Why Triple H Must Go After Stone Cold
By Kevin Kelly, WWF Magazine, April 1999

Alone in the locker room, Triple H turns on the shower after a scintillating performance earlier in the night. From his opening "ARE YOU READY?!" to the crunching pedigree that brought yet another victory, everything was perfect. He was in rare form this night.

With water and soap swirling down the drain, the former Federation Intercontinental Champion is alone with his thoughts. Fully healed from a knee injury, his conditioning and endurance are at their peak. Tomorrow is a heavy training day, however. Rest and eating right are tough on the road.

His solitude, however, is interrupted by the sound of breaking glass and the roar of the crowd in the arena. Stone Cold Steve Austin has just made his appearance in the main event. Less than 5 minutes earlier, the audience was his and now the Rattlesnake has the spotlight. His spotlight...

One of the most gifted athletes ever to compete in the World Wrestling Federation, Triple H is a blend of traditional in-ring skill and cutting-edge, modern entertainment. That blend makes him a "can't miss" star for years to come. In his mid-twenties, Triple H has a long career ahead of him, guaranteed to be filled with championships, right? Not so fast.

Anything can happen along the way to a sure thing. Injuries are only one of the many factors. HHH dodged a bullet last year with a knee that escaped major surgery thanks to an experimental procedure by reknowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James Andrews. That experience may have shown the DX leader a vulnerability he never knew existed.

Now fully recovered, Hunter feels his time is now. He is not only at the top of his game physically, but mentally as well. The two main reasons for this are maturity and capitalizing on the opportunity. Although never immature, HHH now realizes what his future could be - successful affiliation with DX notwithstanding.

Always focused on getting to the top, Triple H will no longer be blown up by landmines meant for somebody else. Part of the reason for his focus and his success was Chyna. Undeniably the Ninth Wonder of the World has had a major impact on his career, but recent actions indicate that HHH must stand on his own.

Can he be his own man? Without a doubt. He has proven that his persona and presence can rise above the past... and catapult him straight to the top.

Hunter is leaving the arena just as Stone Cold is breaking a sweat in the main event. Looking out from behind the curtain he knows that he should be the one battling the Rattlesnake. The main event is where Triple H ought to be.

What will he do to get there?

Forgive Hunter if he goes after Stone Cold. Don't hold it against him if he draws a bulls-eye on the most popular star in the history of sports-entertainment. It's the spot on top HHH wants.

Fans, of course, would like DX and Austin to unite to fight the Corporation. That might happen, but don't think for one minute that even though a merger could take place it will be anything but short-term. Remember that Triple H is in it for the long haul.

Stone Cold Steve Austin trusts nobody.

Don't be surprised if he senses Triple H coming up from behind. The Rattlesnake's enemies don't necessarily have to have the Corporate seal of approval. But Mr. McMahon would be foolish to look past Hunter and not at least throw out feelers on a life without the degenerates. Remember that membership has its priveliges...

Regardless of how Triple H gets there, it is imperative for him to ascend to the top of the World Wrestling Federation. 1998 was a year of breakout stars, halted briefly by an injury scare. 1999 could be the year when popularity is supplanted by a Federation Championship. It would be a sacrifice, but then again how can that not be outweighed by the gold?

The next night, to another sold-out crowd, Triple H asks, "ARE YOU READY?!" He pauses and in his mind silently replies, "Oh, hell, yeah!"



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