Trish Stratus cracks the glass ceiling
Every Saturday, WWE.com (in conjunction with The Academy of Wrestling Arts & Sciences) ranks the Top 25 Superstars in wrestling with POWER 25. The rankings are based on victories, quality of opponents, momentum and overall in-ring dominance, as well as intangibles. This week for the first time, a woman has cracked the POWER 25. Now that she has busted into this boys club on the strength of her Taboo Tuesday Diva Battle Royal victory, Women's Champion Trish Stratus plans to keep climbing the charts.
WWE.com caught up with Trish via phone at her home in Toronto to get her take on being ranked No. 19, her fellow WWE Supertars and her place in Women's Division history:
WWE.com: Trish, this is the first time a woman has broken into the POWER 25. What are your thoughts on making the list and being ranked No. 19?
Trish Stratus: I'm pretty surprised. It's definitely an honor to be the first woman and to be included with the other 24 Superstars who made the list. I have to say that when I hit the ring, I always try to give it my all and bring something fresh and new and intense. I do that for the fans, and it's great to see that my hard work is getting noticed.
WWE.com: You're currently ranked one spot above "Mr. Money in the Bank" Edge. Any thoughts on pulling ahead of the 11-time tag team and five-time Intercontinental Champion?
Trish: Well, I'm the superior Canadian. Maybe he'll climb the charts if he wants to spend more time focused on getting the job done in the ring rather than getting the job done in the sack.
WWE.com: And you're cool enough to be two spots above Carlito.
Trish: Maybe he should start walking the walk rather than talking the talk.
WWE.com: You're also ranked above Chris Masters, Eugene, Hardcore Legend Mick Foley and former longtime Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin.
Trish: Shelton Benjamin is always fantastic in the ring, and I wouldn't be surprised if he soon leaps up the ranks just like he leaps with such athleticism in the ring.
WWE.com: World Heavyweight Champion Batista was ranked No. 1 two weeks in a row, but now WWE Champion John Cena has taken over the top spot. How would you rank those spots?
Trish: I'm not surprised to see John Cena grab No. 1. When I think about my intensity and my energy in the ring as Women's Champion, I really see that intensity mirrored in John Cena as WWE Champion.
WWE.com: Ric Flair has climbed all the way to No. 3 after his "great escape" out of a steel cage against Triple H at Taboo Tuesday. What do you think about his ranking and recent resurgence?
Trish: Ric Flair is just an example of the best only getting better. Hopefully, once I think I've hit my peak, I can find a way to exceed even that the way Ric has done.
WWE.com: Many people regard you as the greatest female wrestler of all time. Do you feel the same, and how do you feel about people talking about you in that light?
Trish: I've been lucky enough to be Women's Champion at a time when the Women's Division has been thriving. There are numerous contenders for the championship, and I just rely on giving 100 percent to overcome all opponents. I just keep doing my thing out there.
Be sure to check the POWER 25 this Saturday to see if Trish can maintain her ranking.
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