7 Deadly Wrestling Sins (And Who Committed Them)
2. Gluttony: Triple H
Triple H got greedy as he realised NXT alone was not going to thwart the rise of the independent scene.
It's a shame. It used to be so fantastic before it ate itself.
But the sentiment that was eventually subsumed by AEW wasn't just about the in-ring talent. New Japan Pro Wrestling and Being The Elite offered an outlet of expression and long-term storytelling, ranging from penis envy-driven murder mysteries and intricate, years-long stories of ascension and succession. Knowing he couldn't very well convince Dad-uh to let the lads cut an unscripted promo, Triple H, with NJPW's western expansion selling out the west coast within minutes, elected to sign every 5' 9" workhorse in the industry. The latter-period GCW deep-dive was particularly needless. At one stage, it felt as though he recruited on a kick pads-first basis.
CTRL+Fing '****' in every copy of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, and dispatching William Regal to the American Legion to double check they could move forward their left foot, Triple H gobbled up every flip merchant he could, knowing they were but vessels for the elixir of critical acclaim. It was consistent with his nature; Triple H, an honourable mention for pride, ate everything he could, whether it was WrestleMania match times, props for his entrances or the confidence of his peers.
In defence of Triple H, he couldn't adapt that with which AEW overtook NXT. Everybody has to learn from Vince's playbook. Triple H idolised 1986 Ric Flair and was a gigantic mark for WarGames. He knows unscripted promos are horrendous.
But there is but one master of sports entertainment...