Trish Stratus ended her employment with the WWE in a way that was unique. She left as champion.
It is common in wrestling that when a wrestler gives notice to the bookers they 'job on the way out'. This means that for the last few matches they lose to their rivals.
It makes sense really. The company has to build new stars once they leave so it is only right that they make way for their successors.
On Sunday night the WWE Unforgiven pay per view was held in Toronto, Canadas which is where Trish hails from. The internet reported that she was leaving wrestling to get married and settle down after a little over seven years in the business.
The rumours were acknowledged by Trish herself in the build up to the match against the women's champion, Lita. She said she wanted to retire as champion. And she did.
The most symbolic thing about the closure to the match is how it was won. Stratus had her rival in the sharpshooter finishing hold and Lita tapped out.
Sure - it may seem like a tribute to Canada with the move being Canadian hero, Bret 'Hitman' Hart's finisher but it harkens back to Montreal.
In 1997, Bret Hart was on his way out of the company and he refused to drop the world title to Shawn Michaels as he was in his home country and he had creative control which meant he could veto any match planning. He did not get along with Michaels and flat out refused to do a finsih that would put him in a bad light in his final WWF match in Canada.
The match ended up being a swerve on Bret Hart. Vince McMahon ordered the bell to be rung as the Heartbreak Kid had the Hitman in the sharpshooter. An ironic twist being that the wrestling move being applied was Hart's own.
The sharpshooter scenario has been used in numerous wrestling angles since that day in November 1997 and when it was applied on Sunday night it seemed a fitting tribute.
Trish was able to finish her career in her home country with the move that more or less represented the good and bad of Canada.
It was a great showing of the WWE to allow one of the most improved and record setting female wrestlers to go out in that way.
