Stratus hosts travel series

Considering she spent years living out of a suitcase, it’s hard to believe that Trish Stratus didn’t see much during her travels with World Wrestling Entertainment. She thrilled audiences in Japan, Australia and the U.K., yet the photo album of the seven-time women’s champion is not as extensive as one would expect.

Stratus recalls a conversation with Morgan Elliott, the producer of The Second City’s Next Comedy Legend, which she hosted last year.

‘She would say, ‘You’ve probably traveled all over the place,” says the 32-year-old Toronto native, while on route to a Kid Rock concert. ‘And I would say, ‘Well I have, but I’ve mainly seen airports, arenas and hotels.”

But that’s no longer the case. Over the past few months, Stratus has been in front of television cameras documenting her time in exotic and unique lands as part of Stratusphere, for Travel + Escape and its sibling Discovery HD.

The 10-part show by Suddenly SeeMore…Productions (No Opportunity Wasted) sends her across the globe where she takes on tasks and challenges that showcase the local culture — learning how to sword fight in southern India and paragliding in the Himalayas. She was disappointed in Fiji, however, where she was not allowed to take part in a firewalking ceremony — in which performers walk across hot coals.

‘I think only the men do the firewalking,’ she says. ‘I told them I have pretty roughed-up feet; I’m barefoot a lot, I have calloused feet, I can do it. But no, I [wasn’t allowed] to do it.’

Originally slated for summer, Stratusphere clicked with executives at CTVglobemedia and was moved to the fall. Elliott, who worked with Stratus on Comedy Legend, exec produces. The series’ producer is Carla Jones.

Stratusphere debuts on T+E Sept. 1 and is due on Discovery HD this winter. Stratus will also guest star on the second season debut of ‘da Kink in My Hair, playing herself.