The WWE is one of North America’s most-watched and supported franchises in all the sports available in the region. Athletes from around the globe compete in the ongoing wrestling brands that are run by the WWE, and both Raw and Smackdown serve as two of the most enticing wrestling competitions to join and compete in.
Canadians have been competing in the WWE for years. The country has a rich history of combat sports stars and culture, with some of the greatest mixed martial artists and wrestlers having come from the great white north.
Below, we list two of the best Canadian wrestlers to have competed in the WWE’s top franchises:
Trish Stratus
Widely considered as one of the greatest female wrestlers of all time, Trish Stratus is the first entry into the list of Canadian WWE stars. Stratus’ career can be best characterised by dominance.
Stratus had been a fan of wrestling since her childhood, having been pariticularluy fond of Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage. During a brief stint as cover model within the fitness industry, Stratus caught the eye of the World Wrestling Federation.
Stratus would later go on to train at Sully’s Gym under Ron Hutchinson, and made her debut on March 19th 2000 as an antagonist. She appeared on stage to scout then tag team duo Test and Albert, who would later go on to become the tag team T&A, for which Stratus would serve as manager.
After some time spent as a manager to more antatgonistic fighters, Stratus became more of a hero, and went on to start wrestling part time, teaming up with former rival Lita. Her increased time within the ring resulted in an increase in wrestling skill, and her popularity began to increase.
Stratus ended up becoming a one time WWE Hardcore champion, a three-time WWE Babe of the Year, and was proclaimed Diva of the Decade. Always a favourite amongst Ontario sports betting enthusiasts, Stratus never failed to make her hometown proud.
Chris Jericho
Often quoted as being one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, American Canadian Christopher Irvine, better known by his stage name Chris Jericho is the next entry into the list.
Born in the US to Canadian parents, but raised in Winniepeg, Manitoba, Jericho first took to wrestling when he was a child watching the local American Wrestling Association.
Jericho began his wrestling training when he was nineteen in Calgary, Alberta. After just two months of training, Jericho made his debut against training partner Lance Storm, in a ten minute time limit bout which ended in a draw. Jericho would spend the next nine years in different pro wrestling franchises, until making his WWE debut in 1991.
His entry into the franchise can only be described as influential, as he went on to challenge a handful of WWF legends, namely Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit, Mick Foley and Eddie Guerrero. Just two years into his career with the WWF, he became the undisputed champion after defeating franchise legend the Rock.
Another Canadian to do his country proud, Chris Jericho is one of the most accomplished WWE/F athletes from the great white north.
