Why Triple H Should Watch His Back
7/00 WWF Magazine
by Keith Elliot Greenberg


A wise man will keep his friends close and his enemies closer...


Once, Triple H was the master of this ideology. As the leader of D-Generation X, he was able to manipulate it's members with relative ease. His bodyguard at the time, Chyna, was willing to do anything for him. After DX's first break-up, Triple H and Chyna drifted apart; Triple H made no overtures to his former bodyguard to become a member of the recently re-formed D-Generates. With X-Pac, the top tag team of the New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg and Bad Ass Billy Gunn), and his marriage to Stephanie McMahon, Triple H seemed to have it made. As "The Game" bonded with Vince McMahon's little girl, the family's destiny-and the fate of the World Wrestling Federation-apparently rested in Triple H's hands.

Now, the situation has changed. Although credited with eliminating Mick Foley from the World Wrestling Federation and putting obstacle after obstacle in the way of the Rock's quest for the World title, a second wave of competitors, including Chris Jericho, Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit, appear to be closing in on Triple H. However, some theorize that "The Game's" most treacherous adversaries aren't his competition, but instead are the people around him.

Everyone, it seems, is out to get Triple H. And the popular opinion is that he would be wise to watch his back.

Already, intelligence about Triple H's training habits, ring strategies and weak spots has circulated through the World Wrestling Federation locker room. Although never substantiated, sources attribute much of the information th Chyna, who'd once spent every day with Hunter, then made a concerted effort to distance herself from him. To hear the members of DX tell it, Triple H had dumped Chyna, and moved on to better things. Chyna never discussed the issue, but secretly, she is said to have felt burned by his rebuke-and jealous of his adoration for Stephanie. Unable to hold on to him, Chyna is reportedly committed to ruining "The Game".

During those rare moments when his guard was down, Triple H had revealed things to his one-time bodyguard-data that Chyna very carefully stored. Not long after Stephanie McMahon became Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Chyna inexplicably aligned herself with Jericho. Many believed she had become smitten with the charismatic blond who had won the Intercontinental title from her. Those who knew her better claimed that she simply believed the brash gladiator had all the ingredients-youth, drive and confidence-to take out the man who had tossed her aside. Then, in a strange twist, Chyna grew tired of Jericho. After a clash with Eddie Guerrero, the nineth wonder of the world turened on Y2J. Jericho's supporters were mortified. But, the needn't have worried-in their short time together, Chyna had detailed the mysteries of Triple H's arsenal. When the day came to challenge The Game, Jericho would be ready.

Because of Chyna's duplicity, Guerrero now also had an edge over Triple H. His relationship with Chyna has, reportedly, bestowed him with insights into The Game that few wrestlers could ever attain. Never one to keep jis thoughts to himself, the verbose Guerrero has passed on the news to his partners in the Radicalz-Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn. Benoit was expecially attentive. In the past,he'd once challenged Hunter for the belt. Benoit hasn't forgotten that battle, and according to private sources, he was quoted as saying he'd be more prepared than ever next time they met.

In another time, whatever menace the Radicalz posed to the stability of the World Wrestling Federation would be counterbalanced by DX. But some wonder how the others in the group truly feel about their leader. It wasn't long ago that the clique had a falling-out with one-time member Billy Gunn.

Now, a disgruntled Gunn has boasted that he could eliminate Hunter from his perch high atop the Federation roster-after studying the way Triple H planned and executed his battles. How long will it be before X-Pac and the Road Dogg-known to have objected, publicly and privately, to the sway Stephanie holds over her husband-reach the same conclusion? Both men have told associates that they'd initially been thrilled by the marriage. With a McMahon in their camp, they said, nothing could stop DX. But they quickly became disenchanted by some of the decisions Hunter and Stephanie made as a couple. It appeared that Triple H no longer thought of the group first. Rather, his priority was either promoting himself or-more frequently-satisfying the whims of his extraordinarily demanding wife. Accepting this hard reality, both X-Pac and the Road Dogg were said to be contemplating a coup within the ranks of DX.

Then, there's the most poingant question of all: did Stephanie marry her husband out of love, or some dysfunctional need to twist the hearts of her brother and father? If the latter is true, she may yet prove to be the deadliest adversary Triple H has ever faced. This is the woman in whom he confides, a lady whos' studied him when he's motored to victory in the ring, and when he's twitched inhis sleep, fearful of his next challenge. Once, it was widely assumed Stephanie viewed her wedding vows as something sacred, but now that she's reconciled with her father, have her values changed?

Given Triple H's own record of duplicity, it's hard to feel much compassion for him. Still, one can't help but brace for the blow many contend he'll receive. One day soon, the skeptics predict, he will be betrayed by someone he once loved. And at that time, he-and the rest of the mat world-will draw the inevitable conclusion: when you've been as arrogant as Triple H, your sins will eventually come back to haunt you.

Rewind