SEScoops

Tag: Triple H

  • Update On Finn Balor\’s Broken Jaw, Triple H & Doctor Comment

    Finn Balor will miss ring time due to a fractured jaw. The NXT Champion sustained the injury this past weekend at NXT Takeover 31.

    WWE has released a video of Finn Balor and his doctor discussing his condition. According to Dr. Jeffrey Westerfield, Balor fractured his jaw in two places during his match against Kyle O\’Reilly.

    Dr. Westerfield said it was amazing that either man was able to finish the hard-hitting match. \”Finn had two fractures in his jaw,\” he said. \”Once the swelling goes down in a couple days, Finn’s going to be able to talk very sparingly. Obviously it’s going to have to have him out for a little bit of time.”

    \"\"

    Balor said people are questioning if his current NXT title reign will be as good as his last. Referencing his successful title defense at Takeover 31, Balor said, \”I think they just got their answer.\”

    For what it\’s worth, Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that Balor\’s injury is legitimate, however WWE is making the situation out to be worse than it is.

    You can watch the video with comments from Finn Balor and Dr. Westerfield in the Youtube player embedded below.

    Triple H tweeted the following regarding Finn Balor\’s tenacity in light of this latest setback.

  • Triple H Attributes Velveteen Dream\’s \’Rough Year\’ To Immaturity In His Personal Life

    Triple H held a Q&A session Sunday afternoon prior to NXT Takeover 31 from the new Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, FL.

    The Game touched upon many topics, but the one that is getting the most attention involves controversial wrestler Velveteen Dream. Dream was accused of having \’sexually inappropriate\’ communications with a minor earlier this year.

    WWE says they conducted an investigation into the matter and \”didn\’t find anything,\” although the accuser says he was never contacted by the organization.

    During Sunday\’s Q&A, Triple H commented on Velveteen Dream\’s match against KUSHIDA. He expressed that Dream is coming off a rough year resulting from \”immaturity in his personal life\”

    \”Coming off of what was a bit of a rough year for Velveteen Dream, reorganizing himself,\” said Triple H. \”You know, Dream is one of those young guys that still hasn’t quite found his way yet of who he wants to be. And I think sometimes that weighs on him. His immaturity in his life presents itself in his professional life and makes it difficult for him sometimes.”

    Triple H previously stated that WWE has moved on from the \”alleged underaged sexting\” situation. Fans revolted when Dream was recently brought back to WWE TV. The hashtag #FireVelveteenDream has been a trending topic on social media on more than one occasion.

    KUSHIDA picked up the win over Velveteen Dream at NXT Takeover 31.

  • NXT Takeover Will Have A \”New Look\” This Sunday At WWE PC

    WWE\’s NXT brand has been filming shows in their longtime home of Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. According to a report from John Pollock of POST Wrestling, however, the brand will now be moving into the WWE Performance Center for the foreseeable future.

    The change will begin with this weekend\’s NXT Takeover 31. Triple H noted on a media call to promote the show that beginning with this weekend\’s show NXT “will have a unique look and feel, something totally different that hasn’t been done, so far.” He would continue to refer to the new look as \”game-changing.\”

    Following Takeover, NXT will stay in the Performance Center as will episodes of 205 Live. Whatever new look Triple H referred to on the conference call will likely apply to episodes of those two shows moving forward as well.

    NXT Takeover 31 Lineup

    Confirmed matches scheduled to take place on this weekend\’s Takeover 31 include:

    • NXT Championship
      Finn Balor (c) vs Kyle O’Reilly
    • NXT Women’s Championship
      Io Shirai (c) vs Candice LeRae
    • NXT North American Championship
      Damian Priest vs Johnny Gargano
    • NXT Cruiserweight Championship
      Santos Escobar (c) vs Isiah “Swerve” Scott
    • Kushida vs. Velveteen Dream

     

  • Triple H Talks Potentially Moving NXT Off Wednesday, WWE Draft

    Triple H gave some interesting answers on two topics during a media call to promote this Sunday’s NXT TakeOver: XXX event.

    First up was the possibility of NXT moving off Wednesday to a different date. NXT recently aired on Tuesday for two weeks due to the NHL Playoffs on USA Network. It had some of the best viewership numbers for the year as it didn’t go head-to-head with AEW Dynamite. 

    According to Triple H, he’s happy with the day of the week that the show airs. 

    \”There are conversations around all of our products at all times, the best place for it to sit, the best place for it to work, all of that. Funny, I don\’t hear anybody else asking about people moving on Wednesday since we were always on Wednesdays. It comes down to a question of where the show best sits, not only for us, but our partners and wherever they want to go. We\’re open to doing the best business we can, but it\’s not as simple as it\’s our decision and we just put the show where we want.”

    Triple H continued by stating that those decisions are made by partners, but did note that people tend to believe what they want to believe. However, he’s not concerned about it. He said that they try to put on the best show possible and thinks they have the best wrestlers in the world. 

    “As far as where it sits, those are business questions that come down to WWE and our partners.\”

    Up next was about how the upcoming draft with RAW and SmackDown will impact NXT. 

    According to Triple H, he doesn’t know whether NXT will be part of it, but rather is waiting to see the excitement unfold.

  • Ryback Has Harsh Words About Triple H & Vince McMahon

    Ryback decided to go on social media and give his true feelings about Triple H and Vince McMahon. 

    The former WWE star made it clear in his various responses to fans that he is a fan of pro wrestling, but isn’t fond of WWE. Coming from someone who actually worked at the company, he would know how things work behind the scenes. 

    At one point, he went after the WWE Chairman and CEO. In fact, he thinks the world, not just the pro wrestling business, will be a better place when McMahon passes away. He did note that this opinion isn’t him having a death wish for McMahon. 

    “It was ALWAYS the talent. He just created a platform as a human circus that he modified from his father. The guy is a piece of shit, can’t stress this enough. World will be a better place when he passes. This isn’t wishing death, but stating an opinion I believe to be true.”

    Ryback also went after Triple H, who currently oversees NXT, as “The Game” is likely the person to take over the company when McMahon does pass away. 

    “Pussy Paul is not the savior to anything. He will go down with the ship.”

    Ryback had a successful run in the WWE that ended once he decided to depart from the company in 2016. He has since focused on his podcast and YouTube channel. You can see his tweets here: 

  • Kyle O\’Reilly On Headlining NXT Takeover 31, Praise From Legends

    Undisputed Era\’s Kyle O\’Reilly has commented on his momentous win from last night\’s episode of NXT. O\’Reilly bested Cameron Grimes, Timothy Thatcher, Bronson Reed, and Kushida to win the first-ever NXT Gauntlet Eliminator match. This victory has propelled O\’Reilly into an NXT Championship match against Finn Balor at NXT TakeOver: 31.

    Speaking with Sarah Schreiber backstage in a WWE Network Exclusive, O\’Reilly reflected on his win calling his championship match the \”biggest moment\” of his life.

    \”[…] I came into this match on relatively short notice, but we make the most of these opportunities. TakeOver isn\’t just the biggest match for Kyle O\’Reilly\’s career, which it is, it\’s not just a huge match for The Undisputed Era as a whole, which it is, this is the biggest moment of my life.\”

    When asked if he was nervous about facing off against Finn Balor, O\’Reilly confessed he has been experiencing some \”butterflies.\” He opened up, admitting how the idea of competing at TakeOver against Balor gives him \”goosebumps\” before stressing how this opportunity is \”huge for me.\”

    \”I thrive under high presser situations. I mean, it really drives me, Sarah. Can you think of a higher pressure situation than the main event of TakeOver for the NXT Championship? Please, tell me if there is one, because I don\’t think there is. So, Finn Balor, NXT, the world, is gonna see just what Kyle O\’Reilly can do when he\’s under pressure.\”

    O\’Reilly Praised by Hall of Famers

    Following his main event win, both Triple H and Shawn Michaels commented on O\’Reilly\’s achievement.

    Triple H stressed how O\’Reilly\’s success \”shouldn\’t be a surprise to anyone\” before praising his dedication to pro wrestling. He noted how O\’Reilly versus Balor \”has the ability to steal the show.\”

    Shawn Michaels, unable to hide his excitement, was a lot more succinct with his message: \”SIGN. ME. UP!!! #NXTTakeOver #WWENXT\”

    Kyle O\’Reilly versus Finn Balor takes place at NXT TakeOver: 31 on October 4, 2020 from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida.

    If you use any quotes from this article, please provide a H/T to SEScoops.

  • Triple H Talks About Competing With AEW, Raw\’s Runtime, Cancel Culture


    Triple H recently joined The Bill Simmons Podcast, where he broached the competition between WWE\’s NXT and AEW Dynamite each Wednesday night. He also addressed Raw\’s runtime and shared his thoughts on Cancel Culture.

    \”The Game\” stressed how having competition is a good thing as it \”keeps things fresh and going strong.\” He refused to belittle AEW or those involved with the promotion before sharing how long-term success \”[…] takes time and effort as there\’s a lot of pieces to move.\”

    He explained how WWE is a company that has managed to recreate itself and stay relevant throughout the years.

    HHH added how \”The strength of this company is being able to withstand the ebbs and flows of the business.\”

    Triple H On Why Raw\’s Runtime, Cancel Culture

    When asked about why Monday Night Raw is three hours long, Triple H explained how it is a financially driven decision.

    That being said, HHH stressed how it is \”exponentially harder to write a third hour of television.\”

    He noted it\’s a difficult task to achieve each week before joking about how he doesn\’t even like three-hour movies.

    Triple H then addressed WWE\’s current approach to trialing different storylines. He brought up the concept of Cancel Culture, highlighting how \”we\’re in that no matter what you do or say.\” 

    HHH stressed how WWE has to be \”more calculated\” with its storytelling compared to the past. He shared how WWE could once \”[…] run an angle in the past and try to maintain a line and try to go far with that line, get some backlash and then you can pull it back and it goes away. Now, today, it\’s just different and you have to be careful with all of that. You see it everywhere across the board. It\’s too easy to put yourself in a position that people just say they\’re done.\”

    According to Triple H, it\’s difficult to \”latch on to a moment in time.\” He argued how this is because that moment may be intense but brief, and \”two weeks later nobody\’s talking about it anymore\” despite having been such an issue at the time.

    Triple H recently revealed WWE\’s investigation into alleged incidents involving Velveteen Dream \”didn’t find anything.\” WWE has subsequently \”moved on\” from the controversial situation.

  • Triple H On Fan Backlash Over Velveteen Dream\’s Return To NXT TV

    Fans were not very happy with Velveteen Dreams\’ return to NXT and they even expressed their disappointment over social media but Triple H seems to be firm on their stand over the NXT star.

    The Game held a media conference call after the NXT Takeover: XXX event where he talked about things like the new NXT Champion Karrion Kross getting injured during his match at the show and more.

    During the call he was asked about the #FireVelveteenDream hashtag trending on Twitter this past Wednesday and the former World Champion responded by saying that we have already talked about it:

    \”We’ve talked about this, we’ve said our piece on it and I understand people’s positions on it and their feelings of something that they seeing with the accusations online. So, I feel like there’s nothing more that needs to be said on it again. That’s it.\”

    Velveteen Dream was accused of sending indecent messages to underage teens among other things during the #SpeakingOut movement and he was taken off WWE TV for a while due to it.

    However, the young star returned to WWE programming during the August 12 episode of NXT and when asked about it, Triple H claimed that they did not find anything against Dream in their investigation.

  • Triple H Says He\’s \”Moved On\” From Velveteen Dream Controversy

    According to comments made by Triple H on a recent media call to promote TakeOver XXX, Triple H isn\’t interested in fielding any more questions relating to the Velveteen Dream controversy. Triple H was asked about comments made online by Dream\’s accusers on the call but Triple H said he\’s ready to move on to other topics.

    \”Obviously, we take all of these things very seriously. Allegations, misconduct, of any nature, we take very seriously,\” Triple H said.

    \”I\’ll stand by what I said to CBS, we looked into it, didn\’t find anything there in the manner of what we were looking for and we moved on. It doesn\’t change the fact that we take it seriously. If there is something else there we\’ll look into it.\”

    \”We\’ve already talked about it so I\’d rather just move on to other topics,\” Triple H concluded.

    In light of the dismissive comments made by Triple H during the NXT media call, accuser Matthew Jimenez tweeted this:

    During a recent interview with Triple H took part in an interview with CBS Sports, Triple H said WWE investigated the matter internally and decided to simply move on.

    “Everything that we have done, we are comfortable with him continuing to do what he does and everything else. But he had a car accident. It stemmed down to people thought we removed him from TV for different reasons. We didn’t. He was in a car accident. Once he was medically cleared to be able to return to the ring from his car accident, we continued forward the way we did. We looked into what was there and we didn’t find anything.”

  • Triple H Explains How He Handles Arguments With Vince McMahon

    Despite some recent reports about his position in WWE, Triple H is still perceived as the successor of Vince McMahon and fans believe that he will take over as the head of the company when the Boss retires.

    There is an interesting dynamic between the two as well because Mr McMahon is the father in law of The Game and the grandfather of his kids.

    Triple H talked about his relationship with the Boss during his appearance on The Bill Simmons podcast and explaining how they handle arguments with each other, the former World Champion claimed that they get over it pretty quickly:

    \”In terms of arguments, we both kind of get over it quickly, you have moments and things happen and come up and we just get past it and get over it.

    If it came down to it and it meant the difference of my kids having their grandfather in their life or not, I\’d have no problem just walking away.\” said Triple H \”I\’d walk because it\’s not worth it at the end of the day. Family business is awesome, though. I love it and wouldn\’t change a thing.\”

    The King Of Kings also praised the work ethic of the chairman saying that he is a machine. He explained that Mr. McMahon has never missed a day at the office and even when nobody else was there, he was still working.

    Explaining the reason behind this dedication, Triple H said that Vince McMahon still has passion for his work even after all these years, and everyday he gets up looking forward to work instead of dreading it.

  • WWE Draft Plans Confirmed By Triple H

    Triple H has confirmed reports that WWE is planning to hold another Draft / Superstar Shakeup later this year. The Game commented on the situation during a media call to promote this Saturday\’s NXT TakeOver: XXX event from Orlando, FL.

    \”That definitely has changed that mindset, there is different protocols and procedures, \’hey, we\’d like to move this talent, we\’d like to do that,\’ and you\’ll see that coming up in the Draft later in the year.  You definitely have to think about it a lot more and think about those changes, but I think long-term, it\’s better for everybody.”

    Triple H stated that it’s the opportunity where somebody who has their run on the main roster they can come change gears on a brand that feels totally different with a different style in NXT. 

    He thinks it could be a situation where they get a fresh coat of paint or somewhere they could start differently with a gimmick. He later stated that it opens up the door for them to be able to do that because each brand has its own primetime and live spot.

    Dave Meltzer reported in a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the current plan is to hold the Draft in October, which had been previously reported by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful. 

    There will be two dates with one Draft show for RAW and another for SmackDown.

  • Triple H On Allegations Against Velveteen Dream: “We Didn\’t Find Anything”

    Triple H gave some interesting comments about the absence of The Velveteen Dream from NXT TV as well as the sexual misconduct allegations. 

    The NXT star was accused by underage fans of sexual misconduct in April and then again during the Speaking Out movement in mid-June. 

    He denied the first accusations but didn’t comment on the second allegation. Dream was also involved in a car accident in late June as well.

    Speaking to CBS Sports, Triple H addressed Dream\’s return.  

    \”You know, in this day today, accusations are made and you take them all very seriously. You look into them the best you can, and you find out what is there and what isn\’t. In this situation, [Clark] was also involved in a car accident. That\’s what took him off TV.”

    He continued by noting that at the moment, you look into it and find out there is a situation that people bring to everyone\’s attention. He said that when you look into and then find that there’s nothing there. 

    “Everything that we have done, we are comfortable with him continuing to do what he does and everything else. But he had a car accident. It stemmed down to people thought we removed him from TV for different reasons. We didn\’t. He was in a car accident. Once he was medically cleared to be able to return to the ring from his car accident, we continued forward the way we did. We looked into what was there and we didn\’t find anything.\”

    Dream had been off television since NXT TakeOver: In Your House on June 7. That changed last week on NXT when he worked the main event.

    This coming Wednesday, he’ll take on Finn Balor with the winner moving on to NXT TakeOver XXX to compete in the ladder match for the vacant NXT North American Championship.

  • Ryback Reveals Massive Claim That Triple H Made About WWE

    Former WWE Superstar Rusev/Miro recently appeared on The Ryback Show podcast. The ‘Bulgarian Brute’ would discuss a number of topics from his time with the company; including his ‘Rusev Day’ run, NXT and working with John Cena.

    Ryback himself referred to John Cena on the podcast, bringing up a story that involved (previously) company COO Triple H making a major claim to the The Big Guy.

    Ryback on Triple H Comments

    \”This goes back when I was there and Hunter told me…when I was in that top position, or working in that top position; and then the contract negotiations were coming up\” Ryback began on the podcast.

    Ryback would then refer to arguably his biggest run with WWE, which was back in 2012. The \’Big Guy\’ was ascending the card and would eventually get a Hell In a Cell main event against then WWE Champion CM Punk.

    Unfortunately, the timing was completely off. There was no chance that Ryback was going to be given the belt in October of 2012. Even though Ryback had a huge wave of momentum behind him at the time and the support of live crowds? The Rock was due to face the WWE Champion at the Royal Rumble in January, and the marquee match for that night was pencilled in with CM Punk entering as said WWE Champion.

    \”He (Triple H) goes, \’Ryan,\’ and he was just shooting me straight, he goes; \’we\’re never gonna have another marquee name after [John] Cena ever again. He\’s the last one.\” These comments seem to echo those previously made by Vince McMahon. McMahon stated that WWE\’s \’brand\’ is the attraction, not the actual names on the marquee/card.

    Even still, it is very enlightening to hear that one of WWE\’s top brass behind the scenes believes that there won\’t be another megastar in the company. With the Roman Regins experiment having seemingly failed over the last 5/6 years maybe \’The Game\’ has a point?

    Do you agree with Triple H? Let us know in the comments

  • Triple H Challenges Pat McAfee To Wrestle Adam Cole At TakeOver XXX

    Last night on NXT, Pat McAfee punted Adam Cole in the head, seemingly knocking the former NXT Champion out cold. Today, Triple H appeared on ESPN\’s \”Get Up\” and challenged the former NFL kicker to face Cole at TakeOver XXX on August 22nd.

    Tensions between McAfee and Cole date back to an NXT live event in 2018. Cole then appeared on the Pat McAfee Show 2 weeks ago and things got heated between the two.

    Cole and McAfee appeared to have patched things up before last night\’s edition of NXT. McAfee was then on commentary during the Imperium vs Fish & O\’Reilly match and made several disparaging remarks that Cole heard from ringside. Cole then confronted McAfee during the match and a melee ensued. During the chaos, McAfee found an opportunity to kick Cole in the head.

    \”Adam Cole and Pat McAfee have had a history here,\” Triple H said on the show.

    \”Pat, now is your opportunity, you want to be famous? Just so happens, coincidentally as things happen in WWE and NXT, we have a big TakeOver PPV in a few weeks. August 22nd, NXT TakeOver XXX. My call out to Pat McAfee is put your money where your mouth is, let\’s see how bad you are. Pat McAfee vs Adam Cole, on that stage, massive match.\”

    Adam Cole also commented on why it was Triple H challenging McAfee on the show and not him.

    So far, the only matches scheduled for TakeOver XXX is Io Shirai vs Dakota Kai for the women\’s title and the ladder match for the North American title.

    Footage of the melee from NXT last night can be viewed in the player below:

  • Triple H Congratulates Keith Lee, Comments On Adam Cole\’s Reign

    Triple H has congratulated newly crowned NXT North American and NXT Champion Keith Lee. Lee emerged victorious from the Winner Take All match with Adam Cole during last night\’s NXT Great American Bash Night Two.

    Taking to social media, Triple H reflected on the occasion, calling it a \”truly historic night\” for NXT. He also noted how, with Lee now NXT Champion, the possibilities going forward are limitless.

    \”A truly historic night for #WWENXT tonight at #NXTGAB as @RealKeithLee now holds both the #NXTChampionship AND #NXTNATitle. Each new champion begins a new era… where he brings @WWENXT? The possibilities are #Limitless. #Congrats\”

    Triple H On Adam Cole\’s Championship Reign

    \”The Game\” also reflected on Adam Cole\’s contribution to WWE\’s black-and-gold brand. His loss ended his historic 403-day reign as NXT Champion.

    Triple H explained how there is a saying that goes \”it\’s the talent that makes the title.\” He stressed how Cole\’s reign in NXT made the NXT Championship as prestigious as it is. Although the run may be over, Triple H noted how Cole is \”just getting started.\” He highlighted how Adam Cole is NXT and that fact is undisputed.

    After the match, Lee dedicated his victory to WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry. Cameras caught up with the Undisputed Leader as well. Unable to voice his feelings at the moment, Cole walked away from the interview.

  • Triple H On Why They Re-Signed Drake Maverick After Release

    Drake Maverick was among the names which were released by WWE in April as part of the coronavirus budget cuts. However, the high flying star was able to turn his luck around and he was recently signed to a new contract by Triple H.

    The Game recently took part in a media conference call where he talked about a number of things and also explained why they decided to re-hire the former 205 Live GM.

    Triple H mentioned how Maverick managed to capture people\’s hearts. He said that they had the option to ignore it or turn it into something and they chose the latter:

    \”When the release happened, he wasn\’t involved in anything but it just happened the way it did, during the process of this tournament, he captured people\’s hearts and their imagination and he earned that spot.

    It was already out there so you either ignore it or you turn it into something.\” said Triple H \”We turned it into something based on him and his performances.\”

    Drake Maverick had been announced for the cruiserweight title tournament before his release. WWE decided to work this into a storyline and built a story where the high flying star was fighting to get his job back.

    The former TNA star managed to win people\’s hearts through his storytelling abilities in the tournament. Even though he couldn\’t win the title, the buzz he created forced the WWE management to change their decision and Triple H re-hired the NXT star.

  • Triple H Teasing Return Of Fans At WWE Live Events

    It\’s been a while since WWE made the decision to produce shows without an audience due to coronavirus threats but now Triple H is teasing a change in this situation.

    A fan posted a selfie in front of the Full Sail University before last night\’s NXT Takeover event and he mentioned how he misses being part of the WWE shows.

    The WWE Vice President interestingly responded to this tweet from the fan and Triple H teased the return of the audience with just one word in his reply:

    The governor of Florida had announced plans for the reopening of the state earlier last month which included the order to allow sporting events to be produced with 25% of the arena capacity.

    WWE has also recently eased up their restrictions a bit and started allowing development talents to be used as audience for the shows from the Performance Center.

    Since the government is moving forward with their re-opening plans, it\’s believed that companies like AEW and WWE could be allowed to have fans in attendance very soon.

    This advancement, coupled with the tweet from Triple H has given some hope to the fans, however, we will still have to wait for a timeline to be exactly sure from when can we see the fans return to the wrestling shows.

  • Triple H Says Keith Lee Could Be A Future World Champion

    Keith Lee defeated Johnny Gargano last night at NXT In Your House. Following the show, Triple H was asked about the possibility of Keith Lee one day winning a World Championship during the post-event media call.

    \”Look, it certainly wouldn’t shock me, right? I mean Keith has every tool,\” Triple H said.

    Triple H continued to praise Lee on the call.

    \”Such a great guy. Hard-working, humble, just wants to deliver,\” he described Lee. \”Great human being, locker room leader, everything you could want. An ultimate pro, right? He\’s just the kind of guy you want to work hard for and you want to deliver for him.\”

    Finally, Triple H confirmed that he too is enthusiastic about the idea of Keith Lee being a future World Champion.

    \”Again, I love working with him,\” he continued. \”You say \’Keith Lee, world champion\’ and if you ask me what my opinion is I say \’Hell yeah!\’\”

    Keith Lee signed with WWE in 2018. He was awarded the NXT Breakout Star of the Year award in 2019. Lee defeated Roderick Strong for the NXT North American Championship on January 22nd, 2020. He is the 6th person to hold the title in its 2-year history.

  • Triple H Comments On IYH Main Event, Charlotte Flair In NXT

    Following last night\’s NXT: In Your House event, Triple H spoke with media. During the discussion, he talked about Io Shirai\’s NXT Women\’s Championship victory and the fact that she pinned Rhea Ripley and not the then-champion, Charlotte Flair.

    \”That finish was done tonight the way it was done for a very specific reason,\” Triple H said. \”Some people will read into that and go \’oh, Charlotte can\’t even get beat.\’ I don\’t buy into that, first of all. To me, the whole rhetoric of Charlotte Flair and her dad and her name and all that stuff is garbage. She works as hard as anybody I\’ve ever seen. She\’s a great performer, deserves everything she\’s ever gotten and has.\”

    \”This was done for a very specific reason for storytelling purposes,\” he continued to say. \”Hopefully, if we get to tell the story the way we want to over the coming months, I think 3 or 4 months from now you\’ll go \’I know exactly why they did the finish that they did.\’\”

    Earlier on the call, Triple H was asked if Charlotte will continue on the NXT brand.

    \”We shall see,\” Triple H responded when asked if Charlotte was done with NXT. \”Charlotte\’s always been a RAW talent, that is where she signed and her home. She had the NXT Championship. In essence, she\’s been working all 3 brands lately, which has been awesome. We\’ll see, I\’m not 100% sure.\”

    Triple H On Io Shirai

    Triple H also spent some time talking about the new NXT Women\’s Champion, Io Shirai on the call.

    \”Io coming here from Japan, I always considered Io to be one of those game-changing talents, much like I did Asuka when she came here,\” Triple H said. \”There\’s been bits and pieces of moments and injuries and setbacks and things. It\’s amazing to see here where she is right now. She\’s one of the greatest in-ring performers in the women\’s division anywhere. I\’m really excited for her. This is a new era for the NXT Women\’s division with Io Shirai in that position.\”

  • Triple H Discusses NXT Stars Having Hard Time With Empty Arena Shows

    Triple H spoke with CBS Sports for a new interview to promote the NXT TakeOver: In Your House special. 

    During the interview, he talked about the difficulties for those in NXT with having to wrestle in the empty Performance Center during the COVID-19 pandemic. It should be noted that a few weeks ago, WWE decided to have Performance Center recruits work as fans in the crowd. 

    Triple H started out by talking about how he’s very proud of the product that they’ve continued to put out. He noted how NXT had to drift along on the tail of RAW and SmackDown in regards to move as they were the last in the three-show order. He noted how there were a lot of times that they were scrambling to pick up the chains last and move with it.

    He stated that it was difficult to do but thinks the talent has done a remarkable job.

    \”I read a quote the other day where a talent said everybody hates doing these empty-arena shows. Of course, they do. No one wants to wrestle in an empty arena. No one wants to get COVID either. “These empty-arena shows are what they are.”

    He continued by stating that WWE feels like it\’s really important right now in the world for people to be entertained while also doing everything they can from a safety standpoint and following guidelines to continue putting on a product.

    \”It\’s a different product and it\’s hard for talent, especially in NXT where some of the talent are younger and newer. 

    I can\’t even imagine if I\’d only been in the business for a couple of years and I\’m just starting to get used to having a lot of fans at the shows and now they take all the fans away. I\’m expected to do the matches still and put one-hundred percent into everything else. It\’d be really hard. It\’s a tough thing.”

    He stated that everything they do goes back to being taught to listen to the reactions from fans and react to it. He stated that you can guide them from there but now, there’s nothing to guide you. 

    He called it really tough but understands that this isn’t going to last forever. He noted that he’s a big believer the talent will rise to the top, the cream will rise to the top. He added that if they continue to put out great shows, people will continue to watch.

    Details On WWE Taping Backlash In Advance

  • Triple H Says Matt Hardy Didn\’t Invent Cinematic Matches But Recognizes His Impact

    Triple H is quick to point out that Matt Hardy didn\’t invent cinematic matches but he does recognize the impact he has had on them. He also noted the importance of Jeremy Borash\’s contributions to the growing genre of pro-wrestling during a recent interview with Metro UK.

    \”It’s a funny thing, that people say all of a sudden there’s this moment with the cinematic thing that happened,\” Triple H said. \”But people were doing that 20 years ago.\”

    HHH would continue to use Mankind vs the Rock\’s Halftime Heat match and Booker T vs Steve Austin in a grocery store as examples.

    Matches filmed like movies have been taking place for decades, but recent years have seen science fiction and fantasy-inspired elements creep into such segments. This was the case with both Matt Hardy\’s Broken Universe in TNA and with Lucha Underground and its head writer, the recently-released Chris DeJoseph.

    Jeremy Borash\’s work behind-the-scenes with the Broken Universe in Impact before he was hired by WWE was praised by Triple H during the interview.

    \”Jeremy’s an incredible talent with an eye for storytelling and an eye for image and everything like that. Man, I can’t tell you how much I enjoy working with him.\”

    Finally, Triple H certainly wants to correct people who say Hardy and Borash invented the genre but he is also willing to admit the two took cinematic matches to another level.

    \”That’s not to negate the Matt Hardy, Jeremy Borash thing that you mentioned,\” he said to the Metro reporter. \”That took it to another level. There’s all steps to this – but to say it all started there, to me, I’d say it’s not accurate.\”

    The full interview can be read here.

  • Triple H Scolded Matt Cardona/Zack Ryder After MSG Moment

    Matt Cardona (Zack Ryder) was a recent guest on Chris Jericho\’s Talk Is Jericho. The Z! True Long Island Story creator mentioned the massively successful YouTube series and how it helped push him to one of the biggest moments of his career.

    WWE Survivor Series 2011 took place at Madison Square Garden, an area that holds special meaning to the New York native. The opening match of the night saw Dolph Ziggler defend his United States Championship against John Morrison, with the NYC crowd demanding throughout the match, \’We want Ryder.\’

    Matt Cardona in MSG

    Matt Cardona would appear after the match to an absolutely huge reaction and laid out Ziggler. \”It was the fall time where I think eventually they [WWE] said, \’we gotta shut these people up\’\” Cardona began, talking about how WWE were never fans of his own organic attraction to the fanbase.

    \”Finally I think they had to just put me on to the shut everybody up\” Cardona continued. \”But now the chants were getting louder and louder and especially the Ziggler and John Morrison match. I don\’t want to toot my own horn but like I\’m getting goosebumps just thinking about Madison Square Garden. Not only is it a home arena? But it\’s the GARDEN, you know, right?\”

    Matt Cardona would then describe how he went backstage feeling elated and he got completely the opposite reaction behind the curtain.

    \”I go out there and the place is going nuts. I get to the curtain and like Triple H is like \’come here.\’ I\’m thinking like \’finally, he\’s gonna say good job kid, this is what I\’ve been waiting for,\’ How can you deny this? It\’s Madison Square Garden.\”

    The former Zack Ryder elaborated further, saying \”He [Triple H] pulled me aside and I just like got fresh frosted tips in my hair that week. So he asked me like, \’Why did you dye your hair!?\’ I\’m like \’MSG is chanting my name and you\’re asking me why I dyed my hair!?\’\”

    Cardona would then reveal that WWE were not happy that he made a decision to change his appearance before going to WWE management.

    WWE seemingly did everything they could to derail Matt Cardona\’s push in the months following, trying to use his popularity to aid an already divisive top star in John Cena.

    \"Zack
    Matt Cardona (Zack Ryder) with his Internet Championship

    Do you think that Zack Ryder/Matt Cardona could\’ve been a bigger star in WWE? Let us know in the comments

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  • Triple H Talks Conor McGregor & Daniel Cormier Possibly Working In WWE

    Triple H spoke with TMZ Sports about whether WWE has any interest in working with Daniel Cormier and Conor McGregor. 

    First up was Cormier, a former UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Champion, who could work in the ring as he has a wrestling background or on commentary, which is something that he’s doing in the UFC now. 

    Triple H stated that they’ve talked a lot in the past about him doing stuff whether that\’s in the ring, commentary, or doing different things.

    He pointed out how Cormier is doing what he\’s doing and if he decided he\’s done or wants to leave UFC, then yes they would be interested. He added that he loves Cormier and every time he sees him, they have a great conversation.

    Triple H noted that Cormier is a good due and that\’s what makes him good at commentary.

    \”I think he\’s great, we\’d love to do something with him, if the time is right, obviously in respect to UFC and Dana White. We\’d love to chat with him and we have an open relationship as far as communication.\”

    Up next is Conor McGregor, a former UFC Lightweight and Featherweight Champion. 

    \”I think Conor McGregor versus Vince McMahon with the billion-dollar walk on the line, I think that\’s a match made in heaven.\” Triple H joked. \”I think the nature of what we do — even being entertainment — it lends itself to combat sports. It lends itself to people like Conor McGregor or Ronda [Rousey], as it does with Tyson Fury. It did in the past with Mike Tyson and Floyd [Mayweather]. Entertaining people are what makes those fights, a lot of times.”

    Triple H continued by noting that the styles and fight itself is part of that but also entertaining and the ability to capture people as a personality is what makes those fights. 

    He thinks that it is the same in WWE. Thus, he thinks if you can transfer that over and really now let yourself go and be larger than life, that\’s the key thing.

  • Triple H Calls Ronda Rousey One Of Greatest WWE Performers Ever

    Ronda Rousey hasn\’t performed in a WWE ring since the main event of WrestleMania 35. Rousey has been acting, performing on reality shows, and even voicing a character for a Mortal Kombat video game since she\’s been gone.

    Triple H recently spoke to TMZ about Rousey potentially coming back to WWE. The Game said she is welcome back at any time and also stated that Rousey is one of the greatest performers WWE has ever had.

    \”Of course, we want her. Of course, we do! One of the greatest performers for us ever,\” Triple H said to TMZ about Ronda.

    Triple H would continue to speculate about what Rousey\’s plans could be and also to comment on Rousey calling pro-wrestling \”fake\” on Steve-O\’s podcast.

    \”I think Ronda\’s in a place in her personal life where she\’s figuring some things out,\” Triple H continued. \”But, the thing with Ronda is you never know what she is saying. Is she attacking the business really or is she attacking the business because she knows that\’s what will light up the fans that love the business?\”

    Rousey made a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble in 2018. She would team up with Kurt Angle and face Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania that year. Rousey would then win the RAW Women\’s Championship at SummerSlam 2018. Rousey would hold the title all the way until WrestleMania 36 when she dropped it to Becky Lynch.

    \”We still have a great relationship on everything [with Ronda] and when she is ready, absolutely [we\’ll have her back].\”

    Triple H\’s comments about Rousey can be heard in the player below:

  • Triple H Remembers His Last Meeting With Shad Gaspard

    The demise of the former WWE star Shad Gaspard is one of the saddest news coming out of 2020 and fans around the world have been paying their respect to him since his death was confirmed.

    WWE also paid tribute to the Cryme Tyme member through an opening graphic on this week\’s episode of NXT and he was remembered on SmackDown as well.

    During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, WWE Vice President Triple H was asked about the star and he recalled his last meeting with Shad which happened six months ago:

    \”Stephanie and I saw him maybe six months ago. We were at FOX for a meeting and he was just coming out of the lobby, we were coming into the lobby. We probably stood there for 20 minutes talking. He was just the greatest guy, so nice.\”

    Triple H On Shad Gaspard\’s Death

    The Game then discussed the unfortunate circumstances of his death. Triple H said that Gaspard was a great human being and his thoughts are with Shad\’s wife and kid:

    \”With the circumstances around all of this, and you know, his son, thank God he\’s okay. Knowing that he said, \’Save my son\’ and that was the last thing he did, that\’s all you need to know about the guy.

    He was just a great human being and it\’s tragic, and my thoughts and prayers, as are everyone\’s here, are to his wife and his kid, just the family, it\’s tragic.\”

    The former World Champion continued by explaining how even when the incident was happening everybody was holding hope for Shad\’s safe return and his death is very tragic.

    You can check out Triple H\’s comments in the video below: