While World Wrestling Entertainment is seemingly on a roll right now, in many ways. Over the past two years. They have accumulated record profits, signed lucrative TV and streaming deals, and (perhaps, most importantly) distanced themselves from the Vince McMahon scandal. They also rode the Bloodline angle to produce some of their finest programming in years.
But recently, WWE has received tons of criticism from the wrestling media and its fan base for lackluster storylines and some out-of-place TV segments. Of course, anytime the voices grow louder, they always seem to be directed at one man these days, Triple H.
While once hearing nothing but praise for months, it seems the people's perception of Paul Levesque's performance has turned into a new negative. They now believe that his booking is dragging down their weekly shows.
In many ways, their points are valid. The John Cena heel turn, which had the world talking, was executed poorly, as well as his 'My bad' return to the babyface ranks. The overuse of celebrities for in-ring action has been called out recently. And, it extends beyond wrestling; fans don't really like his desire to pursue politics (and some of the company he's been keeping), which has upset fans who believe his mind should solely be on sports entertainment.
While it's not totally overwhelming, in the eyes of many fans, Triple H can't do anything right. Either he isn't pushing their favorite wrestler, or he's getting too much TV time himself, he's an 'egomaniac', etc. And it just snowballs from there.
Complaints about Triple H's recent appearance
Case in point: When Triple H opened up for Cena's last episode of RAW, many fans felt like he was trying to steal the spotlight. He did stay in the corner until it was time to make the match, which only makes sense. Since then, that moment has been illuminated by a lot of podcasters and social media posters who said that it was an attention grab
At the end of the night, it turned out to be a good episode of the show, with fans coming out of their seats for Cena's Intercontinental title win over Dominik Mysterio. Nothing 'ruined' that show, least of all The Game's extended involvement in the initial promo.
Perhaps it's a bit of viewer fatigue, but the complaints about Paul Levesque aren't often justified. he seemingly rubs the WWE Universe the wrong way at times. Maybe fans hold a grudge over the way he was always been pushed as a performer when he became Stephanie McMahon's husband. Or, they don't like some of the dirt pool he played back when the Kliq ruled the WWE locker room.
Or it could be just a bunch of nerdy dudes who are jealous that he married the boss' hot daughter.
Whatever the reason, Triple H is a marked man. When he's doing well, people only begrudgingly acknowledge his creative vision. But when the programming is lacking, they line him up against him, like a figurative firing squad.
That's unfortunate, and somewhat a signature of society today. In an environment such as professional wrestling. Its fans are very emotionally attached to the product, promotions, and performers. Any slight makes them angry, and Levesque always seems to end up in their crosshairs.
The truth of the matter is, there aren't many people in the world who could do the job he's doing, and at the level he's been doing it. More than likely, Triple H is formulating a comeback plan that will knock the WWE Universe's socks off. The only question is: ARE YOU READY to actually give him any credit for it?