The Game

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Triple H
An image of Triple H.
Statistics
Ring name(s) Terra Ryzing<ref name="TOA"/>
Jean-Paul Levesque<ref name=snapshot/>
Hunter Hearst Helmsley (HHH)<ref name=snapshot/>
Triple H
Billed height6 ft. 4 in. (193 cm)<ref name=snapshot/><ref name="WWEProfile">"Triple H Bio". WWE. Retrieved on 2007-07-10.</ref>
Billed weight255 lb. (115.7 kg)<ref name="WWEProfile"/>
BornJuly 27 1969 (1969-07-27) (age 54)<ref name=snapshot/><ref name=grips/>
Nashua, New Hampshire<ref name=snapshot>"Wrestler snapshot: Triple H". Wrestling Digest (August 2002). Retrieved on 2007-09-20.</ref><ref name=grips>Peter McGough (July 2002). "Coming to grips with Triple H". Flex. Retrieved on 2007-09-20.</ref><ref name="slam">John Milner and Jason Clevett (December 5, 2004). "SLAM! Sports biography". CANOE. Retrieved on 2007-07-11.</ref>
ResidesGreenwich, Connecticut<ref name=snapshot/>
Billed fromGreenwich, Connecticut<ref name=snapshot/><ref name="WWEProfile"/>
Trained byKiller Kowalski
DebutMarch 1992

Paul Michael Levesque<ref name="slam"/> (born July 27, 1969)<ref name="slam"/> is an American professional wrestler and actor,<ref>Olson, Kay (2002). French Immigrants: 1840 - 1940. Capstone Press, pp. 29. ISBN 0736812059. </ref> better known by his ring name Triple H, an abbreviation of his former ring name, Hunter Hearst Helmsley. He currently wrestles for the SmackDown brand of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where he is the reigning WWE Champion.<ref name=wwechamp>"Title History: WWE Championship". WWE.com. Retrieved on 2007-10-14.</ref>

Before joining WWE, Levesque began his wrestling career with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1993, wrestling under the ring name Terra Ryzing.<ref name="TOA"/> He changed his ring name to Jean-Paul Lévesque before joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1995.<ref name="snapshot"/> His initial on-screen persona was that of wealthy sophisticate Hunter Hearst Helmsley. He later changed his name to Triple H and adopted an alternative image in the stable D-Generation X (DX). After the dissolution of DX, Triple H was pushed as a main-event wrestler, winning several singles championships.<ref name="WWEProfile"/> As part of a storyline, Triple H married Stephanie McMahon, who later became his real-life spouse. In 2003, Triple H formed another stable known as Evolution,<ref name="WWEProfile"/> and in 2006, briefly reformed DX with Shawn Michaels.<ref name=der/>

Overall, Triple H is a twelve-time world champion: a seven-time and current WWE Champion, and a five-time World Heavyweight Champion.<ref>"W.W.W.F./W.W.F./W.W.E. World Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.</ref><ref>"World Heavyweight Title (W.W.E. Smackdown!)". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.</ref> In addition, he won the 1997 King of the Ring, the 2002 Royal Rumble, and was the second Grand Slam Champion.<ref name="WWEProfile"/>

Outside wrestling, Levesque has made numerous guest appearances in film and on television. He is starring in the WWE Film, Journey of Death, which is due to release in 2009.<ref name=vampire/>

Early life and career[edit]

Paul Levesque was born in Nashua, New Hampshire. In his youth, Levesque was a fan of professional wrestling and his favorite wrestler was Ric Flair.<ref name=snapshot/><ref name=grips/> He became aware of bodybuilding at the age of fourteen, and after graduating from high school in 1987, he entered several body building competitions.<ref name=time>Triple H and Chyna. (1999). It's Our Time [VHS]. World Wrestling Federation.</ref> He was crowned Teenage Mr. New Hampshire at the age of nineteen. During this time, he met Ted Arcidi and began to consider a career in professional wrestling.<ref name=grips/><ref name=time/>

Levesque enrolled at Killer Kowalski's wrestling school in 1992 after it was recommended to him by Arcidi.<ref name=grips/><ref name=time/> He joined the Independent Wrestling Federation (IWF), which used trainees from Kowalski's school in their promotion. Here, Levesque became the IWF Heavyweight Champion and started using the name Terra Ryzing.<ref name=TOA>"tOa Triple H Biography". the Other arena. Retrieved on 2007-08-19.</ref>

Professional wrestling[edit]

World Championship Wrestling[edit]

In early 1994, Levesque signed a one year contract with World Championship Wrestling (WCW).<ref name=grips/><ref name="threat">Marvez, Alex (April 2001). "Triple Threat (p. 2)". Wrestling Digest. Retrieved on 2008-07-17.</ref> In his first televised match, he wrestled as a heel and defeated Brian Armstrong.<ref name=snapshot/> He continued using the name Terra Ryzing until mid-1994, when he was renamed Jean-Paul Lévesque.<ref name=snapshot/><ref name=crap204>Baer, Randy and R. D. Reynolds. Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling (p.204)</ref> This gimmick referred to his surname's French origins and he was asked to speak with a French accent, as he could not speak French.<ref name="threat2">Marvez, Alex (April 2001). "Triple Threat (p. 3)". Wrestling Digest. Retrieved on 2008-07-17.</ref> During this time, he began using his finisher, the Pedigree.

Lévesque had a brief storyline feud with Alex Wright that culminated at Starrcade.<ref name=snapshot/> Between late 1994 and early 1995, Lévesque briefly teamed with Lord Steven Regal, whose snobby British persona was a good match with Lévesque's similar persona.<ref name=crap204/> The team was short-lived, however, as Lévesque left for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in January 1995 after WCW shot down his request to be pushed as a singles competitor.<ref name=TOA/><ref name=crap204/><ref name="threat2"/>

World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment[edit]

The Connecticut Blueblood (1995–1997)[edit]

File:Hunter Hearst Helmsley in 1996 (2).jpg
Hunter Hearst Helmsley in 1996.

As a continuation of his gimmick in WCW, Levesque started off his WWF career as the Connecticut Blueblood, Hunter Hearst Helmsley.<ref name="threat2"/> He appeared in taped vignettes, in which he talked about how to use proper etiquette, up until his wrestling debut on the April 30, 1995 episode of WWF Wrestling Challenge.<ref>"Wrestling Challenge Results". The History of WWE. Retrieved on 2007-07-12.</ref>

Although he was heavily pushed in the first few months after his debut, his career stalled during 1996, starting off with being mired in a feud with Duke "The Dumpster" Droese following a loss in the Free For All at the 1996 Royal Rumble.<ref name=crap>Baer, Randy and R. D. Reynolds. Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling (p.206)</ref><ref>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.95)</ref> Up until that event, his angle included appearing on television each week with a different female valet.<ref name=snapshot/> Sable was his valet at WrestleMania XII, and after his loss to Ultimate Warrior, as part of the storyline, he took his aggressions out on her. The debuting Marc Mero came to her rescue, starting a feud between the two wrestlers.<ref name="onlineworldofwrestling1996">"Raw - 1996 Results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-07-12.</ref>

On May 28, 1996, Helmsley appeared on WWF Superstars against Marty Garner.<ref name="garner profile">"Marty Garner Profile". Online World Of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2008-03-17.</ref> When Levesque attempted to perform the Pedigree, Garner mistook the maneuver for a double underhook suplex and tried to jump up with the move, causing him to land squarely on top of his head and suffer neck damage.<ref name="garner profile"/> Garner sued the WWF, eventually settling out of court and later discussed the incident in an appearance on The Montel Williams Show.

File:Hug MSG Incident.jpg
The MSG Incident.

Levesque was known backstage as one of the members of The Kliq, a group of wrestlers including Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman and Scott Hall, who were known for influencing Vince McMahon and the WWF creative team.<ref name=crap/> He was slated to win the 1996 King of the Ring tournament, but was demoted from championship contender to "jobber to the stars" after the Madison Square Garden Incident, in which the Kliq broke character after a match to say goodbye to the departing Nash and Hall.<ref name="game">"The don't call him "the Game" for nothing". Wrestling Digest (December 2002). Retrieved on 2008-07-20.</ref> Despite the punishment, Helmsley did have several successes following the MSG Incident. Mr. Perfect became his manager and he was booked to win his first Intercontinental Championship on October 21, 1996, defeating Marc Mero.<ref name="game"/><ref name="onlineworldofwrestling1996"/> When Mr. Perfect left the WWF, his departure was explained to be a result of Helmsley turning his back on his manager as soon as he won the Intercontinental Championship. He held the belt for nearly four months before dropping it to Rocky Maivia on the February 13, 1997 special edition of Monday Night Raw, called Thursday Raw Thursday.<ref>Laurer, Joanie. If They Only Knew, 266–267.</ref> For a very brief time, Helmsley was accompanied by Mr. Hughes, who was his storyline bodyguard.<ref>Mick Foley (2000). Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks (p.213). HarperCollins. ISBN 0061031011. </ref> After losing the Intercontinental title, he feuded with Goldust, defeating him at WrestleMania 13.<ref>"WrestleMania XIII". PWWEW.net. Retrieved on 2007-08-10.</ref> During their feud, Chyna debuted as his new bodyguard.<ref>Laurer, Joanie. If They Only Knew, 269.</ref>

D-Generation X (1997–1999)[edit]

Main article: D-Generation X

Helmsley's push resumed in 1997, when he won the King of the Ring tournament on June 8 by defeating Mankind in the finals.<ref name="game"/><ref>"King of the Ring 1997 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved on 2007-08-10.</ref> Later that year, Shawn Michaels, Helmsley, Chyna and Rick Rude formed D-Generation X (DX). This stable later became known for pushing the envelope, as Michaels and Helmsley made risqué promos—spawning the catchphrase "Suck It", using a "crotch chop" hand motion,<ref name=crap210>Baer, Randy and R. D. Reynolds. Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling (p.210)</ref> and sarcastically deriding Bret Hart and Canada. By that point, Helmsley had fully dropped the "blueblood snob" gimmick, appearing in T-shirts and leather. During this period, his ring name was shortened to simply Triple H.<ref name="game"/> Even after the DX versus Hart Foundation storyline ended when Bret, Jim Neidhart, and Davey Boy Smith defected to WCW, Helmsley continued to feud with the sole remaining member Owen Hart over the WWF European Championship. This culminated in a match between the two at WrestleMania XIV, with the stipulation that Chyna had to be handcuffed to then-Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter. Helmsley won after Chyna threw powder into Slaughter's eyes, momentarily "blinding" him and allowing her to interfere in the match.

After WrestleMania, Michaels was forced into temporary retirement due to a legitimate back injury sustained at the Royal Rumble,<ref>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.100)</ref> and on-screen, Triple H took over the leadership position in DX,<ref name="game"/> claiming that his now-former associate had "dropped the ball". He introduced the returning X-Pac the night after WrestleMania and joined forces with the New Age Outlaws.<ref name="game"/><ref>"Raw - 1998 Results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-07-12.</ref> It was also during this time that Triple H began a feud with the leader of the Nation of Domination and rising WWF heel, The Rock.<ref name=time/> This storyline rivalry eventually led to a feud over The Rock's Intercontinental Championship, which Triple H won in a ladder match at SummerSlam.<ref name=time/> He did not hold the title long, however, as he was sidelined with a legitimate knee injury.<ref name=time/> When The Rock won the WWF Championship at Survivor Series,<ref>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.102)</ref> the rivalry between the two continued, as DX fought Vince McMahon's Corporation stable, of which The Rock was the main star. Triple H received a shot at the WWF Championship on the January 25, 1999 edition of Raw in an "I Quit" match against The Rock, but the match ended when Triple H was forced to quit or see his aide Chyna chokeslammed by Kane.<ref name=time/> This began a new angle for Triple H, as Chyna betrayed him by attacking him after the match and joining the Corporation.<ref name=time/>

As part of the storyline, at WrestleMania XV, Triple H beat Kane with the aid of Chyna, who was thought to have rejoined DX.<ref name=time/> Later on in the night, he betrayed his long-time friend and fellow DX member X-Pac by helping Shane McMahon retain the European Championship and joined the Corporation.<ref name=time/> After Triple H's heel turn in early 1999, he moved away from his "DX" look, taping his fists for matches, sporting new and shorter wrestling trunks, and adopting a shorter hairstyle.<ref name=time/> His gimmick changed as he fought to earn a WWF title shot.<ref name=time/> After numerous failed attempts at winning the championship, Triple H and Mankind challenged WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin at SummerSlam in a Triple Threat match, which featured Jesse "The Body" Ventura as the special guest referee. Mankind won the match by pinning Austin,<ref>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.104)</ref> but the following night on Raw, Triple H defeated Mankind to win his first WWF Championship.<ref name=time/>

Triple H dropped the WWF Championship to Vince McMahon on the September 16, 1999 edition of SmackDown! before regaining it at Unforgiven in a Six-Pack Challenge that included Davey Boy Smith, Big Show, Kane, The Rock, and Mankind. He defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin at No Mercy before dropping the title to Big Show at Survivor Series.

McMahon-Helmsley Era (2000–2001)[edit]

Triple H signaling to the crowd

By January 2000, already a three-time WWF champion, Triple H had dubbed himself "The Game," implying that he was at the top of the wrestling world, and was nicknamed "The Cerebral Assassin" by Jim Ross. His storyline feud with Vince McMahon continued, with McMahon winning the title from Triple H during an episode of SmackDown!.<ref>"SmackDown 2000 Results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-07-11.</ref> As a result of the feud, an angle with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon began which carried the WWF throughout the next seventeen months; this period was known as the "McMahon-Helmsley Era".<ref name=crap257>Baer, Randy and R. D. Reynolds. Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling (p.257)</ref>

Triple H feuded with Mick Foley in early 2000 in a storyline that ended with a Hell in a Cell match at No Way Out that sent Foley into retirement.<ref>"No Way Out 2000 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved on 2007-08-17.</ref> Triple H pinned The Rock at WrestleMania 2000 to retain the title,<ref>"WrestleMania 2000 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved on 2007-08-17.</ref> but lost it at April's Backlash to The Rock.<ref>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.105)</ref> He regained it three weeks later, in an Iron Man match at Judgment Day,<ref>"Judgment Day 2000 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved on 2007-08-17.</ref> only to lose it back to The Rock at King of the Ring.<ref name=pwi106>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.106)</ref> Hunter then entered into a storyline feud with Chris Jericho, which culminated in a Last Man Standing match at Fully Loaded.<ref name=pwi106/>

A later storyline feud between Triple H and Steve Austin started when it emerged that Triple H had paid off Rikishi to run down Austin at Survivor Series, causing him to take a year off action. In reality, Austin's previous neck injuries started bothering him again, forcing him to have surgery. In 2000, Triple H and Austin had a match at Survivor Series that ended when Triple H tried to trick Austin into coming into the parking lot to run him over again, only to have Austin lift his car up with a forklift and flip the car onto its roof 10 feet high. Triple H returned a few weeks later and attacked Austin. The feud continued into 2001 and culminated in a Three Stages of Hell match in which Helmsley defeated Austin. In 2001, Triple H also feuded with The Undertaker, who defeated him at WrestleMania X-Seven.<ref>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.107)</ref> He later teamed with his former nemesis Austin to form The Two-Man Power Trip, capturing both the WWF Tag Team Championship and the Intercontinental Championship twice by the end of the next pay-per-view.

During the May 21, 2001 broadcast of Raw, he suffered a legitimate and career-threatening injury.<ref name=snapshot/> In the night's main event, he and Steve Austin were defending the Tag Team title against Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit. At one point, Jericho had Austin trapped in the Walls of Jericho submission hold. Triple H ran-in to break it up, but just as he did, he suffered a tear in his left quadriceps muscle,<ref name=snapshot/> causing it to come completely off the bone.<ref name=grips/> Despite his inability to place any weight on his leg, Triple H was able to complete the match.<ref name=grips/> He even allowed Jericho to put him in the Walls of Jericho, a move that places considerable stress on the quadriceps. The tear required an operation, which was performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. This injury brought an abrupt end to the McMahon-Helmsley Era, as the rigorous rehabilitation process kept Triple H out of action for over eight months,<ref name=snapshot/><ref name=grips/> completely missing the Invasion storyline.

Return from injury (2002)[edit]

File:HHHwmX8.jpg
Triple H after winning the Undisputed Championship at WrestleMania X8

Triple H returned to Raw as a crowd favorite on January 7, 2002 at Madison Square Garden.<ref name=grips/> He was booked to win that year's Royal Rumble to receive a WWF Undisputed Championship match in the main event at WrestleMania X8.<ref name=pwi110>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.110)</ref> At WrestleMania X8, Triple H beat Chris Jericho for the WWF Undisputed Championship.<ref name=snapshot/><ref name=pwi110/> After holding the title for a month, Helmsley dropped it to Hulk Hogan at Backlash.<ref name=pwi110/> Triple H then became exclusive to the SmackDown! roster due to the WWF Draft Lottery and continued to feud with Jericho, culminating in a Hell in a Cell match at Judgment Day.

In the interim, between the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, the McMahon-Helmsley era was brought to an official on-screen conclusion. By the time he returned, Triple H's on-screen marriage to Stephanie McMahon was on the rocks, so Stephanie faked a pregnancy in order to get him back on her side.<ref name=pregnancy>"HALL "OWW" SHAME: I'M PREGNANT!". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on 2007-06-24. Retrieved on 2007-09-19.</ref> When he learned that it was fake, he dumped her publicly on Raw when they were supposed to renew their wedding vows.<ref name=pregnancy/> Stephanie aligned with Jericho afterward,<ref name=pregnancy/> but she was forced to leave action after losing a triple threat match on Raw the night after WrestleMania when she was pinned by Triple H.<ref>"Raw Results: March 25, 2002". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-09-19.</ref> The divorce, and thus the storyline, was finalized at Vengeance.<ref>"Vengeance 2002 Results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-09-19.</ref>

Meanwhile, Triple H's old D-Generation X companion Shawn Michaels had made his return to WWF and joined the New World Order (nWo), and Michaels and Kevin Nash planned to bring Triple H over to Raw in order to put him into the group. Vince McMahon, however, disbanded the nWo following several backstage complications and brought in Eric Bischoff as the Raw brand's new General manager. One of Bischoff's first intentions was to follow up on the nWo's plan and woo Triple H over to the Raw roster. Triple H did indeed jump over to the Raw brand, reuniting with Shawn Michaels, but on July 22, he turned on Michaels by performing a Pedigree on him during what was supposed to be a DX reunion. The following week, as part of the storyline, Triple H smashed Michaels' face into a car window to prove that Michaels was "weak". These events led to the beginning of a long storyline rivalry between the former partners and an eventual "Unsanctioned Street Fight" at SummerSlam, in which Michaels came out of retirement to win. Afterwards, however, Triple H attacked him with a sledgehammer, and Michaels was carried out of the ring.<ref>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.111)</ref>

Before September 2, 2002, WWE recognized only one champion for both the Raw and SmackDown! brands. After SummerSlam, champion Brock Lesnar signed a storyline contract to become exclusive to SmackDown!, leaving Raw without a champion. Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff then awarded the World Heavyweight Championship to Triple H in the form of the old WCW Championship belt.<ref>Hamilton, Ian (2006). Wrestling's Sinking Ship: What Happens To An Industry Without Competition. Lulu.com, pp. 58. ISBN 1411612108. </ref> Triple H then received a push by having numerous successful title defenses, but he eventually dropped the belt to Shawn Michaels in the first ever Elimination Chamber match at Survivor Series.<ref name=pwi112>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.112)</ref> He regained the title from Michaels a month later in a Three Stages of Hell match at Armageddon.<ref name=pwi112/>

Evolution (2003–2005)[edit]

Main article: Evolution
File:Triple H-WorldHeavyweight-Champ@Commons.jpg
Triple H as the World Heavyweight Champion.

In January 2003, Triple H formed a stable known as Evolution with Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Batista. The group was pushed on Raw from 2003 to 2004, the height of their dominance occurring after Armageddon when every member of Evolution left the pay-per-view holding a title.<ref name=pwi114>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.114)</ref> Triple H held the World Heavyweight Championship for most of 2003. At the 2004 Royal Rumble, Triple H and Shawn Michaels fought in a Last Man Standing match to a double countout, so Triple H retained the title.<ref name=pwi114/> Triple H dropped the title to Chris Benoit at WrestleMania XX,<ref name=pwi115>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.115)</ref> and he was unable to reclaim the belt from Benoit in subsequent rematches, including a rematch from WrestleMania between Triple H, Benoit, and Shawn Michaels at Backlash.<ref name=pwi115/>

He then ended his angle with Michaels, defeating him in a Hell in a Cell match at Bad Blood.<ref name=pwi115/> After another failed attempt, losing to Benoit at Vengeance, he focused on Eugene, beating him at SummerSlam.<ref>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.116)</ref> Triple H then regained the title from former associate Randy Orton at Unforgiven.<ref name="PS123">Martin, Finn (2004-09-22). "Power Slam Magazine, issue 123", Panic Stations! (Unforgiven 2004), SW Publishing, pp. 24-25. </ref> Following a triple threat World title defense against Benoit and Edge on the November 29, 2004 episode of Raw, the World Heavyweight Championship became vacant for the first time.<ref>"Raw - November 29, 2004 Results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-07-11.</ref> At New Year's Revolution, Triple H won the Elimination Chamber to begin his tenth world title reign.<ref name="PS127">Evans, Anthony (2005-01-21). "Power Slam Magazine, issue 127", Tripper strikes back (New Years Revolution 2005), SW Publishing, pp. 30-31. </ref> At WrestleMania 21, Triple H lost the championship to Batista,<ref>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.117)</ref> and subsequently lost two rematches at consecutive pay-per-views: Backlash and Vengeance.<ref name="PS131">"Power Slam Magazine, issue 131", WrestleMania rerun (Backlash 2005), SW Publishing (2005-05-21), pp. 32-33. </ref><ref>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.118)</ref> Following this, Triple H took some time off from wrestling, suffering from minor neck problems.<ref name="KOK"> (2008). Triple H: The King of Kings [DVD]. WWE Home Video.</ref>

Triple H returned to Raw on October 3, 2005 as part of WWE Homecoming. He teamed up with Flair to defeat Chris Masters and Carlito. After the match, as part of his new storyline, Triple H turned on Flair with his sledgehammer, sparking a feud between the duo.<ref>"Raw - October 3, 2005 Results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-07-11.</ref> They met in a Steel cage match at Taboo Tuesday for Flair's Intercontinental Championship, a match that Flair won.<ref name=pwi119>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.119)</ref> Subsequently, Triple H defeated Flair in a non-title Last Man Standing match at Survivor Series to end their feud.<ref name=pwi119/>

D-Generation X revival (2006–2007)[edit]

Main article: D-Generation X revival
File:Dx-sig-pose@commons.jpg
DX doing their signature pose

Although Triple H failed to win the Royal Rumble match at Royal Rumble in January 2006 to earn a title shot, another championship opportunity arose for Triple H in the Road to WrestleMania Tournament. He won the tournament, granting him a match for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 22. At WrestleMania, Triple H and John Cena fought in the main event for the title, which Triple H lost via submission.<ref name="PS142">Hurley, Oliver (2006-04-20). "Power Slam Magazine, issue 142", "WrestleMania In Person” (WrestleMania 22), SW Publishing, pp. 16–19. </ref> Later that month at Backlash, Triple H was involved in another WWE Championship match, fighting Edge and Cena in a Triple Threat match, where he lost again. In an act of frustration, a bloodied Triple H used his sledgehammer to attack, in storyline, both Edge and Cena and then performed a number of DX crotch chops.<ref name=pwi121>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.121)</ref> Triple H unsuccessfully attempted to win the WWE title from Cena on numerous occasions, blaming his shortcomings on Vince McMahon, which eventually lead to a storyline feud between the McMahons and Triple H.

Shawn Michaels returned on the June 12 edition of Raw and soon reunited with Triple H to reform D-Generation X, turning Triple H face once again.<ref name=der>"Raw - June 12, 2006 Results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-07-11.</ref> DX defeated the Spirit Squad at Vengeance in a 5-on-2 handicap match.<ref>"Vengeance 2006 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved on 2007-08-17.</ref> They continued their feud with Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon and the Spirit Squad for several weeks. They then defeated the Spirit Squad again on the July 18, 2006 edition of Saturday Night's Main Event in a 5-on-2 Elimination match. They then again defeated the McMahons at SummerSlam, withstanding the attack of several handpicked WWE superstars by Vince McMahon.<ref name=pwi121/> At Unforgiven, D-Generation X overcame the odds once again, defeating The McMahons and ECW World Champion Big Show in a Hell in a Cell match. During the match, DX embarrassed Vince by shoving his face in between Big Show's buttocks, and DX won when Triple H broke a sledgehammer over the shoulders of Vince McMahon after Michaels performed Sweet Chin Music on him.<ref name=pwi122>Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling’s historical cards" (p.122)</ref>

At Cyber Sunday during DX's storyline feud with Rated-RKO, special guest referee Eric Bischoff allowed the illegal use of a weapon to give Rated-RKO the ill-gotten win.<ref name=pwi122/> At Survivor Series, DX got their revenge when their team defeated Edge and Orton's team in an Elimination Match.<ref>"Survivor Series 2006 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved on 2007-07-11.</ref> In January 2007, at New Year's Revolution, DX and Rated-RKO fought to a no-contest after Triple H suffered a legitimate torn right quadriceps (similar to the one he suffered in 2001 but in the other leg) fifteen minutes into the match.<ref name=trouble/><ref>"New Years Revolution 2007 Results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-07-11.</ref> A successful surgery was performed on January 9, 2007 by Dr. James Andrews.<ref name=trouble/>

King of Kings (2007–2008)[edit]

File:Triple H Entrance Sequence Melbourne 10.11.2007.jpg
Triple H performing his signature ring entrance pose on the second rope following his 2007 comeback

Triple H made his return in August 2007 at SummerSlam, where he defeated King Booker.<ref>"SummerSlam 2007 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved on 2007-09-02.</ref> After his return, he won the WWE Championship at No Mercy after beating the newly named Champion, Randy Orton, making Triple H an eleven-time world champion.<ref>Bryan Robinson (October 7, 2007). "Kings of Kings reigns supreme again". WW. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.</ref> In the same event, Triple H also defeated Umaga in his first title defense after Mr. McMahon declared his already-scheduled bout with Umaga, a title match.<ref name="No Mercy">"No Mercy 2007 Results". PWWEW.net. Retrieved on 2007-10-08.</ref> McMahon then announced, Orton would receive a title rematch in a Last Man Standing match in the final match of the event, which Orton won after an RKO onto the announcement table, thus ending Triple H's sixth reign.<ref name="No Mercy"/> Triple H's title reign at No Mercy is the fourth shortest reign in WWE history, only lasting through the duration of the event.<ref name="No Mercy"/> In the Raw Elimination Chamber at No Way Out, Triple H gained a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania XXIV, by outlasting five other men.<ref>Clayton, Corey (2008-02-17). "The Game gets his title match at WrestleMania". WWE. Retrieved on 2008-02-17.</ref> However, at WrestleMania XXIV, Randy Orton retained after punting Triple H and pinning John Cena following Triple H's Pedigree on Cena.<ref>Robinson, Bryan (2008-03-30). "One-Man Dynasty Indeed?". WWE. Retrieved on 2008-03-31.</ref> A month later, at Backlash, Triple H won the title in a Fatal Four-Way Elimination match against Orton, Cena, and John "Bradshaw" Layfield, tying the record for most WWE Championship reigns (7) with The Rock.<ref>"History of the WWE Championship". WWE. Retrieved on 2008-04-27.</ref> Triple H then retained the title against Orton at Judgment Day in a Steel Cage match and again at One Night Stand in a Last Man Standing match.<ref>Kapur, Bob (2008-05-18). "Judgment Day spoils streak of good shows". SLAM! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved on 2008-06-23.</ref><ref>DiFino, Lennie (2008-05-19). "One night stood up". WWE. Retrieved on 2008-06-23.</ref> Orton suffered a legitimate collarbone injury during the match, thus ending it prematurely.<ref>Tello, Craig (2008-06-01). "Orton suffers broken collarbone". WWE. Retrieved on 2008-06-02.</ref>

Move to SmackDown (2008–present)[edit]

On June 23, 2008 edition of Raw, Triple H was drafted to the SmackDown! brand as a part of the 2008 WWE Draft, in the process making the WWE Championship exclusive to SmackDown.<ref>Sitterson, Aubrey (2008-06-23). "A Draft Disaster". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved on 2008-06-25.</ref>

Acting[edit]

Commercials[edit]

His commercial appearances include ads in May 2006 for Miller Lite where he debates "Man Laws" with the likes of Burt Reynolds, Eddie Griffin and Jerome Bettis.<ref>Theresa Howard (November 16, 2006). "Miller Lite ads celebrate manly men". USA Today. Retrieved on 2007-09-18.</ref> That same month, he also appeared in a commercial for USA Network with Anthony Michael Hall, which cross-promoted Raw and Hall's show, The Dead Zone. Hall's character, a psychic, touches Triple H while he lounges beside a pool and has a vision of him falling asleep in the sun, and fellow wrestler John Cena slapping Triple H's sunburned back and leaving a handprint. He has also appeared in commercials for bodybuilding supplements such as Stacker 2 and YJ Stinger. Levesque also appeared in a Wendy's commercial holding up a Triple Classic Burger calling it the "Triple H Burger".<ref>Daniel Pena (October 4, 2005). "WWE News - Stephanie/Michelle, Triple H Burger, Foley". Lords of Pain. Retrieved on 2007-09-18.</ref>

Film[edit]

Levesque appeared in the movie, Blade: Trinity, as a vampire enforcer named Jarko Grimwood.<ref name=vampire/> He is also starring in the WWE Film Journey of Death with Clive Owen, which is due to release in 2009.<ref name=vampire>Michael Berg (May 2004). "Wrestling superstar Triple H a vampire?". Muscle & Fitness. Retrieved on 2007-09-20.</ref>

Levesque has also appeared in several WWE Home Video releases, including Triple H: The Game and Triple H: That Damn Good in 2002, D-Generation-X, a reissue of the VHS version, in 2006, and The New and Improved DX in 2007. Triple H: King of Kings, a DVD covering his career so far, was released on March 25, 2008.<ref>"Triple H King of Kings DVD order". WWE. Retrieved on 2008-03-31.</ref>

Guest appearances[edit]

Levesque appeared in an episode of the USA Network series Pacific Blue on August 9, 1998.<ref>'Pacific Blue' episode summary tv.com. Retrieved on 2008-7-18.</ref> In December 1998, he did a guest appearance in The Drew Carrey Show.<ref>Laurer, Joanie. If They Only Knew, 352.</ref> He was also featured in the August 14, 2005 episode of MTV's Punk'd in which he was led to believe that he had ruined a wedding by hitting the bride in the face with a door and damaging her nose until Ashton Kutcher and Stacy Keibler showed up. Additionally, his television appearances include guest spots as Triple H on MADtv and Saturday Night Live, and as a character on an episode of The Bernie Mac Show. Levesque also won the WWF edition of The Weakest Link, in which he and Stephanie McMahon were the final two contestants. Levesque has also been a guest announcer for the Mr. Olympia competition.<ref name=trouble>Shawn Perine (May 2007). "Triple trouble". Flex. Retrieved on 2007-09-20.</ref>

Personal life[edit]

Before marrying Stephanie McMahon, Levesque was in a relationship with Joanie Laurer (who appeared as Chyna).<ref name=crap257/> They dated for four years from 1996 until 2000.<ref name=snapshot/> Levesque married Stephanie McMahon on October 25, 2003. He and Stephanie welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Aurora Rose Levesque, on July 24, 2006.<ref>"It's a girl". WWE (2006-06-24). Retrieved on 2006-06-24.</ref> On July 28, 2008 Levesque welcomed his second daughter with McMahon, Murphy Claire Levesque.<ref>Angela R. (2008-07-28). "Stephanie McMahon Levesque and Triple H Welcome Murphy Claire". CelebrityBabies.com. Retrieved on 2008-07-28.</ref>

He has a sister named Lynn,<ref name=grips/> and he is an uncle to her two children: Peter and Nayssa. Levesque is also an uncle to brother-in-law Shane McMahon's two sons: Declan and Kenyon. His in-laws are Vince and Linda McMahon.

In late 2004, Levesque released a book entitled Making the Game: Triple H's Approach to a Better Body. Mostly devoted to bodybuilding advice, the book also includes some autobiographical information, memoirs, and opinions.<ref>"Barnes & Noble.com - Books - Triple H Making the Game, by Triple H, Hardcover". Barnes&Noble.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.</ref>

In a November 14, 2006, interview with rapper The Game, it was revealed that Levesque is involved in a lawsuit with him over the rights to the name, "The Game".<ref>Bernard, Adam (2006-11-14). "RapReview Feature for November 14, 2006 - The Game Interview". RapReviews.com. Retrieved on 2006-11-14.</ref>

In wrestling[edit]

215px
Triple H about to Pedigree Chris Benoit
215px
Triple H holding his signature Sledgehammer
  • Signature taunts
    • Crotch chop / "Suck it" taunt
    • Showing off his muscles, put together with Shawn Michaels
    • Arms crossed / The DX "X"
    • Throwing his arms up and back, and expanding his chest
    • Spitting out water during his entrance
  • Nicknames
    • The Connecticut Blueblood<ref name=mold>"Breaking The Mold". Wrestling Digest (October 2001). Retrieved on 2008-05-08.</ref>
    • The Cerebral Assassin<ref name="KOK"/>
    • The Game<ref name=snapshot/>
    • The King of Kings<ref name="KOK"/>

Championships and accomplishments[edit]

File:Triple H WWE Champion No Mercy 07.jpg
Triple H is currently in his seventh reign as the WWE Champion.
  • Independent Wrestling Federation
    • IWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=TOA/>

1Triple H's fifth reign was as WWF Undisputed Champion.

Notes[edit]

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References[edit]

  • Mick Foley (2000). Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks. HarperCollins. ISBN 0061031011. 
  • PWI Staff. "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", "Wrestling’s historical cards", Kappa Publishing. 
  • Baer, Randy and R. D. Reynolds (2003). Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling. ECW Press. ISBN 1550225847. 
  • Laurer, Joanie (2001). If They Only Knew. ReaganBooks. ISBN 0061098957. 

External links[edit]

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McMahon wrestling family
Persondata
NAME Levesque, Paul Michael
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Triple H; Helmsley, Hunter Hearst; Levesque, Jean-Paul; Ryzing, Terra
SHORT DESCRIPTION Professional wrestler
DATE OF BIRTH July 27, 1969
PLACE OF BIRTH Nashua, New Hampshire
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH

Also![edit]

You just lost the game.

OR PERHAPS NOT!

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