Triple H Returns At WWE NXT Stand & Deliver!

An emotional scene played out when Triple H returned following Ciampa vs. D'Angelo.

by Andy H Murray
Triple H Tommaso Ciampa
WWE

Triple H returned to WWE programming for the first time in over six months at today's NXT Stand & Deliver event.

An emotional scene played out as the 52-year-old made his grand return in the wake of Tommaso Ciampa's defeat to Tony D'Angelo, which had been built up as potentially Ciampa's last match in NXT after close to seven years on the brand.

Serenaded with chants of "thank you Ciampa!" and "NXT!" as he knelt in the ring, defeated, Ciampa eventually made his way up to the ramp. Triple H's 'King of Kings' then hit, drawing a huge response from the live crowd - and prompting Tommaso to take a step back or two.

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Both teary-eyed and full of emotion, the duo shared a big hug on the stage, sharing a few words that the microphone couldn't pick up. If it was the end for Tommaso in NXT, it was a fitting one, given his status as one of the last remaining roster members associated with Triple H's time in charge of the former black and gold brand.

Triple H announced his retirement from in-ring competition last week, having suffered serious heart failure in August 2021. This was his first appearance on WWE programming since then.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.