History was supposed to repeat itself.
One year ago, at WrestleMania XX, Chris Benoit made Triple H tap out to win the World Heavyweight Championship. Tonight was his chance to do it again. Facing Triple H in a “Pick Your Poison” match, it seemed as if the Crippler was about to do it for a second time. However, last-minute interference from Ric Flair, put an end to Benoit’s dreams.
“It’s very frustrating whenever a match ends with a low blow,” Benoit seethed.
Going into the match, Benoit felt the odds were in his favor. “I beat him a year ago to this day with the Crossface,” he said. “It’s my strongest offensive move. What I wanted to do is get on his shoulder and back and lock on that Crossface and make him tap.”
It was not to be, however. For Triple H, the victory was simply another example of why he is, in fact, “The Game.” “I am what I say I am,” he insisted, “and that’s the best. Everybody said I’ve never beaten Chris Benoit, well now I have. So that ought to shut some people’s mouths.”
The win was doubly sweet, as it sent a message to the Cerebral Assassin’s former teammate, Batista. “Batista thought he picked my poison,” he said sardonically, “and I showed the world [that he didn’t.].”
Batista picked the poison this week. Now, Triple H intends to return the favor by matching the Animal up with Kane. “There’s no way Batista’s walking through Kane,” said “The Game.” Kane’s a machine. I’ve been in the ring with him before and he’s going to destroy Batista next week. He’ll be lucky if he even makes it to WrestleMania.”
Of course, if he does make it to WrestleMania, that’s fine with Triple H. “One way or another, Batista’s going to get taught a lesson,” “The Game” asserted. “If for some reason he does make it through Kane next week, then at WrestleMania, I’m going to show Batista who the man is. Ten-time world champion. That doesn’t happen by accident. I’ve had more shower time at WrestleMania than he’s had match time. I’ve been to the big dance a lot. He’s been there one time.”
As the song goes, it’s all about “The Game.” But, for Triple H, it’s all about the gold. “This is what I am,” he says, pointing to his World Heavyweight Championship. “I’ve been there 10 times. It’s one thing to beat me. It’s another thing to keep it.
“I’m willing to die for it,” he said bluntly. “Is he?”