Sportskeeda is the one-stop destination for latest WWE rumors and wrestling news.
Outside of the squared-circle, the Game has been a big success behind the scenes, now working as the Chief Operating Officer of the WWE, and the heir-apparent to the company.
With such a storied, historic legacy, it’s hard to think that there are any surprises left in the Greenwich-native’s career. But here are six things you (probably) didn’t know about the King of Kings.
#6 He’s a former Mr. Teen winner
One of the most impressive things about the Game’s longevity is his incredible physique, with the Game being able to compete at arguably the same level as he could, 20 years ago.
But the Game has always been a fitness guy, and in 1998, won the Mr. Teen New Hampshire, aged 19. Training at the Gold’s Gym in Nashua, the future World Champion originally had plans of being a bodybuilder, before changing his career choice, to the squard circle.
#5 He was nearly called Reginald
In 1995, the Game joined the WWF, after spending a year in WCW. Unhappy with the plans to turn him into a tag wrestler (teaming with fellow NXT leader William Regal), he joined the WWF, and was looking for a new name.
The WWF came up with the name ‘Reginald DuPoint Helmsley’, to highlight his Connecticut blue-blood gimmick. Unsure on the name, the Game asked for a more catchy name, ideally one with initials.
After some tweaking, Reginald became Hunter Hearst Helmsley, the man we now know as Triple H.
#4 He has played The Hulk
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mark Ruffalo has dominated as The Incredible Hulk, the gamma-radiated alter ego of mild-mannered genius Bruce Banner
But he isn’t the only star to play the Hulk, with names like Edward Norton, Lou Ferringo, and even, Triple H, all lending their talents to the Green Machine.
As a part of the ‘Marvel Experience’ a hyper-reality touring attraction, the Game lent his vocal talents to the role, which you can see below.
#3 He lost the King of the Ring as punishment
By 1996, Helmsley had made his name in the WWF, capturing the Intercontinental Championship mere months into his run with the company.
By the 1996 King of the Ring, it was rumored that the Game would capture the illustrious accolade that had helped launch careers such as Bret Hart’s.
Unfortunately, real-world issues got in the way. When Kevin Nash and Scott Hall left the company for WCW, Helmsley, alongside Shawn Michaels broke character, celebrating with their friends in Madison Square Garden.
As Michaels was untouchable as WWF Champion, the Game bared the brunt of the punishment, losing his position for a year, before capturing the King of the Ring title in 1997.
Steve Austin won the 1996 tournament and launched his infamous Austin 3:16 promo.
#2 He wanted John Cena fired
By 2002, Triple H had established himself as a huge star of the company. Already a multiple-time World Champion, the Game had become a bonafide main eventer.
That same year, a new rookie started on SmackDown, by the name of John Cena.
Despite the immense success Cena would have later on, The Game did not think much of the future champion, and according to Cena, said he should be fired.
Triple H has admitted in DVDs that at the time, he thought Cena was “terrible”, though the would become long-time rivals later in their careers.
#1 He was managed by Brock Lesnar’s wife
Upon debuting in 1995, the rich snobbish Helmsley would be accompanied by a different woman each week, showcasing his wealth.
For WrestleMania 12, he went the extra mile, introducing the fans to a new sensation: Sable.
Whilst Helmsley would quickly ditch the future Playboy star, he was instrumental in giving her her big start in mainstream media.
Sable would later marry former Universal Champion Brock Lesnar in 2006.
0 votes