Paul Michael Levesque, better known to pro-wrestling fans all over as ‘Triple H’ has just announced his in-ring retirement. He broke the news during a recent interview.
Hunter Hearst Helmsley (HHH) made his debut for WWE (then WWF) in 1995. His brash persona and long blonde hair impressed the company since the get-go. Despite the early push, he lost momentum and got stuck in the mid-card shuffle for almost two years.
But the formation of D-Generation X (DX) in 1997, gave his career the much-needed injection of life. Along with Shawn Michaels, Chyna, and Rick Rude, the faction rapidly rose to the top of the promotion. Their red hot run in the late 90s was one of the reasons why WWE won the ‘Monday Night Wars’ throughout the late ’90s and early 2000s.
BREAKING: @TripleH announced his retirement from in-ring competition on @espn @firsttake with @stephenasmith. pic.twitter.com/qnyw9NVtv4
— WWE (@WWE) March 25, 2022
Since the start of the millennium, his star power and authority in the company rose. His real-life wife, Stephanie McMahon is the daughter of WWE chairman Vince McMahon. After the exit of megastars such as Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, he carried the company on his back along with the likes of John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns.
Triple H explains the reason for his retirement
Triple H suffered a cardiac disease in September of 2021. He had to go through surgery as a result of that. Hunter has not been seen in the WWE programming since then. In one of his first public appearances since then on ESPN’s First Take, the 52-year old explained the decision.
I’ve been blown away by the outreach and support from so many people. I’m recovering, doing well, & deeply grateful for all the love in my life. Especially grateful for @ShawnMichaels & all the Superstars & crew @WWENXT! (Steph and the girls loved the snacks!)
— Triple H (@TripleH) September 21, 2021
See you soon ????❤️
Hunter added that he had viral pneumonia last year. However, he started coughing up blood and they rushed to a hospital and found out that the ejection fracture of his heart had gone down to a dangerously low level. But before he could be checked into the emergency, the matter became worse.
In an interview with @stephenasmith, @TripleH officially announces his retirement from in-ring competition. pic.twitter.com/MQcBAIb4gv
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 25, 2022
A visibly shaken and emotional Triple H spoke on what his three daughters went through during the whole ordeal. He added that the family took the first priority after the health-scare. Confirming his in-ring retirement, Hunter said,
“You know as far as in-ring, which I get a lot, I’m done. No, I would never wrestle again. First of all, I have a defibrillator on my chest, which (is) probably not a good idea for me to get zapped on live TV,”
The King of Kings. pic.twitter.com/orXag7bxBs
— WWE (@WWE) March 25, 2022
Paul Levesque is currently serving as the Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development in WWE. Although his in-ring career seems to be done, Triple H will continue to serve behind the scenes of the company. The Cerebral Assassin could be the perfect replacement for Vince McMahon when he retires.