D-Generation X significantly affected the events on Monday Night RAW this summer. Apart from Shawn Michaels also Triple H went back to the persona that got a lot of attention in the late 90s during the war between WWE and WCW.

However, wrestling changed fundamently since then. Triple H isn't just the Superstar from the TV shows anymore but he is connected to the family business that is WWE like no one else. Due to his marriage to Stephanie McMahon and the birth of their daughter Aurora Rose this summer people are already speculating now whether Triple H will take the place of his father-in-law Vince McMahon someday.

Consequently Hunter is closely connected to the businesses of WWE already now and also uses the time away from the ring to occupy himself with wrestling. Despite his full schedule the multiple WWE and World Heavyweight Champion took the time for an interview with Power Wrestling and among other things told us about the reasons behind the reunion of D-Generation X.

Christian Bruns: Many stars from Smackdown are traveling through Europe at the moment and RAW stars are on their way to Iraq. However, it looks like you're not with them this time.
HHH: That's because of Shawn and because he has to go easy on his back. He may be healthy enough to get into the ring, but he can't be in the ring full time and has to take a step back once in a while. And the journey to Iraq is obviously also a problem: The flight lasts at least 20 hours, you travel on a cargo plane, it's cold and you sleep on the cold steel floor.
In addition to that we will also do another huge tour after Christmas. And Shawn thinks he's able to get through one tour but not two in a row. Vince wanted him to do the tour after Christmas. So it doesn't make much sense to send me over if Shawn's not there because we also tape our TV show there. Then it would be a little weird if I was there, but Shawn wasn't. That is why it was decided that neither of us would be going this year.

CB: How is Shawn doing generally speaking? Many rumors say that he has a lot of problems with his back and is in a lot of pain but still keeps going because DX is going so well...
HHH: Well, with Shawn his back is always a factor. He has to take care of himself to stay healthy. When we do these long tours like those 12 days throughout Europe recently, then it's really hard for him. When we slowly get towards the end of a tour like that, then he's really worn out physically. However, as long as he gets a few extra days off when we are back home to take care of himself, then he's alright again. It's just that that you sometimes have to take things a bit easier and give him enough days to heal up.
But to be honest, his back is probably better because of D-Generation X these days. Also from my perspective DX has given me the possibility to finally let some injuries heal up. When you are in the ring alone every night over the years, often up to 30 minutes, which I did for a long time, then your body doesn't really get the chance to heal up properly. Now with DX we are also in the ring every night, but we are having tag team matches or six-man tag team matches, which is far less physically demanding.
I know it helped me a lot and it certainly at least helped him a little to feel better than before. Because if he had to be in the ring as much but alone and have big matches, I'm sure he'd be worse.

CB: How did it come about this year that you had the idea to start things up with D-Generation X again?
HHH: In the very beginning we were asked whether we'd like the idea to reunite DX for just one PPV. They said, you guys would be teaming up once and that'd already be it. However, Shawn and I were very hesitant to do that. On the one hand we knew that DX was once a big thing and that the fans would like it. On the other we didn't just want to warm up an old idea and do something that we'd already done.
We thought the fans would be sick of it rather soon. Maybe because they had seen everything already and hence might get tired of it fast. But when we started with D-Generation X again, we noticed that - apart from a a few catchphrases that we still use - we do things that we didn't do in the past. It's not the same thing we did six or eight or how many years ago. And to be honest we already thought that the fans would like it - but not to the extent it is now. When we first started it, it exploded into something new and Vince said we'd have to keep going.
And Shawn also thought that people like it and we should keep going to see where it takes us. It's really one hell of a ride for us. But when we notice that the fans aren't into it anymore and we don't get the same reaction from them anymore, then we'll stop. Right now it seems like the fans love it. When we're at the arenas, it doesn't matter whether it is for a house show or a TV taping, then DX is everywhere with its merchandise and everything. As long as the fans like it, we'll continue. After all we want to give them what they want.

CB: One of my questions was also along these lines. Back when DX started, you were a group of young stars who wanted to get to the top. Now both of you, Shawn and you, are a few years older and more like veterans. But the gimmick still seems to work.
HHH: Well, that's a crazy thing. Not only we grew older, also Wolfgang for instance. How much hair have you still got? Maybe three of four?
Wolfang Stach (laughs): Well, I'd say more like seven or eight!
HHH (laughs): I'm not so sure of that because there were only seven or eight left a few years ago already. But to get back to the question, of course we thought about that. At the time we were a group of young rebels who didn't care about anyone or anything to make a name for themselves. Now we do things from a different point of view because we are in a completely different position. Now we are more in the position to do the things we want to do. And who's to tell us we shouldn't?

CB: The best DX moment this summer for me when you shoved your father-in-law Vince McMahon's head into Big Show's behind...
HHH (laughs): Yes, that's gotta be the moment that we also liked the most. But I don't think Vince liked that too much.

CB: You also have to say that it is hard to judge on TV how big Big Show's behind really is. HHH: Yes, it's huge, believe me. And I really have to give Vince some credit for that: There you have the head of a millionaire businessman and he doesn't really have to do anything like that and get himself into this situation. But still, there you see a 60-year old millionaire with his head shoved into the behind of a 230 kilo guy. He's a man that would do anything to entertain the fans.
And now it will probably be very difficult for everyone to look at Vince and tell him that you are uncomfortable doing this or that because someone who lets someone else shove his head into Big Show's behind would do pretty much everything.

CB: WWE will be back in Germany in April. Right after Wrestlemania RAW will be coming over. Of course many fans are wondering whether D-Generation X are going to be there. Or will Triple H and Shawn Michaels be flying solo again by that time?
HHH: That's one of those things: Everytime you reach a new milestone and you think this is it, Vince says that we have to continue. But to be honest, I don't know. There are talks about breaking Shawn and me up again for Wrestlemania, but we'll just see how things develop.
I would definitely like it a lot to come to Germany with DX. It'd be cool because there are a lot of places DX hasn't been to yet and where the fans haven't seen DX live yet. Now on this past European tour the reactions have been amazing. But whatever we'll do and how we'll fit into the big picture best will be okay for me.

CB: It would be especially cool since we only got Smackdown on the last European tour here in Germany in November, so we didn't get the new DX live yet.
HHH: I also have to say that Germany is a lot of fun for me. Back when I started at WWE we did a lot of tours in Germany and it always used to be a destination I looked forward to. The German fans have always been amazing and so I wouldn't be against coming back with DX.

WS: That was also one of my questions. I think you were in Germany for the first time in 1993 or 1994...
HHH: Yes, the first time I was in Germany was on a WCW tour. And when I came here, we went to Germany on a regular basis.

WS: You've always been one of the poor guys who had to travel on the bus while I took Owen along in my car.
HHH (laughs): Yes, but honestly, Wolfgang, because I know you, I always would've prefered traveling on the bus.

WS (laughs): Oh, thanks, thanks. But I think you would've survived it.
HHH: Germany is one of the countries I really like traveling to. I don't know exactly why that is, but always when I'm there, I also like to look at things and so on. Maybe that's because Germany has such a profound history in so many aspects, positively as well as negatively. This history has always appealed to me.
And like I said, the fans always have been great, too. It seemed like they always reacted very well to me, whether it was positively or negatively. That's good for us because we live off these reactions. But apart from that I really like the German history. There's a story behind everything you see, and that's pretty cool.

WS: Are you glad that the German market has become more interesting for WWE again?
HHH: Yes, most certainly. We're better represented there again and we get new possibilities. Germany has been such a good market in the past for us, and then it wasn't, and we didn't go there as often anymore. But now the market opens up again and it's become more fruitful for us again.

CB: Since the comeback of D-Generation X comedy has been more on the forefront of Monday Night RAW again. Something that got a little lost. Not only what DX does, but there's also been other things now like Cryme Tyme. How important is comedy for WWE shows?
HHH: Comedy is an important thing. What makes wrestling good for me is the variety. If you tune into RAW or SmackDown, you want to see different things. Things that are serious, where the guys really fight with each other and you can feel the intensity. But then you also need lighter moments, in which the viewers can relax. And that's what it is about, entertainment, and not only about the fighting.
For example when I played the part when I was fighting for the title, I portrayed a very serious character. Then others had the job to play the comedy part. Now I'm in a different role and I believe the fact that we brought DX back has opened up the show for these things a bit more again. When we started DX, some of the things that were written for us weren't funny at all, but Shawn and I made them funny.
The fans noticed that and due to the reactions the writers of the shows also went more into that direction again. And that are the things you notice now. Like with Coach on Monday when he sang Right Said Fred. Or what Cryme Tyme do. Here we have guys that might lose their reserve to do something like that. They see that it works for us and that it's okay to take that route.
Because sometimes it's like this, the guys are set on a certain direction. They think they have to be serious all the time and to do this and that for it. You can be serious, still make some money at the same time and be an important factor for the shows but you can also still entertain every now and then. Sometimes funny and then serious again. I believe that works even better.

CB: To me it seems like the two of you, you and Shawn, really feel comfortable in this role. HHH: It is funny because it's always been more my personality. And Shawn, he also comes more out of his shell and is funnier when he's on the road with me. When we did this DX thing for the first time, I brought at least a part of my personality to the outside and played a very serious part apart from that because that's what I really like to do. But at the same time I enjoy to show how I really am and what my personality is like. For Shawn and me it's fun to go to work now. We hang around and think up the most stupid things to make people laugh. And what's also funny are people who are annoyed and get mad when we don't take our business so serious for once and do some funny things. That really makes me laugh. But our sense of humour isn't everybody's thing because you like it or you don't.

CB: So what we see right now is more like the Triple H from real life?
HHH: Well, I think there are two sides. There's definitely a very serious side to me, when it's about the business and the fact to work hard. But at the same time I'm not the guy who's always in a bad mood and walks around with a grumpy look on his face. You also know that, Wolfgang...
WS: Yes, certainly.
HHH: I just like to make a little fun of other people...
CB: For which Wolfgang is the perfect target.
HHH: Yes, absolutely, a big target. (laughs) But that's how I am. I enjoy it and that's my personality. With DX it's also something: Most times we know in advance what we sort of want to do when we go out there, but most things we just improvise. Whatever comes to mind. Shawn and I just fool around most times. I say something, Shawn reponds to that... and it's funny. Those are not the things we plan to the tiniest detail. We don't even sit down and decide that I say this and he replies that. We are just how we are.

CB: It must have been yesterday, I think seven years ago now, when you married Stephanie McMahon for the first time. On TV in a chapel in Las Vegas. That's been one of my favorite moments over the years. Do you have some favorite moments yourself?
HHH: Oh God, with so many years...

CB: Maybe that thing with Katie Vick, or something.
HHH (laughs): Yes, I was just going to say that Katie Vick must be on the very last place on my list of favorite moments. That was something...

CB: Whose idea was it anyway?
HHH: VINCE! And that was one of these things. On the way to the funeral home where we shot the scenes, I argued with him the whole time how we should shoot it. I wanted it to be funny. Vince wanted it to be disturbing for the viewers. Obviously, we used his idea because he is the boss and we do what he tells us to do.
But it's funny you mention this thing because up to this day it really is the one thing that's always mentioned to me as the most horrible moment in wrestling. When people remember me for something, I would rather have it be that it's not necessarily this thing, but at least I'm remembered for something.
Apart from that there are just so many things over the years that you don't forget. I'm lucky that I've been doing this for so many years already and that I've been in the ring with so many great guys, with so many great talents, which was so much fun. Therefore it's really difficult to choose a certain moment. Whether it's something with Rock, or with Austin, Foley, with Shawn, Taker. There were just so many things.
But the thing with the wedding must be one of the big highlights because it was such a big moment and so many people still remember it today.

CB: You just mentioned some of the biggest names in WWE history. Two of them, The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin, were complete fan favorites. Today that's probably John Cena's part. How would you compare John Cena with The Rock or Austin?
HHH: I always believe it's hard in general to compare people with one another. In the past people used to ask who was the bigger star, Stone Cold or The Rock. But you really can't compare them, not Rock with Hogan or Hogan with Austin. They were huge stars at their particular time. The world is different now and everyone has their view on things, it doesn't matter what you are talking about. For example, when you discuss Iraq in the USA, everyone has their own opinion and if you draw a line right in the middle, you're either on one side or the other.
That's how it is with John. He is this charismatic guy that people either love or hate. It's funny. When we were up against each other this past Wrestlemania, we were still laughing about it and said it's like a game between the Yankees and the Red Sox in Baseball in the USA. There's this rivalry. And during this match people either loved or hated John. And the same way it was with me. It was this interesting mixture and that's what really made it special.
But to come back to the question, especially because it is a different time now, it's really hard to compare John to one of them.

CB: The match at Wrestlemania between John and you definitely made for a unique live atmosphere.
HHH: What made the night so great for me was the fact that I had absolutely no idea, which way the reaction of the fans would go. So you could prepare for nothing beforehand, how the match might develop. You had to go into the ring without big plans and just wrestle. I didn't know whether they would love John or simply boo him out of the arena. And the people who didn't like John didn't have to be exactly on my side, either. So you had to be prepared all the time and just go with how the reactions went.

WS: I remember a long talk with you in Edmonton. There you told me that you wanted to stay in the wrestling business forever, even when you couldn't be active in the ring anymore. Did anything change since then?
HHH: No. I definitely want to stay in this business. Today more than ever.

CB: Now you also have to.
HHH (laughs): No, I don't have to do anything, honestly. It's always been a passion of mine. Like a Pat Patterson did it, or a Jack Lanza or Arn Anderson. Guys like that who stuck around after their active career, as an agent for instance. It's simply a passion. Even when I'm not in the ring, I enjoy to help others or teach them a bit of what I've been teached over the years. That's how you give something back, something I definitely want to do. My possibilities to do something like that in the future obviously increased due to the fact that I’m now part of this family. And it’s a big family business I’m always surrounded by. Many of the things I’d like to do, I can’t do yet while I’m still in the ring myself. But when I’m physically no longer able to do this, I want to turn towards others areas of this business and do stuff behind the scenes.

WS: The funny thing is, before we heard that we'd get to do this interview, I already had my new column for this issue ready. It's also about you and the fact that I never met anyone who thinks so much about this business and always thinks about how it could continue. That's why I asked about your plans after your active career.
HHH: First of all, thanks a lot for writing that. But that's just how it is: I love this business. That's the very reason why I choose this path. It already started when I was a kid and watched wrestling on TV. I liked everything about it. And when I became a part of it myself, I started to love it even more. Everything that's part of it, what happens in front of and behind the camera. In my opinion it's just the greatest form of entertainment that there is in this world.
But that's just how the personalities in this business are different. Stone Cold for instance. I believe he doesn't watch wrestling when he's not active himself. It's hard for him to watch it when he's not connected to it in some shape or form. I've never been like that. Even at the time when I was injured, I wanted to start traveling again as fast as possible and drive to the arenas. Just because I missed it so much.
And that's how I am. If I can't be in the ring, I'm behind the scenes, watch it and I'm involved in what's happening. It's a great business - not only the aspect in front of the cameras.

WS: We also saw you in the movie "Blade: Trinity". Was that a one time thing? Or do you see yourself making more movies in the future?
HHH: If the time is right as well as the offer, then I can definitely see myself doing something like that. WWE Films has two projects that they have planned for me. I don't know yet, whether we'll really do them. But when the time is right and Vince thinks he can leave me out of the shows for three or four months, and when someone from Hollywood shows up and offers a ton of money for a movie, then I'd do it.
What I don't like is to look for a movie project and when it's convenient walk up to Vince and tell him to leave me out of the shows for a longer period of time. Even if I was in the middle of a program. I love wrestling too much for that. And it's also that our careers are only so long in reality that I don't want to sacrifice that time from wrestling to go away and try movies. If something comes up, great. If not, that's alright, too.

CB: Some people left WWE recently. Trish Stratus left last September, now Big Show and Lita. Therefore some to the fans well-known faces are history now. Now WWE has to break in new stars. Who do you think could be those stars? HHH: That's hard to say. Often it's that the guy you least expect to comes out on top suddenly. For instance, when I saw John Cena six or seven years or how long ago that was for the first time in UPW in California and somebody would've told me there that this young guy could become a huge star, I would've thought - and that's also something I told John - that he wouldn't even make it to WWE. I just thought he didn't have the talent, and I was dead wrong.
Stone Cold Steve Austin. When he started as Ringmaster in WWE, I thought he was someone who'd fit well into the midcard, but nobody saw that he'd be the one he is now. Same goes for The Rock. When he started and the fans chanted, "Die! Rocky! Die!" and booed him out of the arena, I remember that many of the guys backstage wondered why they were pushing him, because he was so horrible. And then, a year later, he was suddenly the biggest thing in wrestling.
But it often goes like that and it's a tricky business. Sometimes you see guys in the ring and you think that they might go somewhere someday. But for some reason, whether it might be their fighting heart or their own drive, it doesn't happen after all. And then there are those who don't have everything they need, who maybe lack wrestling talent or charisma, but who are able to get the fans on their side. And the next thing you see is that that guy is suddenly a big star. And that's why you can't really predict who is really going to be the next superstar.