Is Triple H Becoming a Scapegoat?
It has not been a very likable couple of weeks, maybe even months, for WWE and TKO. It is almost safe to say we are out of the honeymoon phase of the merger of WWE and UFC. Fans have lately been expressing some frustration with decisions that TKO has been making. Like the recent release of countless superstars, as well as the asinine amount of advertisements all over the arena. The breaking point for fans was the release of 17-year veteran, R-Truth, who recently just made his return at Money in the Bank after fans kept chanting “We Want Truth” on Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. For some reason, all fingers are pointing at Paul “Triple H” Levesque, as if he were behind all of this.
According to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, Triple H is the one who made the final decision on R-Truth and Carlito's releases. However, it was later clarified that the ultimate decision was made by Nick Khan. While Triple H holds the important roles of Chief Content Officer and Head of Creative, it appears that Khan, along with Ari Emanuel, has the final say on major personnel moves. WWE has long been considered a family business, and even with recent corporate restructuring, many believe that Khan and other executives are now calling the shots. This shift in decision-making authority has left fans questioning the direction the company is heading and whether the creative vision is being compromised for corporate priorities.
There are currently rumors that Triple H is slowly starting to lose power in his position as CCO and Head of Creative. Jonathan Coachman said on the Two-Man Power Trip channel that The Rock and Triple H do not get along and they are “always butting heads.” The Coach even believes that Triple H will not be running WWE within the next 18 months. According to recently released Gallus member, Wolfgang, the fallout started last year during the build to WrestleMania 40 when The Rock was thinking WWE would provide him a private jet to take him to Los Angeles to train with Gallus. Wolfgang says, “Someone big leaguing the other one.” Suggesting a clash of egos and expectations among the executives of TKO.
As Triple H remains Head of Creative, fans are divided; some skeptical, others hopeful. Many fans look back on his time in the Black and Gold era of NXT when that was the hottest brand in all of wrestling. The current TV production has improved over the past three years, but criticism still runs high, especially toward the business side of WWE. Despite this, Triple H is being treated as a scapegoat for the company’s issues, with some blaming him for creative struggles. Still, he seems focused on what is shown on TV, and fans will be watching closely to see if he can turn things around or if the internal turmoil continues.
