Trish Stratus remembers a surprising revelation: for countless fans, she was their very first crush. The WWE Hall of Famer, now featured in WWE 2K26, discovered this phenomenon after playfully wearing a t-shirt declaring just that. The response was overwhelming, a chorus of voices confessing a long-held admiration.
It wasn’t just the fans of the Attitude Era reliving their youth. Stratus learned that even current WWE superstars confessed to harboring childhood crushes on her. She smiled, reflecting on the enduring impact she’s had, continuing to connect with people decades after her debut and even embarking on a “First Crush Tour” to celebrate the connection.
The 50-year-old star feels incredibly fortunate to still be influencing and meeting those whose lives she touched. She’s witnessing a beautiful cycle – fans from her early career introducing their children to the woman who captivated them years ago. This intergenerational connection is a source of immense pride and gratitude.
Returning to WWE headquarters for the WWE 2K26 CreatorFest brought back memories. Stratus recalled earlier days of media appearances, noting how much has changed, particularly regarding the recognition and respect now afforded to women’s wrestling. The landscape is dramatically different from when she began.
Back then, opportunities were scarce. Simply securing a spot on a pay-per-view felt like a victory. Stratus and her contemporaries unknowingly laid the groundwork for the incredible success women’s wrestling enjoys today, building a foundation for a “skyscraper” of talent and opportunity.
She admits that wrestling wasn’t even a consideration growing up, as there were no female role models to inspire her. Now, she emphasizes the power of visibility: “If she can see it, she can be it.” Seeing current stars like Tiffany Stratton, who discovered wrestling later in life, is incredibly rewarding.
Stratus vividly remembers the struggles to achieve parity, the constant fight for women to be allowed to perform at the same level as their male counterparts. Even something as simple as a steel chair shot required multiple layers of approval, simply because “it’s what the guys do.”
She laughed recalling the absurdity of needing permission for a basic wrestling maneuver. The evolution is undeniable. A cage match, once a privilege barely granted to women, became a reality in her 2023 return against Becky Lynch – something unimaginable in her early career.
The advancements extend to the WWE 2K26 game itself, boasting a roster of over 400 superstars and improved graphics. The inclusion of details like thumbtacks signifies a shift in representation. Where women once were simply glad to be included, they are now represented equally.
Stratus points to the progress, noting that in the past, women were “lucky to just get some visibility.” Now, the game reflects a commitment to equal representation, a testament to the hard-fought battles and the enduring legacy of those who paved the way.
