Ex-WWE star reveals the truth about Triple H lawsuit rumors, busting 27-year myth
It has been speculated for many years that one of Triple H's first Pedigrees almost landed WWE in legal trouble. However, Marty Garner, the man who received a botched finishing move from The Game, recently dismissed the 27-year myth.
On the June 1, 1996, episode of WWE Superstars, the 14-time world champion defeated Garner with his legendary finisher. Opponents are supposed to land face-first after being hit with the Pedigree, but Garner kicked his legs high into the air and landed head-first instead.
Garner clarified on the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast that the botch was his own fault because he did not know what the Pedigree was. He also refuted long-standing rumors that he tried to sue WWE over the incident:
"A lot of people say, 'Oh, Marty Garner sued the WWE,'" Garner said. "I never sued the WWE, never thought about suing the WWE. I loved it. I thought it was great. I was like, 'Man, I got in there with Triple H. That was awesome.'" [22:45 – 22:59]
Garner wrestled sporadically for WWE between 1994 and 1998. He also competed in four matches as an enhancement talent between 2006 and 2008.
Triple H's conversation with Marty Garner after the Pedigree botch
Following the match, Triple H had concerns that the awkward Pedigree landing might have caused his opponent to suffer a broken neck.
Hunter Hearst Helmsley’s infamous Pedigree on Marty Garner. https://t.co/FQ5lO3ITOc
Not only did Garner not sustain any injuries, but he wrestled again later that night against WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler:
"He thought he broke my neck. He said, 'You all right, man?' I said, 'Yeah, brother, I'm good.' He said, 'That was impressive, man. That was great.' We were doing TV that night. Four matches later, I go out to work Jerry Lawler. I'm like, I really didn't sell Hunter's gimmick too well. I just went out four matches later in front of the same crowd and worked Jerry Lawler. But they didn't care – it was for TV." [20:57 – 21:23]
More than 20 years on, Garner still wrestles on the independent scene. He has also worked as a personal assistant for The Rock.
What are your thoughts on Triple H's Pedigree on Marty Garner? Let us know in the comments section below.
Please credit the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast and give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.