WWE SmackDown Debut Wrestlers: Where Are They Now?
1. Triple H
It’s easy to malign Triple H in 2017, but he was en route to becoming the biggest heel in the industry in 1999. He didn’t peak until the following year, but his work with DX had already cemented his status near the top of the pile, and he won his first ever WWE Championship four months after SmackDown’s first show.
From there, Triple H became a WWE institution. Multiple title reigns and feuds with wrestlers like The Rock and Mick Foley made him one of the most decorated wrestlers in history. It’s easy to dismiss this as a result of his relationship with Stephanie McMahon, but The Game was always a strong heel, and a reliable performer for the company regardless.
Tripe H married Stephanie in 2003, and became WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events, and Creative 10 years later. It’s widely expected that he and Stephanie will take control of the company when Vince McMahon eventually stands down, but Hunter still shows-up for the odd match every year, and should face Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 33.
Most recently, Triple H has helped transform NXT from a straightforward developmental show to a legitimate third brand and an exciting alternative to the main roster product. Moreover, he’s had a huge influence in WWE’s towards signing established independent veterans in recent years, with the Cruiserweight Classic standing as his latest pet project.