The quadriceps injury suffered by Triple H in May 2001 threatened the career of a man who, for an entire year, was widely considered the best professional wrestler on the planet. His ring work with The Rock, Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle and Steve Austin was phenomenal. No one brought the consistent level of greatness to their profession that The Game did, meaning it was an even bigger blow to the roster when he was sidelined for what some suggested could be as much as one year. In the months leading into January 2002, video packages hyping the impending return of the Cerebral Assassin. Set to U2's "Beautiful Day," they became classic pieces of WWE's acclaimed production team. As each week progressed, anticipation for The Game's return heightened until it reached a fever pitch. When it was announced that the future Hall of Famer would return to Raw on the seventh, in front of a raucous crowd in Madison Square Garden, fans marked their calendars for the momentous occasion. By the time Motorhead's "The Game" exploded over the PA system, the fans erupted into a thunderous ovation that rattled the walls and shook the floor of the famous arena. "I have never heard an ovation like this before," Jim Ross exclaimed on commentary, clearly as emotional as the fans that surrounded the squared circle. Triple H soaked in the adulation of fans who, just eight months earlier, were booing him with great conviction. Their cheers on this night represented the respect they had for him and proved, once and for all, that he was finally accepted as an elite star in the industry.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
