How Much Creative Influence Did Triple H Have Over WWE SummerSlam 2022?

Backstage update on SummerSlam 2022, Vince McMahon's plans, Triple H's changes & more.

by Andy H Murray
Triple H Vince McMahon
WWE

SummerSlam 2022 aired largely as now-former WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon had intended on Saturday (30 July).

Dave Meltzer reports on Wrestling Observer Radio that most of the premium live event's plans were in place prior to Paul 'Triple H' Levesque becoming WWE's creative lead last Monday. As a result, Levesque wasn't ever going to make major, swooping changes to the show, though he should be more inclined to switch things up going forward.

Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky (the former Io Shirai) being positioned alongside fellow returnee Bayley was a Triple H change. Originally rejected by Vince months ago, the new trio came together following Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch, who turned babyface in another Levesque-penned move. Beyond this, SummerSlam was largely unaltered.

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Meltzer stated that Drew McIntyre facing Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns at Clash at the Castle (3 September) had been set in stone for months, hence McIntyre being kept away from the main event scene. Beyond this (and potentially Liv Morgan/Ronda Rousey III, Seth Rollins/Riddle), Clash will likely be more of a Triple H show than SummerSlam was.

Tonight's Raw should be met with increased anticipation, given it will be Levesque's first night free of the SummerSlam cycle.

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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.