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Newsweek
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Trish Stratus Debunks Long-Standing WWE Rumor
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus has officially debunked a long-standing rumor concerning a dream match that fans have discussed for nearly a decade. In a new interview, Stratus set the record straight about a heavily speculated match against Asuka. For years, it has been rumored that WWE originally wanted Stratus to face Asuka at the NXT TakeOver: Toronto event back in 2016. Speaking with Inside the Ropes, Stratus confirmed this was never in the company's plans. The WWE Rumor Debunked The speculation began because the major NXT event was taking place in Stratus's hometown of Toronto. At the time, Asuka was in the midst of a legendary undefeated streak, and fans assumed a hometown hero like Stratus would be brought in for the major challenger role. "Nope, no, no, that never was a thing," Stratus confirmed. "I think people just assumed it because Toronto and they're like, 'Oh, it's of course it's gonna be Trish Stratus.'" She also pointed out a flaw in one version of the rumor, which claimed she couldn't do the match because she was pregnant. "Don't know if I was even pregnant at that time — 2016, 2016, I was not pregnant. Lies. Debunked it right here. Officially debunked." Trish Stratus seems to have control over both Melina and Mickey James during the WWE RAW Superslam event at Acer Arena , Homebush Stadium on August 4, 2006. Trish Stratus seems to have control over both Melina and Mickey James during the WWE RAW Superslam event at Acer Arena , Homebush Stadium on August 4, 2006. Don Arnold/WireImage Asuka's Reign Of Terror The context of the time explains why the rumor was so believable. In 2016, Asuka was the most dominant force in all of WWE, holding the NXT Women's Championship and an unprecedented undefeated streak that would eventually last for 914 days. She had run through the entire NXT women's roster, and for a major show like TakeOver, a special, credible challenger was needed to face "The Empress of Tomorrow." Given that the event was in Toronto, fans naturally connected the dots to the city's greatest wrestling hero, Trish Stratus. Her own retirement match against Lita at Unforgiven 2006 took place in Toronto, making her synonymous with major events in the city. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation What Really Happened While Stratus was never in the running, WWE did bring back a fellow legend for the match. Mickie James, who had been released from WWE in 2010 and had a successful run in TNA, made her surprise return to the company to challenge Asuka. The match was highly acclaimed and served as a major test for the dominant champion. James's performance was so well-received that it led to her being re-signed to a full-time WWE contract shortly after. After nearly a decade of "what if" scenarios discussed by fans, Stratus has finally put the rumor to rest. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Natalya: I Gave Kenzie Paige The ‘Nattie Rub' Just Like I Did For Charlotte Flair
Natalya has commented on her match against Kenzie Paige at NWA Crockett Cup 2025. The former WWE SmackDown Women's Champion recently appeared on Busted Open Radio. During the conversation, Nattie drew similarities between her outing against Kenzie Paige with her past work against Charlotte Flair. Advertisement 'I did for Kenzie what I've done for many in the industry,' Natalya said. 'If I'm going to talk the talk, I'm going to remind you of the walk that I've walked. Look at Charlotte Flair. Charlotte wasn't able to be Charlotte until I brought out a different side of her. I was able to do that. I gave Charlotte the Nattie Rub. 'Charlotte is a very close friend of mine, and I love her and respect the sh*t out of Charlotte, but she talks about it all the time. When I had that match with her at TakeOver in 2014, I brought out a different side of her, a side of her that she didn't know existed. I did the same thing for Kenzie. Kenzie is in her early 20s and she got to understand about who the fu*k I am.' Natalya says she ran circles around Kenzie Page 'I got to run circles around Kenzie. I'm 42, running circles around a 20-year-old. When you train at the Dungeon, you learn how to fight for your life. Kenzie didn't realize that when she was wrestling me, I love the taste of blood in my mouth. I love bruises under my clothes. I fu*king live for this. That's what I love and what turns me on. She didn't realize that I love that feeling.' Advertisement 'When she worked with me, we had a great match, I can safely say it was the match of the night and had everybody in the ECW Arena on their feet. She got to understand the Nattie Rub. She's going to spend the rest of her career chasing the dragon to have a match like that. Just like Charlotte has spent her career chasing to find a match like she had with me in 2014.' [H/T Fightful] Despite having a competitive match with Kenzie, Natalya failed to beat the NWA Women's Champion for her title. The Queen of Harts got into an altercation with a heckler after the match. Fans can read more on that here. RELATED: Natalya Reveals When She'll Retire From Wrestling The post Natalya: I Gave Kenzie Paige The 'Nattie Rub' Just Like I Did For Charlotte Flair appeared first on Wrestlezone.
