Triple H has now been in charge of WWE creative for almost a month, and the company has seen some major changes.
He was appointed to the role on July 25, replacing Bruce Prichard. Vince McMahon had previously held the position until his resignation as chairman, CEO and head of creative.
Meanwhile, Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan became the new co-CEOs of the company. Stephanie is also the new chairwoman.
WWE fans expected big things from Triple H – real name Paul Levesque – given his success in running the black and gold NXT brand. He laid the groundwork for several wrestlers, including Kevin Owens, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair and more, to shine on NXT and the main roster, mainly through his booking decisions.
Triple H is also a popular figure within the locker room, and was one of the spearheads behind the ‘women’s revolution’ of the mid-2010s.
Therefore, there were high hopes that he would deliver an improved product for fans. He has already made big adjustments so far.
What has Triple H changed in WWE?
The most notable change for fans is a switch in the structure of WWE programming. Wrestlers now noticeably get more time to impress during matches, and there is seemingly a shift towards more of a focus on actual wrestling, rather than the entertainment side. But Triple H has balanced the two different options well so far.
In connection with the above, he has also unbanned several words that Vince McMahon did not want to be used on WWE television, such as ‘wrestling’. Commentators are now apparently being given more freedom in what they say on-air, as well.
Furthermore, Triple H has given renewed pushes to several top stars, including Kevin Owens, Ciampa, Shayna Baszler and more. ‘The Game’ has also brought back several of his former NXT stars, including Karrion Kross, Scarlett, Dakota Kai, Johnny Gargano and Dexter Lumis.
He has approved a new stable involving Bayley, Iyo Sky and Kai. The plan for the group was previously rejected by McMahon. In addition, Triple H also reportedly reversed creative plans to have Becky Lynch remain as a heel after her SummerSlam match. He turned her face inside – a popular move amongst WWE fans.
But how have WWE staff reacted to the changes?
How WWE talent, staff feel under Stephanie McMahon, Nick Khan, Triple H leadership
According to PWInsider, the internal reaction to the WWE regime changes has been one of huge positivity.
They report that there is a “renewed hope and pride for those working in the company.” There is also confirmation about what fans already suspected – that there is a more relaxed approach to commentary, and what the likes of Corey Graves, Michael Cole and Byron Saxton say on-air – within reason.
The report also claims that production staff are “extremely happy” with the new regime. In addition, some WWE staff are now more likely to remain with the company than they were under McMahon’s leadership.
In addition, several of Triple H’s changes have gone down well amongst WWE Superstars. For instance, he appears to have lifted a ban on stars using Twitch, which Drew Gulak had a positive reaction for.
Meanwhile, WWE Hall of Famer, Edge, also has a positive outlook. He told Bleacher Report: “I think Paul looks at things like a fan, because he still is a fan of this. Just like I am.
“It’s bringing back Karrion Kross, and Dakota [Kai]. It’s a really fun time to be involved with the company.”
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