The career of Lisa Marie Varon saw her thriving in WWE as Victoria and TNA as Tara. Women’s wrestling wasn’t booked with huge importance when Victoria started to make her start in the wrestling industry. The early 2000s would see her playing a prominent role during her rivalry with Trish Stratus.
Fans were taken back at the performances of Victoria, which made her a relevant top in-ring worker for the division. TNA eventually employed her as Tara for a few years with various title wins. Both stints showcased why she was among the most important female performers in the industry. But when it comes to backstage stories, there are just some things about Victoria that are hard to believe.
10 Was Heartbroken After Injuring Beth Phoenix
The recent WWE Network special on Beth Phoenix referenced a brutal jaw injury in her debut match against Victoria. Phoenix felt her career was in jeopardy right when she was on the way to getting a big break.
Victoria appeared on the Quizzlemania game show and was asked about it via a fan question. The story featured her struggling to get over it at the time since she took pride in working safely. Victoria revealed that she still feels horrible today whenever thinking about it, including the reaction to the story via WWE Network bringing it to the attention of new fans.
9 Was Upset At TNA's Catering Meal Choices
TNA made a lot of odd moves that upset various wrestlers throughout the years. Victoria had her own issues with the company when working under the name of Tara. One complaint featured the catering rarely providing options for clean eating.
The tapings on Tuesday would see the company having “Taco Tuesdays” with everyone having to choose between different taco options. Tara felt it was a slap in the face to not have realistic eating options for wrestlers who ate clean to stay in top conditioning.
8 Retired Due To Stiff Workers On Indie Scene
The end of Victoria’s in-ring career came on the independent circuit with her last singles match against Melina in 2019. One major reason for this came from dealing with pain for days after stiff matches on the independent circuit.
The hard hits led to Victoria’s body getting in rough shape and made her question the desire to continue since she believed in protecting her opponents. Victoria thankfully did get another moment in the spotlight for the 2021 women’s Royal Rumble match before completely closing the book on performing.
7 Wasn't Allowed Backstage At WWE Events For A Short While
WWE will typically allow former wrestlers backstage when having an event in their home state or city. Victoria expected to get a pass backstage when WWE taped an episode of SmackDown in San Diego when she was based there.
The company blocked her from visiting her friends who still work for the company back in 2017 and she had to go back to sit in the crowd. Victoria clearly had heat with WWE for unknown reasons, but her 2021 return provided optimism for a better working relationship.
6 Didn't Want To Work With The Beautiful People In TNA
One of the more noteworthy stories of Victoria’s time in TNA as Tara featured heat with members of The Beautiful People. The incarnation of Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne, and Lacey Von Erich reportedly didn’t like taking Victoria’s moves.
Rumors indicated that Victoria requested to not work with them on the house shows. Velvet and Lacey were viewed as two of the worst workers on the roster with their limitations leading to negative results with stronger pros like Victoria. Rayne eventually worked with her as the two had strong chemistry for a couple of short angles.
5 Trish Fought For Hardcore Stipulation In Their Feud
The rivalry between Victoria and Trish Stratus made Victoria’s name in the wrestling world. WWE introduced Victoria with the character of a former fitness model who was jealous of Stratus for taking shortcuts to get ahead.
The feud was outstanding with their biggest match coming in a Street Fight at Survivor Series 2002. This was one of the first women’s matches to include weapons used in a vicious manner. Trish reportedly begged WWE to let them have such a match since Vince McMahon was against the women’s violence overtaking their beauty in such bouts.
4 WWE Hired Sarah Stock Over Her For Training Job
Victoria revealed that she once came close to joining WWE for the behind-the-scenes role of a Performance Center trainer. WWE was looking for a new coach when the position received interest from Victoria.
The final two choices were Sarah Stock and Victoria with Sarah eventually winning out. Victoria wasn’t upset since she had nothing but support for the experience of Stock. The future could see Victoria involved again now that her relationship is better with WWE following the Rumble match appearance.
3 Chyna Helped Her Get Signed To WWE
The back story for Victoria getting signed to WWE featured Chyna playing a huge role in her journey. Victoria met Chyna at a gym and had a conversation that saw them getting along well. Torrie Wilson and Trish Stratus were friends of Victoria who was considering making the move.
Chyna gave Victoria the WWE address and advice about sending in VHS tapes showing her athleticism or charisma. Victoria put her all into the tape which ultimately led to her getting hired. A funny twist would see Victoria as one of the unnamed women Eddie Guerrero was caught cheating on Chyna with in their storyline.
2 Wanted To Punch Dixie Carter For Promoting Rival To Her Restaurant
Victoria once ran her own restaurant called "The Squared Circle" in Chicago. The concept would see her wrestling background becoming part of the appeal for wrestling fans to visit whether wanting a quick meal or attending a PPV watch party.
Even though Victoria worked with TNA, Dixie Carter showed little respect when it came to working together. Victoria was livid when Dixie and TNA worked with a rival restaurant when having an event in town. The hilarious story from Victoria featured her telling Bruce Prichard she wanted to “punch” Dixie in the face and Prichard joking the company might improve if she did it.
1 Ric Flair Wanted Her To Help Train Charlotte
The respect of Ric Flair is something any wrestler from any generation would value. Victoria and Mickie James revealed one of the biggest honors came when Ric went out of his way to ask if they could try to help Charlotte train in the early stages of her career.
Charlotte was already learning from WWE, but Ric felt two of the most respected women would add more helpful pointers. The timing never worked out as Charlotte’s trip to the area Victoria and Mickie were in was canceled.