Major name explains "selfishly" rejecting WWE return: "I didn't think it was necessary"

WWE has seen major names return over the years to entertain fans. One former champion recently opened up about turning down an offer to return to the company some years ago.

Trish Stratus had a good run in the ring in 2023 and was even featured in a big match at WrestleMania 39. Following her return, the Hall of Famer had a lot of fun working alongside Lita, Becky Lynch, and Zoey Stark.

The last match of her full-time tenure was at Unforgiven 2006, when she defeated Lita to become the women’s champion in Toronto. She ended her run at the top and decided against returning to the squared circle when WWE pitched her an angle in 2009.

Speaking to Kenny McIntosh from Inside The Ropes, Trish Stratus clarified that she wanted to return to the ring to make a difference and push her boundaries. She also wanted to elevate some new talent in doing so.

"I always said when I retired, if I go back, it’s got to be for something important. Not important, that’s not the right word. It’s got to be for something that’s good. No, that’s not right either. It’s gotta be just something that has to check a few boxes. I want to work with someone I haven’t worked with before. Selfishly as a performer, I want to challenge myself. But I also want to elevate another person. I want to do stuff that hasn’t been done before. I want to present things a bit differently,” Trish Stratus said.

She added that she didn’t think it was necessary to return at the point as the pitched angle wouldn’t have done much with her presence.

"I just thought about coming back after being retired, I didn’t think that was a good platform to do it. I didn’t think it was necessary. I don’t think it would have been way better if Trish Stratus was in there.” [H/T Inside The Ropes]

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WWE saw a massive in-ring return at WrestleMania XL as well

While Stratus was not a part of it, this year's WrestleMania was a massive event for Triple H and WWE. The Game led the company to one of its biggest shows of all time, and it stacked the card with some phenomenal matches.

One of the matches featured The Rock's return to the ring. The Final Boss got involved in The Bloodline storyline and teamed up with Roman Reigns to face Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes.

It was a big moment to have The Rock enter the WWE ring again for a match that lasted longer than many would have expected.

Fans now want him to return to take on Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship.