Triple H is not known for his ability or willingness to put over talent. Depending on who you speak to or listen to, this is either a reputation that is completely and utterly earned from years of hogging Wrestlemania main events, or is a complete load of hogwash. While to us it seems like the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle of these two viewpoints, those who would argue its an unfair reputation would probably do well to draw attention to Armageddon in 2007 where Hunter faced off with, and was defeated by Jeff Hardy. The context in which the story behind the match was constructed is an interesting one, if only because it had a few uncommon characteristics about it that we dont see often enough. For a start Trips was actually a babyface in this contest, which is a memory and a concept today that seems far too distant. Secondly though, this was a Face vs Face feud, which although uncommon, is an exciting and normally successful way of doing things (Warrior Vs Hogan at Wrestlemania VI being the most cited and influential example of this booking angle). Finally however, and perhaps rarest of all, this was a respectful feud. Triple H and Hardy genuinely seemed to be friends, and Triple H genuinely seemed invested in seeing Hardy improve and fulfil his potential. So when the two battled for a number one contenders spot at the upcoming Royal Rumble, there was a case of torn loyalties amongst the crowd. The ambiguity was heightened exponentially when Hardy paused before striking his friend only to have Hunter open up with a thunderous bitch slap across Hardys mug, while he repeatedly screamed fight me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4sr1To4VAA This was some of the most perfect in ring storytelling of that year, and is indicative of why Triple H can be such a valuable talent when in the right environment. Having shown a glimpse of the dark side that the crowd had known of years gone past, their loyalties shifted and the match built on this, until it reached a crescendo where Hardy was able to steal the victory from Hunter with a sneaky roll up, and was officially the number one contender with the crowd on his side. Hunter played up the duality of his perception and unleashed it in one single movement, which told a wrestling story better than a roomful of soap opera writers ever could. Which is probably why the Hunter backed NXT seems to understand what wrestling fans in a way that the McMahon programming just can't seem to.
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