WWE legend Trish Stratus, who marked 25 years in professional wrestling last year, has been confronted with a daring challenge from Natalya ahead of WrestleMania 42. This challenge comes amid speculation about Stratus’s potential return to the ring, centering around the upcoming major WWE events in Las Vegas.
Natalya Issues a Direct Challenge to Stratus
During an appearance on the Cruz Control Podcast Network, Natalya spoke openly about Trish Stratus, expressing doubt over whether the 50-year-old can match her in the ring. Natalya, a veteran and multiple-time Women’s Champion herself, made it clear that she is ready for a showdown if Stratus is willing to accept.
“I don’t think Trish Stratus could really hang with Nattie if that makes sense. So if Trish Stratus has got the b*lls to come and hang with Nattie, then she can let me know. But I would love to see that. So, I know she could hang with Natalya and probably beat Natalya pretty easily. But I don’t know if Trish has it in her to hang with Nattie. Trish, that’s your open challenge.”
?Natalya, WWE Superstar
Recent Appearances and Performance
Trish Stratus resurfaced in WWE at the 2025 Royal Rumble, where she entered the 30-woman match as the 25th competitor to commemorate her silver anniversary. Her last in-ring match was at the 2025 Evolution event, where she faced Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship but came up short.
Prospects of Stratus Returning for WrestleMania 42
Insider Sean Ross Sapp shared insights through Fightful Select Answers Q&A, revealing that there was surprise inside WWE regarding Stratus’s limited involvement during 2025. Despite this, plans for her further participation were considered but never fully realized.
Sapp emphasized that Stratus remains one of the most cooperative veterans in the company, always accessible and eager to contribute ideas for her role. Fans are eager to see if she will compete in the 2026 Royal Rumble scheduled for January 31 and if this could lead her to WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
Implications for WWE’s Women’s Division
A return by Trish Stratus could significantly impact WWE’s women’s division, adding star power and nostalgia along with fresh rivalries. Natalya’s challenge heightens anticipation among fans, marking a potential new storyline spotlighting two prominent Canadian wrestlers as they prepare for one of wrestling’s biggest stages.
