10 Wrestlers You Won't Believe Almost Joined Major Stables

6. Triple H - New World Order

Jindrak Evolution
WWE.com

This angle actually started playing out on WWE television, but it didn't transpire the way WWE had intended.

The build to Vengeance 2002 saw Triple H locked in a storyline that had him deliberating over which brand to permanently join. He could either stay on SmackDown, where Stephanie McMahon was General Manager, or go back to Monday Night Raw.

Shawn Michaels and the New World Order threatened to force Hunter into joining their group if he chose the red brand. The original plan was for Triple H to join fellow Kliq members HBK and Kevin Nash under the black and white banner, but it fell through when 'Big Sexy' suffered a bicep injury on a July episode of Raw, and the group was officially disbanded by Vince McMahon the following week.

'The Game' did end up going to Raw in the end, but WWE transformed the storyline into a brief D-Generation X reunion instead. Triple H turned heel on Michaels immediately, kicking off a lengthy feud that would eventually overstay its welcome, but produced an excellent unsanctioned match at SummerSlam 2002 that may not have happened until much later had Hunter joined the nWo.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.