Triple H appeared on an Atlanta radio station Friday promoting WrestleMania XXVII and when asked whether he would miss the event, he said no. He stated that he has been rehabbing his injured biceps and is close to returning. He noted that he felt good when he faced Alberto Del Rio at WWE’s recent Fan Appreciation event.
Triple H refuted recent reports that his wife, Stephanie, couldn’t vote in the state of Connecticut because she wasn’t registered. He did say, however, that they initially went to the wrong polling place.
He also discussed his recent promotion as senior adviser to Vince McMahon, saying his colleagues are starting to get used to him in the role because they feel he understands them and can convey their concerns.
The host suggested that Abdullah the Butcher be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and Triple H said he proposed the idea last week.
Triple H participated in a radio interview two weeks ago promoting WWE’s Fan Appreciation Supershow in Hartford, Connecticut.
Regarding the injury that currently has him sidelined, he tore his biceps while filming a movie for WWE Studios. He said it was an old injury that was aggravated. He added that he is currently rehabilitating from the injury and that he has not been cleared to return to the wrestling ring.
In regards to his recent promotion with WWE, he jokingly said his official title is “Señor Advisor.” He said he works with the Spanish announce team and therefore is the “Señor Advisor.”
Commenting on his wife, Stephanie, he said he didn’t really get to know her until they participated in the storyline where they were married.
He concluded the interview by saying that he has shot two movies that will be released in the future.
The interview can be listened here. He also discusses Linda McMahon’s Senate campaign and his three daughters.
— Triple H made a brief cameo on Monday’s WWE RAW, but he was only heard – not seen. Triple H spoke to Stephanie while in bed during the Raw segment with Stephanie McMahon’s dream of her father in the hospital, being tended to by his doctor, Freddie Prinze Jr.
— In a dark mach that took place after Monday’s RAW went off the air, WWE Champion Randy Orton defended the title in a triple threat match against Wade Barrett and Sheamus.
Orton started off going after Wade Barrett, but was taken out by Sheamus. The heels beat down Orton for a few minutes, until Orton reversed a double clothesline and took them out. Orton gave Wade Barrett the middle finger and threw him outside of the ring. Orton worked over Sheamus before hitting the RKO on Wade Barrett for the win. A reader who sent in the match report said the crowd popped big for the finish.
WWE star Triple H and his wife Stephanie McMahon-Leveque attended a political rally for Linda McMahon’s Senate campaign in Danbury, Connecticut over the weekend:
– WWE has released new line of “old school” merchandise on the WWE Shop website. There are a bunch of new t-shirts and hats now available that feature classic WWE logos from the 1980’s & 1990’s, including the old WWF block logo, WrestleMania, Survivor Series, RAW is WAR, SummerSlam, WCW and more. You can check those out at WWEShop.com.
– It was announced at Sunday’s WWE live event from the TD Garden in Boston, MA that tickets for the 2011 Royal Rumble will go on sale this coming Saturday.
– As you’ve probably read by now, WWE star Triple H returned to action over the weekend at WWE’s Fan Appreciation event in Connecitcut. Despite the 1-night return, Triple H is not fully healed following his recent biceps surgery and the match with Alberto Del Rio was described as “safe.” The Game wrestled in a t-shirt and jeans and looks like he’s dropped some muscle mass.
– There is talk that WWE will be releasing a “Best of WCW Monday Nitro” DVD set this May, which would be patterned after the “Best of Raw” seasons format. A DVD set on Bill Goldberg is also in the works.
– Michelle McCool, Layla, MVP, Kofi Kingston and Hornswoggle will be appearing at a Toys for Tots event tomorrow at Tommy K Vitamins in Stamford, Connecticut from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fans are required to donate money or a toy to receive autographs.
Triple H made his in-ring return at Saturday’s Fan Appreciation Supershow in Hartford, Connecticut.
Alberto Del Rio informed the crowd that his scheduled opponent, Rey Mysterio, was not on hand for the event, and that he won by forefit. Just as the referee was going to raise the SmackDown star’s hand, Triple H’s music cued. The Game, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, entered the ring, and Del Rio told him he’d fight him at another time. Del Rio tried to run away, but The Game gave chase, dragging him back to ringside.
The match concluded in short order as the multi-time champion hit Del Rio with the facebreaker knee smash, spinebuster and Pedigree for the three count. Then, when Del Rio’s personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez, tried to save his boss, “The King of Kings” delivered a second Pedigree.
Check out these pictures and videos of Triple H’s return:
— Sean Morley (a/k/a Val Venis) is telling people he has re-signed with World Wrestling Entertainment.
— Triple H and Stephanie McMahon appeared at the Danbury Get Out The Vote Rally yesterday in Danbury, Connecticut to support Linda McMahon’s Senate campaign. The former WWE CEO was also on hand for the event.
— The Bella Twins hosted Nickelback’s pool party concert yesterday at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
– Blood Brothers, the next WWE Studios movie starring John Cena just began production in New Mexico.
Blood Brothers is an action adventure movie, with Cena playing a character named Sam. TheGovMonitor.com gives the following description of the plot:
“[Brothers] Sam and Leo have grown up hating each other and neither likes their juvenile delinquent kid brother, Douglas, to whom they’ve only recently been introduced. The sons share the same father, a womanizing drunk, but all have different mothers. Their father died a rich man and when they’re brought together by their sister Nina (played by Amy Smart) to learn which of them will inherit the old man’s fortune, they are handed an unpleasant surprise.”
— Regarding World Wrestling Entertainment promoting a “one time only” appearance by Triple H at their Fan Appreciation Day Supershow in Hartford, Connecticut on Oct. 20, some took it to mean he is “coming out of retirement” for the day. To clarify, they used the wording of their advertisement to signify that “The Game” was not returning to a regular schedule at this time, but rather merely making an appearance. That said, no one in the company broached on the subject believes he is retired. Everyone is under the impression that he is rehabbing his arm injury and will return to the squared circle sooner or later. (source: PWInsider.com)
— Kane is featured on the cover of Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s annual “Greats of the Game” issue. Visit www.pwi-online to view it.
— While WWE has yet to officially acknowledge Jamie Keyes’ departure from the organization, the company’s Twitter account has unfollowed her.
— Video has surfaced of Triple H supporting mother-in-law Linda McMahon’s campaign at a stop in Norwalk, Connecticut. The former WWE CEO thanks him in the video for “for rallying the troops before canvassing this weekend.”
— Randy Orton is featured on the cover of the latest issue of WWE Magazine, which depicts him breaking through a window.
— MVP will be appearing at this Friday’s Hartford Wolfpack Game at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut. The SmackDown Superstar will be promoting WWE’s Fan Appreciation Day at the same venue on Saturday, Oct. 30.
World Wrestling Entertainment announced Friday that Triple H will return for “one night only” at the Supershow and Fan Appreciation Day on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut. It was not specified whether the multi-time champion will wrestle.
Matches announced for the event include Kane vs. The Undertaker vs. Big Show for the World Heavyweight Championship, Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett for the WWE Championship, Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio, and a 16-man battle royal with the winner facing Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental Championship.
– Some of you may remember that WWE co-promoted a pay-per-view with the “Girls Gone Wild” company back in 2003. Well that has now been brought up as further ammo against Linda McMahon’s Senate campaign. You can read about Linda’s opponent using the Girls Gone Wild affiliation against her at Courant.com.
– Happy birthday to Linda McMahon, who turns 62 years old today.
– Here’s a video of Triple H campaigning for Linda McMahon, talking about why he is supporting his mother-in-law:
— One WWE insider considers the timing of Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s promotion as Vince McMahon’s senior advisor interesting. The source questioned whether Levesque being named to a position he’s been essentially doing for the past several years minus the official title is related to World Wrestling Entertainment being investigated for misclassifying talent and other personnel as independent contractors.
The company’s Stamford, Connecicut based headquarters recently underwent a slight renovation as an office was built for Levesque as a result of his executive position.
“It was Extreme Makeover: Hunter Edition,” cracked the WWE source.
— An episode of the drama program Caprica is scheduled to air during NXT’s 10:00 p.m. Tuesday night timeslot on Syfy on October 5.
NXT is currently scheduled to air its final episode this Tuesday. No announcement has been made regarding a future channel for the show.
— Stephanie McMahon celebrates her 34th birthday today. She is out on maternity leave following the birth of her third child last month.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:
Orton as WWE champion: “Randy Orton becoming WWE Champion is a positive in my view. Orton appeals to the young, male demo better, arguably, than any one in WWE. Orton’s demeanor and in ring stylings are somewhat ‘Attitude Era’ oriented of which many fans miss. The pressure of being the WWE champion is pronounced and how the competitive Orton handles that stress and the demands on his time will help define this title reign. I really enjoy Randy’s work and hope to see him in some viable, one on one bouts going forward. If he is still the WWE Champion come WM27, Orton’s contributions to the biggest PPV of the year will be significant. One can almost see the wheels turning as to who the WWE Champion might face for the title in Atlanta…if his reign lasts that long. TBD.”
Jericho’s Future: “No I do not think that Chris Jericho is leaving WWE for good but I do think that Chris will continue to focus on Fozzy not to mention promoting his upcoming, 3 disc, WWE DVD (Awesome BTW) which might necessitate that he not appear on weekly TV on a regular basis. Stepping away from the weekly grind isn’t a bad thing for anyone and allows one to recharge their batteries and enjoy the fruits of their labor.”
HHH: “Had a great talk with HHH in Chicago who is also looking good but I do not know his future plans re: returning to the ring. The Game has a very bright, insightful mind for the business. I like his personal business philosophies on wrestling. HHH was interested in my upcoming trip to FCW this week as the future of WWE rests largely inside the four walls of the FCW Training facility.”
Michael Cole: “Most people understand that Michael Cole is changing his on air persona to become more of an antagonist and more caustic. That’s simply the creative direction that he’s moving and I actually feel that if and when he masters that dynamic that it can add something unique to the TV presentation. Conflict at the announce table is entertaining to me as some of my best days doing PXP were when the King was a villain and Paul Heyman was simply being himself….and I mean that in a positive way. Think of how effective JBL was on commentary and he certainly never positioned himself as a ‘good guy.’ Point is that controlled conflict helps facilitate most broadcasts as long as the talent and what we are seeing on our TV screen remains the focus and it doesn’t become about the broadcasters.”
USA Today has a story this weekend on WWE Studios’ shift from producing action-type movies to low-budget films aimed at families. The article features quotes from WWE Superstars John Cena and Triple H discussing the company’s initiative.
Legendary, which is set for release this Friday, is the first of nine movies tapped under the company’s new direction. Billed as a “limited release” film, company officials are hoping it gets picked up by more theaters in the ensuing weeks.
“These are good character-driven stories,” says WWE Studios president Mike Pavone of movies such as Legendary. “We’re not blowing up buildings and we get wonderful people in the mix of our ensemble casts. It really elevates the project and makes a big difference. We’ve put together a wonderful family of crew. We do our homework. We have a couple of solid foundational columns, then we weave everything else around it.”
Triple H, who stars in a family film of his own set for release next year entitled The Chaperone, parroted Pavone’s remarks by saying WWE Studios is shying away from the public’s preconceived notion of wrestlers beating people up and destroying things.
“The movies we do are not what people would stereotypically think,” says Triple H. “The stereotype goes ‘WWE, the wrestling guys, they blow stuff up and beat up people and there’s going to be a big car chase and 100 cars are going to get ruined.’
“People don’t care about that,” he feels. “They care about good stories.”
Stephanie McMahon gave birth to her third child Wednesday, a baby girl.
Linda McMahon confirmed earlier this year on her Twitter account that Stephanie was pregnant with her third child after she appeared visibly pregnant at a rally event for her Senate campaign.
It was speculated at the time that Stephanie would deliver the baby in August.
McMahon and husband Triple H already have two daughters; Aurora Rose Levesque (born July 24, 2006) and Murphy Claire (born July 28, 2008).
— Triple H took part in a VIP autograph session at yesterday’s SummerSlam Axxess event in Los Angeles, California on behalf of Venom Energy Drink. Numerous fans asked the “King of Kings” if he will be the seventh man for Team WWE in their bout against Nexus at SummerSlam. He routinely winked his eye and said, “Who knows?”
— Sheamus appeared on “The Big App Show” Friday to promote SummerSlam as well as WWE’s iPhone application. Sheamus bragged about being a two-time WWE Champion within the past year and referred to the title as his “pride and joy.” He said there will be a double Raw television taping on Monday in Los Angeles and plugged the company’s upcoming tour of Japan and China.
When asked to comment on his opponent at SummerSlam, Randy Orton, Sheamus replied, “Fella doesn’t stand a chance. Look at the difference between me and him. Yeah, he’s the Viper, he’s deadly, but he ain’t no Celtic Warrior.”
Pictures have surfaced online of WWE superstar Triple H sporting a new clean-shaven look. The pictures come from the set of his new movie, “The Chaperone,” which was filmed in June in New Orleans.
It was recently reported that Triple H underwent surgery to repair a torn biceps. He’s not expected to be back in the ring until October at the earliest and could be out as long as December. There’s been talk of Triple H turning heel and aligning himself with the Nexus.
WWE and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) sent out the following press release this morning announcing that Triple H is the newest member of the MDA’s “Muscle Team” and will be taping part in a new campaign to raise awareness for the disease.
TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announced today that WWE Superstar Triple H, a 13-time World Champion, is the newest member of MDA’s Muscle Team, a group of celebrity activists dedicated to building awareness for MDA. Triple H will begin appearing in print, video, radio and digital public service advertisements for MDA’s new “Make A Muscle, Make A Difference” campaign in August.
As a proud member of the MDA Muscle Team (see his “Make A Muscle, Make A Difference” print PSA; https://www.mda.org/news/100802tripleh-mda.html and video PSA; http://www.youtube.com/user/MySpaceMDA), Triple H joins a diverse and growing group of celebrities including: Alison Sweeney, host of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” and “Days of Our Lives” star; Kurt Warner, former NFL Super Bowl-winning quarterback; Nancy O’Dell, Emmy-winning entertainment personality, author and entrepreneur; Booboo Stewart, star of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” movie; Wynonna Judd, country music recording artist; Ace Young, “American Idol” finalist; Brandon Barash, star of ABC’s “General Hospital” and Gold Medal Olympians Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci, all of whom are dedicated to building awareness for MDA in 2010 and beyond.
“I am honored to partner with MDA in advancing their life-saving mission for those affected by debilitating muscle diseases,” stated Triple H. “As a member of the Muscle Team, I am truly inspired by the perseverance these adults and kids demonstrate every day in overcoming the challenges of muscular dystrophy.”
Joining Triple H in some of the PSAs is Max LaCaria, an 11-year-old from Arizona who has limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. While at the photo and video shoot for the campaign, Triple H presented Max with an official WWE Championship belt.
“There’s no discounting the importance of having Triple H as a member of the MDA Muscle Team,” said Gerald C. Weinberg, MDA President & CEO. “He’s already energizing fans as champions for MDA both in and out of the ring. And, while everyone is amazed by Triple H’s incredible physical strength, it pales when compared to the strength of his caring heart.”
Visit YouTube.com to see Triple H’s commercial for the MDA Muscle Team.
— Many within WWE are predicting Michael McGillicutty or Alex Riley to win NXT Season Two. Meanwhile, it’s said that Husky Harris has unanimously impressed “everyone.”
— No Raw guest hosts are expected to be scheduled until after SummerSlam. Child star Bobb’e J. Thompson — who stars alongside Big Show in the upcoming WWE Studios film Knucklehead — and country music artist Toby Keith have been booked to host episodes of Raw in October.
— Two WWE Superstars celebrate birthdays today as Triple H turns 41 years old while Dolph Ziggler hits 30.
-The injury for which Triple H underwent surgery was a torn biceps. The current belief is that it could be as late as December before he is healthy enough to return, with late October being optimistic. He is still being considered for a heel turn and alignment with Nexus, although if it were to happen, they would need to drag the angle out for at least a few more months.
-Ricky Steamboat remains in the hospital and continues to experience a great deal of head pain. This, coupled with the fact that he has been there for so many weeks now, has people very concerned.
— Current creative plans call for a top WWE star to be revealed as the mastermind behind Nexus. The main stars being pitched for the role are Triple H and John Cena. Triple H himself has wanted to turn heel for a few years but injuries to both himself and others have prevented WWE brass from pulling the trigger.
— Tonight’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view event will determine next’s year WrestleMania, in part. Should tonight’s show be considered a success in terms of pay-per-view buys, the event will be brought back as a separate event next year. If it doesn’t do well, the bout would be kept to WrestleMania.
— Last night’s WWE live event in Omaha, Nebraska featured an eight-man dual brand main event pitting John Cena, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio and Big Show against Chris Jericho, Edge, Sheamus and Jack Swagger. The match was a ruled a no decision due to interference from Nexus.
-The current plan is for a major name to be revealed as the person behind Nexus. The two names being pitched for heel turns are Triple H and John Cena. Hunter has long wanted to turn back heel, and if you go with Cena, how you then explain all of the beatdowns becomes a logic issue, but that’s never stopped them before.
-Triple H’s tendon tear, for which he underwent surgery last week, is said to have been a minor tear that will keep him out of action anywhere from 2-4 months. With him likely out of the Summerslam picture, other ideas being talked about include John Morrison vs. Ted DiBiase, with Melina returning in Morrison’s corner to oppose Maryse, Big Show vs. Jack Swagger, and continuing the Harts-Usos feud for the Unified tag team titles.
— It would appear that WWE officials did not want word of Triple H’s recent surgery to surface. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dirk Hayhurst, who broke the news of the WWE Superstar’s surgery on his Twitter account last Thursday, has since removed the posts.
It was later disclosed that Triple H underwent surgery to repair a torn muscle tendon in his arm, which will sideline him for several more months.
— Playboy’s “Cyber Club” has published nude photographs of Maryse (under her real name, Maryse Ouellet). Furthermore, her image is being used to advertise the pictorial. However, it should be noted that the photos were taken several years ago ago, before she joined WWE. While WWE is not partnering with Playboy, the adult entertainment company owns the rights to the photos and thus able to publish and promote the photos at its discretion.
— This week’s editon of the POWER 25 on WWE.com is headed by Randy Orton. He is trailed by WWE Champion Sheamus and John Cena. Meanwhile, Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston ranks one spot ahead of World Champion Rey Mysterio at No. 4.
The undisclosed operation that Triple H underwent this week was to repair a torn muscle tendon in his arm. Though he had been plagued recently by issues with both surgically-repaired quads and his neck, this is a new injury that may have been suffered while filming one of his two upcoming WWE Films. His planned SummerSlam return bout against Sheamus is likely out the window now as he is expected out for several months.
Triple H was last seen on television being put out of action by Sheamus at the “Extreme Rules” pay-per-view in April where he lost a hellacious streetfight to the Celtic Warrior.
— Triple H underwent an undisclosed operation as Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dirk Hayhurst noted on his Twitter account signing a book for him while undergoing physical rehabilitation. He said the WWE Superstar had just undergone surgery.
“Guess who I just signed a book for… Triple H of the WWE. Seriously, I just found myself next to him on a training table. Wow, Surreal,” Hayhurst said. “I did not get a pic, he was a tad out of it, fresh out of surgery so I didn’t want to hassle him. Besides, photo’s in hospitals are no no’s.”
Triple H had been suffering from nagging neck and thigh injuries leading into WrestleMania, but has been off television due to filming two different movies. (source: www.f4wonline.com)
— The trailer for WWE’s forthcoming DVD set chronicling the Elimination Chamber Match, Satan’s Prison- The Anthology of the Elimination Chamber, has been released. You can view the trailer, as well as the DVD’s cover art, here. This title is set for release next Tuesday.
— Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston will be signing autographs at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California on Wednesday, August 18 from noon to 1:00 p.m. A SmackDown television taping will be taking place that evening in the arena.