WWE Hall of Fame Coverage: Class of 2025
April 18, 2025
Winchester, Nevada (Fontainebleau Las Vegas)
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever. Together.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
Video: WWE Hall of Fame introduction
The WWE Drone shows off the Fontainebleau Hotel interior before flying us into the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. Michael Cole and Pat McAfee do an advertisement for the Fontainebleau Hotel and welcome us to the show. The crowd is a little lackluster as Cole and McAfee welcome us to the ceremony.
McAfee discusses all the legends who put the business on their shoulders to build WWE into what it is today, with billion-dollar deals. Cole goes over his fandom of the business, mentioning that he started watching when it was the WWWF. Cole is proud to provide the soundtrack to many of the WWE Superstars’ moments. They’re excited to host this show. Cole says it’s the biggest honor of his career. McAfee said he used to go to a friend’s house with a black box and stole all the PPVs.
Video: The career of Lex Luger.
WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page comes out to the stage to induct Lex Luger into the WWE Hall of Fame. DDP is honored to be asked a second time to induct one of his brothers into the WWE Hall of Fame. They’re not here to just celebrate the impact Lex Luger had on the business. That alone would be enough. They’re also here to honor a transformation and a rebirth. This is the story of a man who lost everything the world told him mattered and came out on the other side stronger.
When Lawrence Pfohl came into the world, it seemed like God gave him every gift. He was handsome, strong, and fast. Whether playing college or professional football, he was regarded as a physical specimen even among giants. When he stepped into the ring in 1985, you knew Lex Luger would be money. By 1987, he joined forces with the legendary Four Horsemen: Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, and “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Luger carved out a legacy. As the Narcissist, he never saw a mirror he didn’t like. He wasn’t just looks. When the 568-pound Yokozuna seemed untouchable, you watched the Lex Express enter the screen. Luger was getting better known than butter and toast. It ended on the USS Intrepid when he body slammed Yokozuna.
On September 4, 1995, at the Mall of America, it was a night that changed professional wrestling forever. Luger no-showed Raw and came in as a disruptor on the debut episode of WCW Nitro. It was the first shot fired of the Monday Night War.
For all the legends he faced in the ring, nothing compared to the battle he faced outside of it. In the 90s, they lived like rock stars. It was a lifestyle that could chew you up and spit you out. For Luger, it nearly destroyed him. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. As crazy as it sounds, DDP was there the night he became a quadriplegic. He had no idea Luger was paralyzed. He helped the EMT put him on a gurney. Luger had lost his physical gifts from God. It’s a story that’s more far-fetched than any wrestling angle. If you ever get a chance to talk to Luger about it, he’ll tell you it’s not a tragedy. Real strength isn’t something you show in the spotlight. It’s something built in the shadows. Luger didn’t just survive the fall. He let go of his ego and surrendered to something much bigger. Luger realized that in a world that can seem so divided, if we can focus on building each other up instead of tearing each other down, our impact will echo far beyond our time. Even in our darkest hour, there is always hope.
Tonight stands as proof that there is always hope. Tonight, they honor the legend of Lex Luger and celebrate the man that Lawrence Pfohl has become. DDP presents the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame: Class of 2025. He is his friend and mentor. He is the prodigal son. DDP welcomes “The Total Package” Lex Luger.
Lex Luger
Lex Luger is wheeled out to the stage, but he is pulled to his feet. Luger embraces DDP and another person on the stage. Luger says he took a bump getting out of his Uber and planned a longer walk, but he is standing for this regardless. The crowd gives him a good hand. It’s been a rollercoaster ride from the penthouse to the jailhouse to no house to living out of a hotel… It’s been a journey. Luger never thought he’d be in the WWE Hall of Fame. He thought he was toxic and radioactive, but here he is.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found. Was blind, but now I see. Luger thanks DDP and says he is relentless. To all the friends who hung with him and supported him, he thanks them. He thanks his family. He thanks the jail chaplain, Pastor Steve, who led him to the Lord in April 2006. Luger then thanks the fans.
When he was released from jail for the last time, Pastor Steve pulled into the Walmart parking lot. Luger was a guy who wrestled, but he didn’t grow up watching it. He thought the fans were out of their minds. He didn’t get it. He finally walked into Walmart for the first time, and the fans embraced him. It gave him hope. There was a time he didn’t care if he woke up the next day. He wasn’t a wrestling fan, but now he is. What the new stars do is amazing. Where WWE has gone is amazing. Luger is thankful to the fans. Luger thanks Pastor Steve again, who was present for his conversion, ordination, and recent marriage.
Luger mentions Cody Rhodes, who dropped the bombshell that he was going into the WWE Hall of Fame. His mother always wondered if he’d be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but she died before she could see it happen. He hopes she can see it now. Luger thanks everyone and is escorted off the stage.
Video: Earlier tonight, Paul “Triple H” Levesque presented Lex Luger with his WWE Hall of Fame ring.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee mention that Triple H is being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. McAfee shows off Cole dressed as Triple H on an old episode of Raw. McAfee is pretty hilarious here.
Video: The career of Kamala.
Kamala’s family, represented by his wife, Jean Harris, is shown. Kamala sadly passed away on August 9, 2020, at the age of 70.
Video: The career of Michelle McCool.
WWE Hall of Famer, Michelle McCool’s husband, The Undertaker, is introduced to the stage. There is a momentary audio miscue. The Undertaker says it’s Las Vegas on a Friday night… he’s here for a good time, not a long time. It’s nice to be back with the WWE Universe. He’s not here as the Phenom or the Deadman. Tonight, he’s just Mark… or a mark. He’s a husband and a father, as well as a man who gets to honor one of the greatest people he has known in life and in this business.
Michelle McCool didn’t come into WWE with a famous last name or a promise. She came with working boots and went out to earn everything. The Undertaker clears his throat. She was so strong-headed that when they first got together (he looks behind him to make sure she’s not there), he says she chased him for months and wore him down. Undertaker chuckles and says that’s his story. McCool told him to never speak on her behalf. She meant it. He was a little taken aback, so he clapped back that when he does speak, she better listen. The crowd gasps. It was about three months before he could eat solid food again.
She was the first Divas Champion and the first woman to hold the Women’s and Divas Championship. She was one half of the iconic Lay-Cool. They redefined what it meant to be bold and fearless. They made being a mean girl cool. She was a pioneer before the Women’s Revolution had a name. The most amazing thing about her wasn’t just the titles, the gears, promos, or classic matches. It’s who she is when the camera isn’t rolling. First and foremost, she’s a woman of faith. She’s a mother who leads with love. She’s the strongest person in their family, and he says that without a hint of hesitation. She picked him up when he couldn’t get off the mat. She made him a better man, father, and person.
McCool stepped away from WWE, still at the top of her game, to be a mother. Even in her time away, her fingerprints are still all over the Women’s Division. Without Michelle McCool, many women would not have had the opportunities they now thrive on. The Women’s Division is smashing it. Tonight, he gets to do something he’s wanted to do for a long time. Undertaker says, “Babe, you’re more than a Hall of Famer. You’re a legend. You’re my best friend. And you are, without question, the toughest, classiest, fiercest woman I have ever known.” Undertaker asks the crowd to welcome his wife and the newest member of the WWE Hall of Fame, Michelle McCool.
Michelle McCool
Michelle McCool comes out to the stage and embraces her husband. McCool says the Undertaker told a few lies. It is wild to her that some of life’s biggest moments sneak up on you. It takes her back to one moment. It’s 2004, and she’s in the backseat of her parents’ car when the phone rings. WWE Headquarters called her. She let it go to voicemail. She was scared of failing. Wrestling wasn’t just entertainment. It was sacred. It was bonding with her dad and pap-pap. It was staying up late on Monday nights. A few months later, the Diva Search pops up on her TV. She took some photos and sent in the paperwork. She didn’t tell anyone. If no one knows, they won’t know she failed.
When she listened to the voicemail, the WWE wanted her in New York City for the Diva Search. Her parents were shocked. She realized her life was about to change. What if she’s enough just as she is? This story isn’t just hers. You are enough. She wants to share some flawless finishes. The first one was learned the hard way. In 1985, during Thanksgiving, she was with her brother and cousins. They started a food fight. She got blamed for it. Her dad smacked her on the hand, and she told him it didn’t hurt. She was only 5 years old. He tried again and again until it did. That grit carried her in life. It doesn’t mean you don’t feel the pain. It means you keep showing up, even when it hurts. The titles don’t come without scars, but they prove you didn’t quit despite falling.
Next, you have to eliminate the noise. It was never easy with the Divas Division. Lay-Cool had a good feud with Natalya. They were told to pull their punches because they looked too good. They eventually got rewarded with the first-ever Women’s Tables Match. The noise told her to turn it down, but her heart told her to fight harder. In wrestling and life, people will always have opinions about who you should be and what you’re capable of. The reality is that what you tolerate is what you validate. Not every voice deserves your attention. If she listened to every critic, she might have surrendered. Had she done that, she’d have missed moments of standing across from Mae Young, who wanted to fight Lay-Cool. Don’t let the noise around you drown out the truth inside you. Your calling is bigger than their commentary.
Her last flawless finish is that failure isn’t fatal. She hates failing. She never wanted to burden anyone with what she had. She’s battled severe liver and kidney disease for 25 years. After returning from an overseas tour, she called her parents to say she’s sick again. She’s getting emotional. Her parents took her to the hospital. She was admitted and stayed for sixteen days. McCool was hallucinating, but she saw all her friends in wrestling. Her doctors were stumped, but her conscience kept telling her this was temporary. From the hospital bed, she realized that failure doesn’t end your story. Failure defines it. Every comeback needs a fall worth fighting through. Tonight, she stands here as a small-town girl being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Today is Good Friday, the day her Lord and Savior sacrificed it all.
Some of the best moments didn’t just happen in the ring. She was in war zones, with children in hospitals, and with people who taught her to fight with joy. Legacy is how you treat people when there’s no spotlight at all. McCool thanks the WWE Universe. They are the reason she makes the walk to the ring. She usually ran to the ring because they only had 3-4 minutes, but she still loved it. She thanks WWE for letting her live her dream. She thanks her WWE family, like Torrie Wilson and Sharmell. She also mentions Victoria and Natalya, as well as Fit Finlay. She also thanks Stephanie McMahon, who is seated with Linda McMahon, the Secretary of Education. Finally, she thanks Layla and suggests they run it back one more time. It could be flawless. She thanks her parents and her brother, as well as her daughter and son.
Finally, her husband, Mark… she jokes she has nothing. He’s an inspiration to so many. Despite the lies he told earlier, his persistence in chasing her for so many months impressed her. She loves him with every ounce of her being. He’s her rock, protector, and soulmate. Her theme song says, “You’re not enough for me.” She came to love that. It reminds her to stand taller, fight harder, and finish stronger. It’s not just for her. It’s for every person who has been told that they’re not enough. Grit don’t quit. Ignore the noise. When setbacks seem overwhelming, remember that failure isn’t fatal. The girl who didn’t pick up the phone answered it anyway. No title will ever define your worth. Truly believing in yourself is everything.
Video: Earlier today, Paul “Triple H” Levesque gave Michelle McCool her WWE Hall of Fame ring.
Video: AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul at WrestleMania 41.
Video: The career of Dory Funk Sr.
Dory Funk Jr. and Stacy Funk are on hand for the induction of Dory Funk Sr.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee talk about a few Superstars in the crowd before going back to Triple H. They have a special video, narrated by Tom Rinaldi of Fox Sports.
Video: The career of Paul “Triple H” Levesque.
Michael Cole mentions that Stephanie McMahon is in attendance with her children. Cole then points out Jimmy Hart, who put together one of the “greatest and most influential” tag teams in WWE history.
Video: The career of the Natural Disasters tag team.
The Natural Disasters
Typhoon (Fred Ottman) is introduced with his family. The family of the late great Earthquake (John Tenta) is also there.
Tenta’s son is the first to speak. A little time before his father died, he was watching a segment of Prime Time Wrestling and cracking up. Earthquake entertained John Tenta, like he did for many others. He is thankful to have him as his Dad. He thought it was a man at the end of his life, but he realized his father was reflecting his life’s dream. The Tenta family thanks WWE for recognizing him. Tenta’s daughter speaks. He taught her that you can be fierce and gentle. She is training to follow in his footsteps. He wanted to be remembered as a pretty good heel who played his part well. With Uncle Fred, he’ll be remembered as a pretty good babyface. Uncle Fred brought so much joy to her father. If her father were here tonight, he’d want to celebrate Fred.
Fred Ottman comes to the microphone. Ottman says he’s grateful that the Natural Disasters are going into the WWE Hall of Fame. Ottman is emotional as he thanks John and Joanna for their kind words. Their father was his best friend. They tended to be infantile. After Earthquake had run his deal with Hulk Hogan, Ottman was called to the back. He thought he was in trouble. Then the idea came to put them together as a team. Ottman was thrilled. Sometimes tag teams don’t gel for one reason or another, but they put them together, and it was awesome. They traveled all over. He was a great dad and husband. Ottman gets emotional as he talks about Earthquake.
Tenta got cancer and moved to Houston. It was in remission, but he called him and said it was back. It broke his heart. Everyone knew he was a wonderful person. Tenta is looking down from heaven with a big smile on his face. Ottman gets emotional as he says how much he misses Tenta and says this one is for him.
Video: Earlier today, Paul “Triple H” Levesque gave Fred Ottman and the family of John Tenta their WWE Hall of Fame rings.
Video: The top Stone Cold Stunners of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s career.
Video: The Rivalry and the Immortal Moment of Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13.
CM Punk comes out to induct the Iconic Moment. Punk says they’ve given him two minutes to talk about two of the most elite performers this business has seen, including their magnum opus at WrestleMania 13. Punk could talk about them forever, but they want to hear from Bret Hart and Steve Austin. In this world, everyone speaks in hyperbole. Hyperbole should be reserved for this match. It’s the greatest match in WrestleMania history. Punk takes a moment to breathe and eat up some time. Punk says he’s the Best in the World, but this night is not about him. This moment means a lot to him. This match meant a lot to the business and the performers. Punk gives a shoutout to Ken Shamrock, who was a big part of this. Punk tips his cap to Chicago, his hometown, which helped make the atmosphere what it was. All he has tried to do is walk in the shadow of giants. Punk wants to fill their boots. Punk has had mentors in this business, like Harley Race, Eddie Guerrero, Terry Funk, and Roddy Piper. Punk is grateful and thankful that Bret Hart and Steve Austin are here to let them know what they think of them. They deserve the flowers.
Immortal Moment: Bret “The Hitman” Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin from WrestleMania 13
Bret “The Hitman” Hart comes out, followed by “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. They are presented with an Immortal Moment bust of their match.
Bret Hart says it’s a huge honor to be the first guy to get three Hall of Fame rings. From the night he had this match, he knew it was his greatest match. It was a great moment for him. There’s a famous French painter who said, “Art is a wound turned to light.” That was a perfect statement about this match. Having this match with Steve Austin, a good friend, goes beyond friendship. It’s about trust and respect. When they had that match, he remembers the trust and respect they each had for one another. That’s how you do magic in wrestling. The guy who stands out the most is Steve Austin. Hart says he only had two minutes and will hand it over to Steve Austin.
Steve Austin says he’s talked about this match so much. Everyone wants to blow smoke up their asses. Chicago was a great house. Austin says it was a basic and simple match. You can do whatever you want, but if you keep it simple, you’ve got a good base. Austin recognizes Ken Shamrock. Austin then recognizes the commentary team of Vince McMahon, Jim Ross, and Jerry “The King” Lawler. The crowd, the story, and everything coming together in the ring made this an amazing experience. Austin got emotional watching the video package backstage. Now, he wants to drink beer. Austin thanks Hart for taking him under his wing. Many of their contemporaries had great matches, but they were the first and changed the business. Pat McAfee brings out beers, and they all toast. Hart exclaims, “Hell yeah!”
Video: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi at WrestleMania 41.
Video: The career of Ivan Koloff.
The family of Ivan Koloff is shown in the audience.
Video: The career of Paul “Triple H” Levesque (Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” provides the soundtrack).
Michael Cole mentions the early call time for WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels tomorrow for NXT’s show. HBK hopes everyone is enjoying the 2025 ass kissing… Hall of Fame Ceremony. If he doesn’t show up to NXT tomorrow, it means that joke didn’t go over backstage. Tonight, he gets to induct his best friend, Triple H. The WWE Universe sees him for who he is. HBK lists Triple H’s great accolades. He’s biased because he’s his best friend, but he was there at the beginning. They were the Kliq. Triple H didn’t walk into the door wanting to be the most powerful man in wrestling. He just wanted to be a pro wrestler. He wasn’t the chosen one and didn’t have a diabolical plan to take over the world.
Many think he wouldn’t have accomplished that if he hadn’t married the boss’s daughter. They’re wrong. What he did was fall in love with a beautiful woman who loved him in return. The accomplishments would have stayed the same because he was willing to outwork everyone else. HBK knows Stephanie has questioned their friendship, like his wife has. The only times they’ve ever kissed were on live television in front of the world.
Triple H does everything with intent. His parents are shown in attendance. HBK gets emotional as he talks about what Levesque did for him. It was a conscious decision to be his friend. HBK feels like he helped Levesque learn how to do business in this place. They spent so much time together that they know what the other is thinking. He doesn’t know why Triple H stayed his friend for so long. It was probably his worst decision to continue being friends with him. Triple H stayed his best friend through thick and thin, not knowing he would turn his life around and become an incredibly humble and adorable human being. Triple H wouldn’t leave him because that’s not who he is.
HBK runs down some of Triple H’s accomplishments, but his biggest accomplishment is NXT. The Kliq often wondered why they couldn’t have that passion all the time. Triple H created a space for that passion to live all the time. Everyone said you couldn’t build a WWE Superstar. Triple H wondered, “Why the hell not?” So he created an environment where you can create just that. You didn’t have to grow up loving it, but if you could be around it 24/7 and snatch it out of people, they could be successful. This WrestleMania card is nearly all NXT alumni.
Every friendship has ebbs and flows, but they’re still as solid as ever. HBK remembers the phone call about checking out NXT. What started out as two hours a day, three days a week, has turned into a nonstop 24/7 grind that virtually never ends… and he wouldn’t change it for the world. HBK talks about getting emails at 1 in the morning that say, “Per Paul…” Who the hell is Paul? Paul is his boss. Paul better not email him at 1 in the morning when he goes to bed at 9. The Paul he works for is a huge pain in his ass. On the way over here, it dawned on him… he’s getting back at him for everything he did to him in the 90s. If you thought the Reign of Terror from 2002 to 2005 was bad, try working for him. Just like in the 90s, Triple H didn’t leave him, so he’s not leaving Triple H. HBK talks about the Kliq. It was ride or die. Nothing will change that.
Triple H can take WWE into the future. There is no one better or more equipped to do that than him. HBK watches him work with talent and marvels at his temperament. His ability to work with high-caliber talent is amazing. Who can work with Travis Scott and Bad Bunny and then turn to work with Roman Reigns and CM Punk? He has a unique way of managing the corporate and business side without losing his passion for what happens in the ring. Triple H can keep the integrity of pro wrestling and keep WWE as the largest sports entertainment brand in the world. HBK says, “Buddy, I love you.”
Paul “Triple H” Levesque
Paul “Triple H” Levesque comes out and embraces Shawn Michaels. A “Triple H” chant picks up. A “You deserve it” chant starts. Triple H says he’s been sitting in the back, blubbering for 15 minutes. If he passes out from dehydration, someone should come drop an elbow on him and get some mileage out of it. He’s not good at talking when he gets choked up. If you can find a good friend, you’re truly a rich man. Shawn Michaels makes him a billionaire.
Triple H thanks everyone for being there. First, he wants to mention Motörhead. His theme song never gets old. Lemmy gave him the gift of his sound and friendship. Triple H calls on Rich Herring, who get inducted as a Warrior Award recipient. 55 years ago, Herring did his first show for the WWWF and has never left this company. He was here through thick and thin. Triple H think of him as The Wolf from “Pulp Fiction.” When things got bad, the Wolf can fix it.
When Nick Khan first sprang this on him at a WWE Town Hall, he’s been trying to think about how he should talk about this. Everyone has a version of speech. Some are long, short, and going on to this day. Mr. T is still talking about how much he loves his mom. This is one of the hardest things to put together. The deeper he dug into it, the harder it got. He realized that as he went through this, it wasn’t about him. It was the people that got him here. At the end of the day, he’s just a kid from New Hampshire who sat on his father’s lap and saw Chief Jay Strongbow. It’s all he ever wanted to be. Without the people in your life that give you that encouragement, you just can’t get there. Triple H had a lot of those people. There isn’t a self-made man on this planet. Everyone is a product of the people around them and what it leads them to do. For him, it starts with his parents. He jokes that his mother taught him all the stuff he did in DX. They taught him a work ethic because working hard is the right thing to do. Also, tonight is his parent’s 61st wedding anniversary. His sister Lynn is so supportive and beat up his bullies. She also had a cardiac event like he had. She turned her life around and is on billboards.
Once he discovered wrestling, it’s all he wanted to do. At 14, he went to a gym to get big, but he fell in love with it. A man named Brian helped him learn how to lift. They’ve been friends for 40 years ago. There’s another friend who encouraged him to get into the wrestling business. Around that time, he discovered Arnold Schwarzenegger. He watched his movie and read his book. The harder you work in the gym, the more you get out of it. Triple H thanks him for the inspiration.
Triple H talked about getting a break in the business. Finally, he found a grumpy old man in Killer Kowalski. He trained on a boxing ring that felt like concrete. When he started training, he knew it was right for his life. Kowalski didn’t care if he paid him on time because he knew he’d be a big star. Triple H never forgot that. He still hears himself saying a different version of what he was taught by Kowalski when he talks to talent.
Eric Bischoff took a chance on a GUD (geographically undesirable) and gave him a break in WCW. Triple H was there on Dusty Rhodes’s last day as booker. Rhodes would be a mentor to him. Rhodes told him that “booking ain’t easy.” You’ve got to work your ass off and stay in front of it always. Triple H walks away from the microphone for a moment as he holds back tears. Triple H tells Cody Rhodes that his dad meant the world to him. Arn Anderson told him after a dark match that he got the job. Anderson would then invite him out. Once he realized he didn’t drink or do drugs, he went out with him all the time as he could drive him back safely. When they were in unsavory areas, he’d get him Popeye’s Chicken at all hours of the night. Triple H also mentions Harley Race, who told him that Killer Kowalski was the shits. Race taught him a lot. A lot of people have wild stories about Race. When his daughter was born, Race personally picked out earrings to give to her.
Triple H remembers “Stunning” Steve Austin helping him out early on. Next, he talks about Mick Foley and his kindness. He hopes Foley knows how much he means to him. Terry Taylor, who had a medical incident and couldn’t be here… no, wait, he is there! Taylor taught him more about wrestling at the WCW Power Plant, along with Steve Regal. Triple H was supposed to be in a big tag team with Regal in WCW, but Regal told him to get out and go to WWF where they will make him a big star.
Finally, he comes to WWE and doesn’t know anyone. After traveling with a lot of guys at that time who didn’t want to talk about the business, he decided to travel alone. Then Kevin Nash randomly picked him up one day with Shawn Michaels, Scott Hall, and Sean Waltman. All they wanted was to talk business, which he loved. How did he wind up being such good friends with them when he doesn’t drink or smoke? Triple H tells a story about going to Denny’s with them when they were all recognizable. Waltman ordered five drinks and was soon face down. Then Scott Hall got into a fight with the waitress about the cook supposedly putting a booger in his eggs. This was their first day together. They would soon get out, bring Waltman to the emergency room, and then sleep for an hour before driving to the next town. For whatever reason, he loved this experience. The Kliq was ride or die. He thinks about Hall every day. Kevin Nash thought about the business like a movie. Waltman was the measuring stick. If you couldn’t work with him, you were done. Shawn Michaels could do it all. Hall had a way of simplifying everything and could change your view of the business. He was a genius. Triple H tells a story of Hall knocking him out and joking with him later.
Triple H got to work with so many incredible talents. It was a melting pot of styles and abilities backstage early in his career. He’d eventually form DX with Shawn Michaels. Triple H mentions Joanie Laurer aka Chyna. Chyna was the anchor of the group. They might have imploded if not for her. She changed the business forever. The second version of DX with Road Dogg, Billy Gunn, and X-Pac was so much fun. It was one of the best parts of his career. He talks about the honest relationship he had with Steve Austin. Austin always gave him honesty when everyone was blowing smoke at you. Mick Foley gave him toughness. Foley did so much for him. Their Street Fight and Hell in a Cell are his favorite matches. Foley is one of his favorite opponents and people. Great to see Mick Foley get that recognition.
Randy Orton and Dave Bautista, who isn’t here, were so important to him. Ric Flair was his hero and the greatest of all time. Evolution changed the business. The idea was to take two young guys that they thought had everything and make them into stars. Along the way, they taught him what it’s like to give back. Watching them do what they did and become two of the biggest stars this business has seen in and outside of the business lit a fire in him to do that with others. Knowing he had a small part of that gave him so much. Orton being a pain in the ass helped him for where he is right now.
Triple H has had a lot of injuries. He thanks his doctors for putting him back together multiple times. The creative side came at a different time for him. From 1996 and on, he was invited to production meetings. He learned so much getting there early and listened like a sponge to all the old road agents talking creative. Pat Patterson was considered the greatest finish guy and greatest mind in the business. This led him to build a new system. The territories were gone, so he had to figure out a way to get people this knowledge. He learned so much from Dusty Rhodes in NXT. He worked with Matt Bloom, Steve Regal, and Terry Taylor. The next two days of WrestleMania is nearly all NXT. Those early classes inspired him. The new classes do that for Shawn Michaels. NXT is the fountain of youth. They’re ensuring the business carries on.
Triple H talks about Michael Hayes. He’s unique and has a great heart. He is this generation’s Pat Patterson. Triple H talks about Bruce Prichard and how he hasn’t always been viewed favorably. He was between a rock and a hard place. Prichard did it with grace. Triple H is thankful to work with him. He also mentions Ed Kosky, who he thinks is a great writer. Triple H thanks everyone who works behind the scenes.
Next up is Paul Heyman. Last year, he said a man has to accept his reality. Heyman helped him learn that. Heyman has a Hall of Fame ring on his hand with the inscription, “Consigliere.” Heyman is in tears and nods.
As for the rest of his family, he first mentions Linda McMahon. Triple H says this is going long as a rib on Shawn Michaels for his NXT call time. His daughters could not have a better example of what a strong, powerful woman is. From CEO to giving back at high levels to this country. He loves her very much. Shane McMahon isn’t here, but he’s the brother he never had.
There is another person he has to mention… Vince McMahon. It’s a complicated story with a complicated relationship, but he wouldn’t be here without him. Not just in his business life, which would be enough. He saw something in him and encouraged him. Vince also gave him his family life. He’s his father-in-law, his wife’s father, and his kids’ grandfather. It’s complicated. When someone helps propel you that far, you owe them so much. He’s grateful for all the lessons. Levesque says, “I love you, Vince… and thank you.”
Another person he has to bring up is the Undertaker. There’s no one in this business he respects more. Undertaker was the locker room leader when it meant something. He was the calm, steady hand he looked up to. You had to earn his trust. For a long time, he wouldn’t speak to him other than to say hello. One night, he was at a bar with the Kliq when Undertaker nodded him over. He had a shot of Jack Daniels with Undertaker and told him that he’s alright. When he started a relationship with Stephanie McMahon that could have ended his career and didn’t know what to do, he went to the Undertaker. The words he gave him set him up for the rest of his life. It is censored. Undertaker told him if he loves her, then go get her. That changed his life.
A few years ago, he had a health scare. He went from running crazy and feeling untouchable. He was on a crazy schedule and started feeling sick. He thought he had pneumonia, but it was heart failure. Triple H didn’t know how close he was to death. Life is a gift. When that happened, he stopped thinking about the production meetings and projects. All he thought about was Stephanie and his girls. He doesn’t want anyone to have to experience that, but he hopes everyone gets that family is everything. It could all end tomorrow for anyone. Embrace what’s important in life. In his mind, his girls are tiny little things sitting on his suitcase being rolled into a production meeting to sing “Twinkle Twinkle.” His oldest daughter, Aurora, is heading toward a doctorate in physical therapy. Murphy, his middle child, is eclectic and creative. She plays on the boy’s football team as a running back. She can take on the world. As for Vaughn, she’s 14 going on 40. She’s a fashion icon and tells everyone what to wear. She can do anything she wants.
Finally, he gets to Stephanie, his wife. She’s his best friend… he gets emotional talking about her. She’s his rock, his everything. He could not imagine a better partner, mom, or person to be by his side through all of this. He has one word for her: forever. Not a bad commitment level for a guy who wants a better spot in his job.
The last person he is going to mention is Nick Khan, as well as his son. He’s known Khan for a decade. He’s one of the most influential people in his life. He’s one of the best businessmen and people he’s met. Nick Khan is a human 8-ball who has answers for everything. Triple H couldn’t do this without Khan. Khan doesn’t like the recognition, but he’s getting it.
A lot of people have influenced him. No matter what happens over the next two days, he’s still that kid watching wrestling… he’s just not on the couch anymore. He gets to watch the greatest performers do what they do in the greatest form of entertainment. Triple H will hide it, but he’s still that kid. A lot of people propped him up to do more. This business hooks you. When it does, for most it’s all they ever want to do. Triple H tells everyone to build each other up rather than tear them down. When you encourage others, it’s the greatest part of his life. They’re nothing without the fans. Whether you loved or hated him, he loves them. He’ll work his ass off for them. It might not always be great or perfect, but it’ll be everything he has. Whether you’re a supporter or hater, he’s got two words for them. The crowd shouts, “Suck it.” He says he was going for “thank you,” but he’ll take that.
Triple H’s music plays, and he does his trademark water misting before going to the back.
Email – mike@wrestleview.com
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