Ever since 2013 WWE Hall of Fame inductee Trish Stratus announced that Stephanie McMahon would be doing the honors by inducting her at Saturday’s ceremony in New York City, fans have been wondering why the legendary Diva picked her former boss over all of the other memorable names who had a hand in her career. Well wonder no more!
“It was a difficult [choice]. There’s so many people who have had such an influence on my career and shaped my career,” admits the humble Hall of Famer-to-be in an exclusive chat with Diva Dirt ahead of her induction this weekend.
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The seven-time Women’s Champion reasoned her decision to go with Stephanie as her inductor, explaining that she greatly admires her as an employer, on-screen rival, friend and businesswoman, and credits the WWE executive for kick-starting her wrestling career.
She said: “Getting a nod to be in the WWE Hall of Fame, it’s a look back at your career and at the end of the day, there would have been no career, no opportunity, no revamping of the women’s division if Stephanie wasn’t behind it all.
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“When we feuded, there’s something about when you have an experience with someone that you bond with them. When we had our feud, we bonded then and we remained close ever since. She’s just always supportive of showcasing a strong, powerful woman. There would be no division and none of the women would have gotten the push that we needed, or the encouragement we needed.”
And Trish’s admiration of Stephanie extends beyond the squared circle, revealing she also looks up to Stephanie as a strong-willed businesswoman following her own post-WWE foray into the fitness business, with her growing Stratusphere Yoga line, which includes a yoga studio, DVDs and apparel.
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The former Diva added: “She and I have remained friends. I’ve watched her evolve into a businesswoman. We were at the same level — green workers having fun wrestling and then she really just got behind the scenes and became a businesswoman. It’s very empowering to see the position she has now.
“I retired and went into the business world and with all my endeavors, it’s a tough world for a woman. I admire her greatly and respect her greatly.”
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Listen to a clip below:
Check out our full pre-Hall of Fame interview with Trish tomorrow on Diva Dirt!
For more on Trish visit www.trishstratus.com and check out her limited edition Hall of Fame store.
