Ariel Helwani Meets: Triple H | MUST SEE Exclusive Interview The World Has Been Waiting For

TNT Sports・2 minutes read

Triple H takes on new roles in WWE, reflects on his career, and emphasizes the importance of creative control. The text also discusses changes in NXT, a personal health scare, and a wife's unexpected transition to CEO, highlighting the husband's admiration for his wife's abilities and wrestling industry reflections.

Insights

  • Triple H's transition into a leadership role at WWE is marked by a sense of surrealism and overwhelming responsibility, emphasizing the need for focused decision-making and a departure from emulating Vince McMahon's style.
  • The evolution of NXT under Triple H's guidance showcases a strategic shift towards recruiting collegiate athletes, fostering rapid success stories like Braun Breaker and Tony D'Angelo, and aiming for global expansion, positioning NXT as a vital feeder system for Raw and SmackDown.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Triple H?

    Paul Levesque, known as Triple H, is the new head of creative for WWE and the EVP of talent relations.

  • What changes did Triple H implement in WWE?

    Triple H emphasized making decisions based on what he believes is best for the product.

  • What is the impact of NXT's focus on collegiate athletes?

    NXT's focus on collegiate athletes has resulted in rapid success stories like Braun Breaker and Tony D'Angelo.

  • What health scare did the individual face?

    The individual faced a life-threatening situation due to a heart issue.

  • How did the wife transition into the role of chairwoman and CEO?

    The wife accepted the role and seamlessly transitioned into the new position.

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Summary

00:00

Triple H: New WWE Creative Head

  • Paul Levesque, also known as Triple H, is the new head of creative for WWE and the EVP of talent relations.
  • Ariel Helwani expresses admiration for Triple H's career and accomplishments in the wrestling industry.
  • Triple H recalls watching the 1992 Summerslam event and his early days in the wrestling business.
  • Reflecting on his career, Triple H acknowledges the unexpected success and growth he experienced in WWE.
  • Triple H shares a humorous anecdote about Michael Hayes singing at his wedding and the surreal nature of his career progression.
  • Triple H discusses the overwhelming responsibility of now having creative control of WWE.
  • Triple H admits to feeling surreal and overwhelmed by the weight of his new role.
  • Triple H emphasizes the importance of staying focused and present in decision-making.
  • Triple H details the transition into his new role as the head of creative for WWE and the advice he received from Vince McMahon.
  • Triple H highlights the need to make decisions based on what he believes is best for the product, rather than trying to emulate Vince McMahon's style.

13:34

"Product performance changes bring excitement and trust"

  • Noticeable difference in product performance and energy after changes implemented
  • Uncertainty about expectations but positive feelings of change and liberation
  • Familiarity with talent and long-standing relationships with them
  • Change bringing a sense of freshness and excitement
  • Brock Lesnar's initial reaction to Vince McMahon's retirement news
  • Brock Lesnar's relationship with Vince McMahon and issues of trust
  • Efforts to pay homage to wrestling roots and make titles meaningful
  • Approach to booking matches and storytelling from a fan's perspective
  • Talent selection based on ability to contribute creatively and advance the company
  • Changes in NXT creative direction and positive outcomes despite disagreements

27:13

"NXT's Evolution: From Studio to Global Expansion"

  • The training facility, initially a television studio, underwent significant changes in location and purpose.
  • The recruitment and training methods for athletes were revolutionized with the introduction of NIL.
  • Talent was viewed uniformly, whether new or experienced, leading to a shift in NXT's nature.
  • The impact of the pandemic necessitated a reevaluation of recruitment strategies.
  • Collegiate athletes now represent a crucial talent pool for WWE, offering a new avenue for aspiring superstars.
  • NXT's focus on collegiate athletes has resulted in rapid success stories like Braun Breaker and Tony D'Angelo.
  • The brand's evolution aims to expand globally, with plans for NXT Europe, India, South Africa, and Mexico.
  • NXT serves as a feeder system for Raw and SmackDown, fostering talent development.
  • The decision to pull NXT UK off the air is part of a strategy to enhance NXT Europe.
  • A personal health scare involving a heart issue led to a life-threatening situation and urgent medical intervention.

41:05

Defibrillator implant, wrestling career reflection, family values

  • The individual had to wear a defibrillator vest due to a low heart condition and a family history of heart disease.
  • Genetic predisposition to heart issues was discovered in the individual's family history.
  • A slight v-fib episode occurred, prompting the need for a defibrillator to be implanted.
  • The initial surgery to implant the defibrillator faced complications and did not work.
  • A second surgery was required to reposition the defibrillator, leading to a lengthy and challenging process.
  • Despite the surgeries, the individual's recovery was prolonged, impacting their return to normal activities.
  • The individual's involvement in WrestleMania marked their return to work after a period of health-related absence.
  • The individual's decision not to return to wrestling was influenced by their health condition and satisfaction with their career.
  • The individual found fulfillment in supporting and mentoring younger talents in the wrestling industry.
  • The individual reflected on the perspective gained from facing mortality and prioritizing family and personal values.

54:42

Lake house getaway leads to unexpected CEO role.

  • Three weeks into a process, the family plans to relax at their lake house.
  • While driving to the lake house, a call comes in asking for the wife to step in as chairwoman and CEO immediately.
  • The wife contemplates the offer during the drive, feeling conflicted about leaving her life's work and family legacy.
  • Despite initial hesitation, the wife accepts the role and seamlessly transitions into the new position.
  • The husband praises his wife's ability to handle the new responsibilities without missing a beat.
  • The husband acknowledges the support of Nick Nikon as an incredible partner in navigating the changes.
  • The husband appreciates the freedom given by his wife and Nick to handle creative aspects of the business.
  • The husband reflects on the legacy of Scott Hall, highlighting his underrated genius in the wrestling business.
  • The husband discusses the potential return of Sasha Banks and Braun Strowman to the wrestling scene.
  • The husband expresses admiration for Bray Wyatt's creative mind and the challenges of harnessing his ideas.

01:09:44

"The Rock's Goosebumps: Wrestling's Deep Connection"

  • The speaker recalls a moment at a red carpet event where they saw a close-up photo of The Rock about to perform the People's Elbow, covered in goosebumps, highlighting the intense connection with fans in wrestling.
  • They shared the photo with The Rock, who emphasized the unique thrill of wrestling and the unmatched experience it offers compared to Hollywood, showcasing the deep bond with the sport and fans.
  • The speaker praises Triple H for his contributions to wrestling, particularly in organizing the upcoming Clash at the Castle event in Cardiff, Wales, featuring Roman Reigns versus Drew McIntyre, expressing excitement for the event and acknowledging Triple H's role in its success.
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