On a recent edition of his “Something to Wrestle” podcast, WWE executive Bruce Prichard recalled scouting Lita on the independent circuit.
Lita signed with WWE in 1999. She was eventually inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2014.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On seeing Lita on the indies: “She was somebody that I had seen on the independents. She also had gone to the Funkin’ Dojo and then she went to ECW. I think she was Miss Congeniality, used to clip her toenails and eat them as part of the gimmick on ECW. I asked Paul [Heyman] ‘How is she?’ He says ‘She’s great. She’s a star waiting to be made,’ and we brought her in [to WWE]. She was trained in Mexico. I think she started training the Carolinas, went to Mexico to fine-tune her training in the ring.”
On his initial thoughts on Lita: “[She] was just a tremendous athlete and tremendous personality. There was something about her that you couldn’t look away. She has an instant charisma just walking. She walks with such confidence and she’s got a strut about her that it’s like ‘Alright, there’s somebody special.’”
Lita: A Trailblazer in Women’s Wrestling
In the world of professional wrestling, there have been numerous iconic figures who have left an indelible mark on the industry. One such individual is Lita, whose journey from the independent circuit to becoming a WWE Hall of Famer is nothing short of remarkable.
Lita, whose real name is Amy Dumas, caught the attention of WWE executive Bruce Prichard during her time on the independent wrestling scene. Prichard recalls seeing her perform and being immediately captivated by her unique presence and undeniable talent. Lita’s journey to WWE began in 1999 when she signed with the company, marking the beginning of a groundbreaking career.
Before joining WWE, Lita had already made a name for herself in various promotions, including a stint in ECW where she portrayed the character Miss Congeniality. Known for her eccentric gimmick, which involved clipping her toenails and eating them, Lita’s time in ECW showcased her willingness to push boundaries and stand out from the crowd.
Prichard sought the opinion of Paul Heyman, the mastermind behind ECW, regarding Lita’s potential. Heyman spoke highly of her, describing her as a “star waiting to be made.” With this endorsement, Lita was brought into WWE, where she would go on to achieve great success.
One of the first things that struck Prichard about Lita was her incredible athleticism. She possessed a natural talent for performing high-flying maneuvers and executing moves with precision. Lita’s ability to captivate audiences extended beyond her in-ring skills. Her charismatic personality was evident from the moment she stepped foot into the arena. Prichard describes her confident walk and unique strut as qualities that made her impossible to ignore.
Lita’s impact on women’s wrestling cannot be overstated. At a time when female wrestlers were often relegated to secondary roles or treated as mere eye candy, Lita broke barriers and shattered stereotypes. She proved that women could be just as athletic, captivating, and talented as their male counterparts.
Throughout her career, Lita engaged in memorable rivalries and competed in numerous high-profile matches. She was a four-time WWE Women’s Champion and played a pivotal role in popularizing the concept of the “diva” in professional wrestling. Lita’s feuds with the likes of Trish Stratus, Mickie James, and Stephanie McMahon showcased her ability to tell compelling stories inside the squared circle.
In 2014, Lita’s contributions to the industry were recognized when she was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. This honor solidified her status as one of the most influential and beloved figures in women’s wrestling history.
Beyond her accomplishments in the ring, Lita has also made an impact outside of wrestling. She has used her platform to advocate for animal rights and has been involved in various charitable endeavors.
Lita’s journey from the independent circuit to WWE Hall of Famer serves as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers, particularly women, around the world. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and the willingness to defy expectations.
As the landscape of professional wrestling continues to evolve, Lita’s legacy remains firmly intact. Her contributions to women’s wrestling have paved the way for future generations of female athletes to thrive in an industry that was once dominated by men. Lita’s impact will continue to be felt for years to come, ensuring that her name will forever be synonymous with excellence and trailblazing in the world of professional wrestling.