POMPOUS, ARROGANT, CEREBRAL...
Those three words were an accurate summation of Hunter Hearst-Helmsley, circa 1995.
VICIOUS, CUTTHROAT, HEARTLESS...
These three words are mild descriptions of the business side of Triple H today.
In the ring, he is not a nice man. Professionally, there may be none better at the science of sports-entertainement. His style, however, has metamorphosed over the past four years. Always technically blessed, Triple H has evolved from a patient almost passive participant, to a man looking to eat up whoever he is opposed by. He is on the threshold of immortality and he knows it. If he gets there, the world will know it...and pay for it.
The ability to turn on a vicious streak at a moments notice is an incredible gift. What seems to be at the flick of a switch now, Triple H mimics Jekyll and Hyde with his ability to hone his sadism on his foe and then contain it, not allowing himself or those close to him to be eaten up by it. The only thing that consumes Triple H now is the desire for perfection and the Federation Championship. But how did this one-time snob become a sledgehammer wielding sociopath? Perhaps his affiliation with Chyna was a critical element. But as we know, the Ninth Wonder of the World was not the first to attempt to assist the blond assailant.
It seemed as if Helmsley always "needed" someone or something. At least that was the perception. Valets, managers, bodyguards were all given to him. It's no surprise that they all failed and Hunter suffered for it. Two steps forward would be followed by two steps back. A series of false starts slowed him down out of the blocks, but also made him smarter. That annoying mandolin music that preceded him to the ring during his early Federation career set the tone for what was a soft attack. Now the driving track that Triple H comes out to seemingly has captured the frustration that he bottled up during his painful breaking-in period.
Perhaps that burning desire and bitterness from having been held back coupled with his selection of Chyna to help him get to the top was the right formula. Like a complicated equation, when it all works out the results speak for themselves. It wasn't that Hunter needed "someone", he needed "the right one". That right one is Chyna.
The chemistry these two possess is strong. Like any great team, they have had their ups and downs. But the feeling one gets when watching them together during a match is that there is one collective mind at work. Effective teamwork means the called play is run efficiently- no one jumps off side, neither zigs when they should have zagged. Best tandem ever? Name one better...
But early showdowns and a great teammate in Chyna hardly account for the viciousness that Triple H has displayed of late. Perhaps a strong emotion jealousy- is the cause. As predicted, in the April issue of the World Wrestling Federation Magazine, Triple H's desire to get main event status lit a fire within him and career altering decisions were made. He left a "sure thing" with DX to trust the McMahons and join the Corporate Ministry. The "Good Time Charlie" clad in defiant green and black had to change his mindset when he changed teams. No one, however, could have predicted the change would have been this drastic.
The knock from critics on Hunter Hearst-Helmsley was his laissez-faire attitude. The always fluid technician now has silenced the naysayers by jamming the gearshift into overdrive and getting downright nasty. Those credit perhaps be held somewhat accountable for throwing gas on the fire with their knocking of Hunter during his formative period. Believe me, Triple H never, ever forgets.
Usually someone who is powered purely by anger will burn out. You can only stand on the pedal for so long before running out of fuel. But Triple H's journey is not a runaway train, but rather more like a high-performance engine controlled by an aggressive driver. When Triple H puts his game face one, there are few competitors as intense in the World Wrestling Federation. Throw the added controlled combustibility of Chyna into the mix and you have a methodical machine with fire and emotion driving the pistons.
So, where is this vehicle headed? On the road to championship glory? We may not have to wait much longer. Each landmark along the way from his days as the Greenwich Snob, his crowning achievement as the 1997 King of the Ring, the rise and fall of DX to today has made for an entertaining journey. The road had bumos, curves and its share of potholes, but crossing the finish line first is all that matters to Triple H.
Of course, if he does get the checkered flag, Triple H, along with Chyna will celebrate victory alone. They will also have to jump right back behind the wheel for more racing, this time the hunted. This pair has run over many toes on their way to the top. Don't be surprised if revenge is the power source for future opponents attacks.
One thing that we have learned from Triple H is that he is not afraid to reinvent himself. Adversaries will have to be wary of the next evolution and to what depths his next character will sink to keep the spot he has earned. Triple H was told he could never do it. "They" said he could never make it to the upper echelon. Now that he has don't expect him to hand back what he has attained.