Pros and Cons: Trish Stratus' Constant Post-Retirement Appearances

It's been a minute since I've done a "Pros and Cons" story regarding the world of wrestling, and with the Elimination Chamber event looming, this is a perfect time to discuss something that's been on my mind: WWE's constant need to involve Trish Stratus in things, especially if said things are in Toronto. Now let's make one thing clear. Trish is a legend and icon in women's wrestling; a woman who started out as a fitness model before making her debut as a villainous manager. Had very little (if any) in-ring experience, yet evolved and became one of the most known names in WWE's Women's Division. Seven-time Women's Champion. That's a big deal.

But here's the thing, Trish isn't the only legend in WWE, yet WWE certainly acts like she is. Trish's retirement match (which actually saw her win Title #7) took place in September 2006, but in the near 19 years that have passed, Trish has made a lot of appearances on WWE TV. She's even been in matches and storylines, a lot of them in the last decade. And it continues; Trish not only entered this year's Women's Rumble (her second appearance, she was in the very first one in 2018), but she'll be part of the Elimination Chamber event this Saturday in Toronto, serving as Tiffany Stratton's partner against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae.

So let's get into it. Here are the Pros and Cons of Trish Stratus' constant appearances as of late:

Pros

We have to admit, Trish's appearances have been interesting to say the least. While it definitely seems like WWE views Trish as the end all, be all regarding past legends in women's wrestling, her appearances have been quite fun. For one, there was the time she got in Bayley's face and told her off, back when Bayley was leading Damage CTRL. A long time ago, when Trish was part of the revamped Tough Enough, she made a few appearances to promote that show as well. Of course, the biggest pro is the only thing I've ever asked for in Trish's appearances: Trish's heel run in 2023.

I never ask for much when it comes to returning female legends, and regarding Trish, the only thing I ever asked was for Trish to be a villainess in this post-WWE stretch, and I finally got that two years ago. I loved Trish's evil tenure, it was so beautiful, and she was so venomous; I've always felt that Trish would be perfect as a Lifetime movie villainess. Here's a fun fact: My first women's wrestling fiction story on Vocal is Rise of Le Matriarche, a two-part story. I actually based the revealed villainess behind "Le Matriarche" on Heel Trish from two years ago; I had her in mind as I wrote the character.

Cons

The obvious con is the overuse of Trish Stratus, especially in the last decade plus. It still baffles me that her last match as a regular saw her win the title, and even crazier, Trish was allowed to keep the title with her during her injury hiatus in 2005. Trish competing against Charlotte at SummerSlam 2019 wasn't needed; yes, it was a battle between two top women from different eras, but if they had to do it, it should have been a few years prior, not when Charlotte was already established as WWE's current perceived "end all, be all."

Honestly, the moment where I should have really started side-eyeing Trish's appearances was WrestleMania 27. We all remember this; the match that included Snooki. Despite the fact that LayCool was targeting Kelly Kelly, WWE decided to put Trish in the match, and then there was a rumor that Trish pretty much caused the decline of John Morrison's stock in WWE, which pissed me off because John was owed a big push. And then there's this year. Trish in the Women's Rumble made no sense, and Trish teaming with Tiffy makes even less sense, especially since less than a year ago, Tiffy was upstaging Trish at SummerSlam. Now they're banded together with no explanation other than they both hate Nia and Candice, and the event will be in Toronto. Make it make sense.

What bothers me is that fans want Trish to have all these things that she sure as hell doesn't need. Some wanted her in the Chamber. Others want another title run. Why? Let me tell you a story. Those of you who read my stories know that Melina's my all-time favorite. I was upset when she got abruptly released, and it increased when it seemed like WWE wouldn't really acknowledge her. In the 14 years that have passed since Melina's release, and especially in the last seven years, I've only asked one thing: put Melina in the Rumble. That's all. I finally got my wish in 2022 and the emotion remains. Melina made a small number of appearances after her release, but the Rumble is the one that matters to me. And you know what? I will take those few combined minutes from Melina's appearances over any one of Trish's appearances any day of the week.

Elimination Chamber

So like it or not, this is the match for the event: Trish Stratus and Tiffany Stratton against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae. I have no doubt it'll be good, but again, this wasn't needed. The constant need to have Trish appear over and over again slights a lot of women, both present and past. Despite the fact that Trish and Lita are a package deal (they even main evented together in 2004), we never see Lita even close to as much as we see Trish. Both of them are celebrating 25 years, but Trish's anniversary has been made out to be the bigger deal, while all Lita gets is a commemorative tee on WWE Shop (which I did order). It's mind-boggling. Never mind the fact that Lita actually won that famous main event, WWE will always see Trish as the overall centerpiece.

Despite this, I will enjoy Saturday's event and the women's tag bout because that's what I do. Even so, WWE could cut back on the Trish appearances, and they don't have to use Toronto as an excuse to have her on. It would be nice if they used Toronto as an excuse to have Auston Matthews on, but that's a pipe dream.