Trish Stratus Talks Current WWE Women’s Division, Natalya’s Push, WWE Brand Extension

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus spoke with Scott Fishman of Channel Guide Magazine to promote the release of her “Gridlocked” movie. The full interview is at this link and below are highlights:

The current WWE women’s division:

“I am loving the chance they are getting. That is what it comes down to. They are getting the chance to shine and utilize the talent they have. It’s great. It’s a good time to be a woman in WWE right now. I think if you’re a woman coming up and need something to aspire to there are some positive role models. The girls are doing a fantastic job.”

Natalya turning heel:

“It’s about time,” Stratus said of Nattie’s heel turn. This is going to be so good for her. Look, she has waited patiently for a long time, playing the game, waiting for her shot. If she can bring some of that out in this heel turn, it will be good and fans will resonate with it because there will be truth behind it and it is genuine. A successful character or storyline is a success when it has a bit of realism it draws from. I’m excited. That is going to be so refreshing for her character. I have to watch what happens with that.”

The WWE brand split and SmackDown going live:

“I think it’s a great move. There is just so much talent right now. They need the two platforms to allow them to develop the talent and help shape these characters. With so many talented Superstars on the roster, you can’t have them waiting in the wings forever. Because of NXT and the opportunity they have been given to grow at the Performance Center, there are many ready to go right now. I know when I was there and we had the brand split, there was excitement within the roster. There is so much more potential for opportunity and with the two brands, interesting things can happen, like the Draft became an interesting element for the fans.

“Moving to live is going to be good, too. I know when I was on Raw, I don’t know if it was an internal thing, but that was seen as the A-show. There is nothing like a live performance for the fans and for the performers. I think that combination will be a positive thing.”