Even before Triple H became Vince McMahon's son in law, the boss already had a lot of affection for the DX star. Hunter was a confident, creative and a talented ring worker in his early WWF days. Right away McMahon took a shine to him (the kliq helping to put the rookie over to Vince), and Helmsley was marked for a big push. However, plans soured for Hunter after he took the blame for the Kliq breaking character at Madison Square Garden in 1996. McMahon punished the young star for a while, but even then they were still talking ideas and creative plans backstage. A year later it was Triple H who sat in a top level meeting with Vince and suggested the Montreal Screwjob. That goes some way to tell you just how entrenched Hunter was with Vince way before Stephanie arrived on the scene. McMahon valued Hunter's opinions greatly, recognising his head for the business. The boldness of the young star to be so confident with McMahon was greatly impressive to the boss who likes to see a self starter ballsy attitude in his stars. A few years later and Vince's affection for the Hunter as a friend was transformed into love for another family member. The Game married Stephanie McMahon, inevitably getting closer to Vince than any wrestler ever has done. It seems fair to say though, even without that marriage, Hunter would still have been a Vince favourite his love of old school wrestling, personal toughness, creativity and confidence were all hugely endearing features to the boss. Hunter has ended up being one of the most pushed and accomplished pro wrestlers ever.
