6. Badmouthed By Chyna Shortly After Joining Company
When the WWF signed Trish Stratus in 2000, she paved the way for the host of fitness models who later entered the company. It's been argued that had Stratus not been a success, the likes of Kelly Kelly, Maryse and Eve Torres would have never made a splash. Trish was a pioneer, working hard to eventually become an excellent in-ring performer. Shortly after joining the promotion, Stratus was on the receiving end of some strong words from Joanie 'Chyna' Laurer. Speaking on national television, Chyna said that Trish Stratus was everything that was wrong with the WWF's female recruitment policy. Not stopping there, she said Trish was hired solely for her looks, and didn't pay her dues to get to the top. These harsh words of course reverberated back to Stratus. Chyna would leave the company shortly afterwards, and Trish would go on to become the biggest female star under contract. In later years, Stratus has said she was embarrassed, not only by Chyna's comments, but because they were on TV. It's likely that Chyna simply felt threatened by her place on the roster, and hit out at the newest target.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.