Triple H Decided Sheamus Over Chris Jericho To Win WWE Royal Rumble
Chris Jericho was pegged to win the Rumble just days before the Rumble when the final decision was made on Sheamus.
Triple H is reportedly the one who made the call on 'The Great White' Sheamus winning this past Sunday night's 30-man WWE Royal Rumble match. Runner-up Chris Jericho had been pegged to win but Triple H, who has reportedly gained more power in recent months in behind-the-scenes decision making, decided Sheamus would be the victor. The final decision on Sheamus was only made last week. It is well known that Triple H and Sheamus are close backstage friends and that the two workout together on the road. HHH previously said in an interview with Power Slam when asked who he hangs out with backstage; "The closest to me is probably Sheamus, because we always train together on the road. But I try to watch all the young guys' matches and give them advice, if they want to hear it. If they take advice to heart and really want to improve, then I'm wanting to help. As for seeing some of myself in someone? That's tough. Sheamus just the other day showed up at a show he didn't have to be at. He does whatever he's asked to do without complaining, he goes to every show and is always wanting to work: he does it all, goes above and beyond. That's what I was like." As we have reported before, Randy Orton was the original choice as the winner of the Rumble which took place from his home town of St. Louis, Missouri. The idea with Orton dropping the title and cleanly losing on a few occasions to Mark Henry last year was for him to win the Rumble and get his revenge at WrestleMania. With Orton and Henry's injury, the WWE switched gears to the WWE Title picture and made Chris Jericho the winner setting up the WWE Title match against CM Punk at WrestleMania 28. Then when the online audience saw Jericho was the most likely winner, they flirted with the idea of John Cena winning the Rumble. This is where the 'everyone is eligible' stipulation came in and he would have to decide whether to face The Rock at WrestleMania or give up the match for a title shot. This was dropped when WWE decided such a decision would devalue the title. WWE were going to go back to Jericho but HHH pushed for Sheamus as a surprise and to give him the push he needs to be a main eventer. At this point, it is unclear as to how the WrestleMania picture shapes up with his involvement.