12 Incredible Behind-The-Scenes WrestleMania Photos

8. Hidden Gems

The Rock Paige Ronda Rousey AJ Lee
WWE

As overlord of the Full Sail University/Performance Centre era of NXT, Triple H has been credited with introducing a dynamic new generation of superstars on to the main roster, but he also deserves a nod for saving extra spots on the card for his starlets rather than paid actors or models.

As well as utilising NXT roster members for his elaborate WrestleMania 32 entrance, he was able to ensure Sasha Banks, Charlotte and Alexa Bliss had their first taste of a mammoth crowd under cloak and mask as they accompanied him to the stage before his WrestleMania 30 contest with Daniel Bryan in 2014.

This picture taken backstage before the show represents an important turning point for the company's attitude towards elevation, having previously used people outside of the industry for roles they presumably considered menial.

In reality, even the smallest role is an opportunity and provides valuable experience.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation over 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. Within the podcasting space, he also co-hosts Benno & Hamflett, In Your House! and Podcast Horseman: The BoJack Horseman Podcast. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett