Patricia Anne Stratigias (born December 18, 1975, pronounced /strætɨˈdʒiːəs/), better known as Trish Stratus, is a Canadian actress and television personality. She is also a former fitness model and former professional wrestler.After beginning her career as a fitness model, Stratus began working for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which was later renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), on May 6, 2002. Early in her career, she was involved in sexually themed storylines, such as managing the team T & A and an affair with Vince McMahon. As Stratus spent more time in the ring, her wrestling skills and popularity strengthened. Because of this, she was a one-time WWE Hardcore Champion, three-time "WWE Babe of the Year" and was proclaimed "Diva of the Decade". After nearly seven years in the business, Stratus retired from wrestling on September 17, 2006 after winning her seventh WWE Women's Championship, the most in WWE history.
Aside from professional wrestling, Stratus appeared on a number of magazine covers and has been involved in charity work. She has also hosted several award and television shows, including Stratusphere in 2008.
Fitness modelling:Stratigias grew up in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada where she attended Bayview Secondary School. She enrolled at York University, where she studied biology and kinesiology and played soccer and field hockey. Due to a teachers' strike in 1997, she was forced to change her plans. She was working as a receptionist at a local gym when she was approached by the publisher of MuscleMag International to do a test shoot for the magazine. She later appeared on the cover of the May 1998 issue and was signed to a two year contract. For the next six months, she worked on her body and appeared on numerous magazine covers. During this time, she joined Big Daddy Donnie & Jeff Marek as the third host of Live Audio Wrestling on Toronto Sports Radio, The FAN 590.
Stratigias had been a fan of wrestling since childhood and her modeling work caught the attention of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). In November 1999 she was signed to a multi-year contract with the company, who sent her to Sully's Gym where she was trained by Ron Hutchinson.
Other media:From 2001, Stratus was a spokesperson for the World Natural Sports Association. On June 3, 2006, she hosted the Canada's Walk of Fame induction ceremony and performed a song and dance number inspired by the soundtrack from the film Chicago at the event. During the show, Stratus ad libbed a kiss with fellow Canadian actress Pamela Anderson.
From late November 2006 to mid-January 2007, Stratus temporarily moved to Muncie, Indiana for the CBS reality show Armed & Famous. She was given a spot in the series after Paul Heyman had mentioned her name to CBS. The concept was that she was one of five celebrities who trained as volunteer officers with the Muncie Police Department. After finishing her training, Stratus and her real life officer partner were followed around by a camera crew while going on legitimate police calls. Although the show was scheduled to broadcast seven episodes starting on January 10, 2007, CBS canceled the series after just four of the episodes were aired.
After the cancellation of Armed & Famous, Stratus hosted The Second City's Next Comedy Legend. The contest was similar to the style of America's Next Top Model, with Stratus portraying the "Tyra Banks" role as contact between the contestants and judges. In 2003, a DVD about her career entitled Trish Stratus-100% Stratusfaction Guaranteed was released. Stratus also guest-starred in the Canadian show Da Kink in My Hair's new season, which started on February 12, 2009.In September 2007, Stratus announced that she would be opening a yoga studio in Vaughan, Ontario called Stratusphere Yoga in 2008. Also in 2008, she hosted her own travel show also called Stratusphere.. On September 17, 2009 it was announced that a Stratusphere Yoga video game would be released for the Wii in the second quarter of 2010. Trish will be starring in the upcoming Canadian independent movie Bail Enforcers, playing bounty hunter Jules Taylor, scheduled for release in late 2010.
Personal life:Stratigias is of Greek and Polish descent and is the eldest daughter of John and Alice Stratigias. Her sisters are named Christie and Melissa.
Stratigias married her boyfriend and high school sweetheart of fourteen years, Ron Fisico, on September 30, 2006. Guests in attendance at her wedding included former WWE Divas Lita, Ashley, Lillian Garcia, Ivory, Maria, Molly Holly, Torrie Wilson and Victoria, as well as Mickie James. Her bridal gown was featured on a cover of Today's Bride magazine. Shortly after the wedding, Stratus got the call to be a part of Armed & Famous, so she filmed the show instead of going on her honeymoon. After that, she got divorced, she turned lez and she will marry Raquel next year.
She has declined to pose nude for Playboy, preferring to be remembered for her wrestling career.
Stratigias has also been involved with numerous charities such as Ronald McDonald House, Dreams Take Flight and the Special Olympics. On March 29, 2008, she participated in the Island Triathlon Series as part of a celebrity relay team to help raise money for Dignitas International.
