WWE’s legendary hall of famer, TRISH STRATUS, opens up about her life, loves and triumphs in and out of the ring…
STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Trish Stratus
BORN: December 18
HOMETOWN: Toronto, Canada
FIVE-WORD SELF DESCRIPTION: “Driven. Ambitious. Disciplined. Quirky. Grateful.”
INSTAGRAM / TIKTOK / X: @trishstratuscom
Hey Trish, congrats on your FHM Australia cover. How do you feel?
Thank you! It feels pretty great because this was on my bucket list. I landed my very first magazine cover at 23, and I actually shot for FHM during my WWE days – but never managed to snag the cover. So, to be here almost three decades later, literally days after turning 50 is wild! A reminder that there’s no expiration date on ambition.
Why did you decide you wanted to do this cover?
I mean, what better way to close off celebrating my 25th anniversary of my WWE career than by hitting a goal like this right out of the gate. It definitely sets the tone nicely for 2026.
What did you enjoy most about the photo shoot and why?
The shoot was a bit of a full-circle moment. I teamed up with Sarah, former fitness model turned photographer, who has often said I was her inspiration for getting into fitness modelling. So, stepping in front of her camera was very meaningful. And the shoot was definitely giving early 2000s – it was fun to capture that vibe from when it all began for me as a model.
What is your best asset?
I’m famously a lifelong lover of squats and a dedicated builder of the booty, so you might think I’d go there – however, I believe my best asset is discipline. It’s what built everything – my body, my career, my longevity.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
That I’m a massive homebody. Give me sweats, kids and a quiet night over a red carpet any day.
For those who have been living under a rock, tell us a bit more about yourself.
I’m a Canadian gal, born to hardworking parents who taught me that nothing is given – you gotta earn it. Growing up you would either find me scoring on the field or buried in my studies. I was pre-med when a professor strike closed that door which got shut tight after I got signed as a fitness model. I got discovered by WWE in 2000, worked my butt off, shattered the proverbial glass ceiling, became a 8-time champion and Hall of Famer, built my Stratusphere brand, influenced thousands to get on a yoga mat, filmed some movies, raised a couple kiddos and somehow – 20-plus years later – I still get to step into the ring and deliver Stratusfaction to the WWE Universe. Not bad for a girl who just wanted to make her parents proud.
When did you first know you wanted to be a wrestler?
The moment I got into the ring and saw I could combine athleticism and storytelling. It wasn’t just moves – it was emotion. I was hooked once I knew I had the ability to make a crowd feel something.
How did you get to be a part of the WWE?
By living my mantra: preparedness meets opportunity. When I saw even a glimmer of a chance, I trained like crazy, ate, slept and breathed the sport, and made sure I was ready. When they called, I was able to seize the moment and maximise the opportunity. I flew home from my first meeting to find a contract waiting in the mailbox.
What do you love most about your WWE job?
One of the most incredible things about being a WWE Superstar is the unique connection we have with our fans. It’s more than just performing – it’s about giving them moments they’ll never forget, making them feel part of the story, and inspiring them to push themselves in their own lives. That bond, whether it’s with a kid seeing their hero in person or someone following our journey from home, is unlike anything else in the world of sports or entertainment.
What’s been your career highlight?
One of my career highlights has to be when I returned to full-time action for a minute and ended up in a steel cage match against Becky Lynch. Going toe-to-toe with one of the best in the business was incredible – but just being in that cage, something I never would have been permitted to do as a woman back in my day, was amazing. Knowing I helped lay some of the groundwork to level the playing field and then was able to step into that literal playing field myself made it incredibly meaningful.
Your 448-day reign as WWF/WWE Women’s Champion stands as the longest reign of any women’s world champion in the 21st Century. What do you think about when we read this stat to you?
It’s just GOAT things.
You’ve worn many hats – pro wrestler, actress, fitness model, business owner, mother… is there anything you can’t do?
I still can’t figure out how to fold a fitted sheet, but other than that I like to think I’m pretty unstoppable.
Have you ever been to Australia?
Yes! I’ve wrestled in Australia a bunch of times and I love the energy of the fans there! Also, Tim Tams in hot chocolate – the best! I also know your animals can kill you and your coffee culture can save you.
Describe your ideal man?
Someone who loves my strength and embraces my independence.
What’s the best way for a man to win his way to your heart?
Feed me and make me laugh!
What’s one thing men should always remember about women?
We’re not picky, we’re particular. I say that about myself all the time!
What are the chances you would date one of your social media followers?
Like, one in a million.*
*cue 5+ million: “So, you’re telling me there’s a chance.”
You recently celebrated your 50th birthday – congrats on the massive milestone, you look as fit as ever!
Thanks. Yay! I made it halfway through!
Finally, what’s next for you? Do you have any exciting upcoming projects you can share with us?
I do! I’ll be kicking some karate ass in an upcoming dark comedy action movie, Karate Ghost, gracing my 115th cover, and digging into a project that will take a deep dive into all the glass ceilings I’ve shattered and all the brass rings I’ve grabbed over the years.
Photographed by SARAH LYONS GLABMAN
Interview by SANTI PINTADO
On-set hair & make-up by ALLISON PYNN
Hair by MANNY DIMITRAKOPOULOS
Styling by LOREN HUGGER
Location SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA USA
