a steel chair.”
Stratus’ matches with Lita and Victoria would be a taste of things to come, as women’s wrestling in WWE has made huge steps over the past decade. While having two women headline Raw was a historic showcase in 2004, the concept is commonplace in today’s programming.
“It’s wild to me now that the main event is whoever deserves it. This isn’t just the women’s main event. It’s just two characters on the show.”
In a matter of days, WWE will take its next step in gender equality with the crowning of the first Women’s U.S. Champion at Saturday Night’s Main Event. WWE has also started a tournament on Raw to crown the first Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
“I think it’s amazing. This is exactly what we wanted back in the day. We wanted the same opportunities and exposure as the men. This is a big step.”
Stratus last competed for WWE at Payback 2023 against Becky Lynch in a steel cage, another concept practically off-limits for women during Stratus’ full-time career. With opportunities growing in WWE that Stratus wished existed decades ago, fans can’t count out some Stratusfaction being served again, possibly with gold on the line.
Other Highlights
Stratus discussed a variety of topics in her interview, including:
- Appearing on MADtv was a “dream” for Stratus, who preferred the show growing up to Saturday Night Live.
- Stratus is interested in appearing on Dancing With The Stars. The show has already featured Chris Jericho, Nikki Garcia, and The Miz.
- She “imagines at some point” that fans will see her in the ring again, especially with next year being the 25th anniversary of her WWE debut.
