6 things Triple H did right after taking over WWE's creative control 2 years ago
June 27, 2022, will be a day WWE fans will remember forever. After numerous allegations began coming out against then-Chairman Vince McMahon, the long-time promoter and lead man of World Wrestling Entertainment announced his retirement.
While Vince would return for a brief period earlier this year, it was the legendary Triple H who took over creative control back in June 2022. Two years later The Game is still the man in charge of the bulk of the decisions made on-screen for the company.
A lot has changed since Triple H took over. While not everything is perfect, nor could it ever be, it is generally accepted that the product is far superior to what it was when McMahon was in charge. This article will look at numerous things The Game has done right since taking over creative control a few years ago.
Below are six things Triple H did right after taking over WWE's creative control two years ago.
#6. He has made some excellent hires and re-hires
One of the biggest changes under the Triple H regime has been WWE hirings and rehires. Under Vince McMahon, there were constant mass releases, which included great talented performers being out of a job. Some former stars arguably also did not have the best equation with the legendary booker and could not find a way to return.
For starters, released talent such as Chelsea Green, Bronson Reed, Dakota Kai, and Candice LeRae were brought back. Additionally, names who had left in the past such as CM Punk and Kairi Sane made their way back under Triple H and very likely wouldn't have done so if McMahon was still in charge.
#5. Triple H has made titles matter more in WWE
Championships in wrestling have a mixed reception among fans. Some believe that titles in WWE should be the end-all-be-all of stories. Others instead believe championships are simply a prop.
Regardless of where one's opinion may fall, it is safe to say that Vince McMahon had a reputation for seriously mistreating titles. This was especially true with mid-card belts such as the Intercontinental Championship and the United States Title.
Today, both titles mean far more. Logan Paul and LA Knight are two top names fighting over the US Title. Meanwhile, Triple H's booking of Gunther's Intercontinental Title reign has made it one of the most prestigious belts in wrestling. The video packages and top positioning of each belt have helped a lot.
#4. The production has improved considerably
This next entry isn't solely a Triple H decision, however his style of management has led to it becoming possible. WWE's production is better than it has ever been before and that is largely due to the exits of both Vince McMahon and Kevin Dunn.
In their place is the duo of Triple H and Lee Fitting. As a pair, they have evolved how wrestling is shot. Be it better camera angles, less frequent camera cuts, or other fun production decisions, watching RAW and SmackDown feels fresh in 2024 as opposed to the dated look it had for so long.
#3. Premium Live Events are far more consistent and interesting under The Game's vision
For a long time, Premium Live Events kept getting longer. It felt like every show was going on for anywhere between four and five hours and that isn't counting the pre-shows. The crowds were usually burned out and it was just a lackluster experience.
Under Triple H, these shows have an entirely different feeling. Four to six matches make up a typical big WWE event and they're often presented from unique markets that are lively and excited for the show. This makes an entirely different viewing experience. Backlash France is a great example of a Triple H-era PLE.
#2. He has shifted the focus to storytelling
Perhaps the biggest change in WWE is the shift in how the show is booked. Long gone are the days of Vince McMahon routinely changing things mid-show, storylines being forgotten every week, and the past being ignored.
While nothing is ever perfect and some things just don't work out, Triple H's vision for WWE is far more structured and focused on telling long-term stories. The success of The Bloodline and even the success of The Judgment Day have been great examples of how The Game's version of booking works compared to the former CEO's.
#1. The Game makes better use of the roster
The final entry on this list, although numerous others could likely be made, will focus on how Triple H uses talent. Simply put, far more WWE stars are used on a consistent or semi-consistent basis and are presented better than they were under Vince McMahon.
Stars with poor gimmicks such as Doudrop, Butch, and Max Dupri went back to being Piper Niven, Pete Dunne, and LA Knight. While some WWE stars can still get lost in the shuffle, most at least have time to shine or stories in between short breaks.
Perhaps the biggest improvement is the lack of constant rematches to a detrimental degree. Perhaps made worse by the aforementioned mass releases, but Vince McMahon's RAW and SmackDown featured an endless array of rematches every week. There is far more fresh action under The Game's watch.