Triple H Adds Unique Twist on Road to WrestleMania 32 as COO and World Champion

Triple H stirred quite the controversy at the 2016 Royal Rumble.

The traditional namesake bout was laden with plenty of surprises on Jan. 24 in Orlando, Florida. AJ Styles debuted to a roaring audience. Sami Zayn made his rumble debut and vanquished his rival, Kevin Owens. Brock Lesnar eliminated The Wyatt Family, which returned the favor by costing Lesnar the match.

Roman Reigns, then the WWE champion, was ambushed by The League of Nations and taken to the back. Reigns returned just in time to face the 30th entrant, who turned out to be none other than Triple H.

The Game returned to seek vengeance on Reigns for how Reigns attacked him at Tables, Ladders & Chairs. Triple H ended up pushing Reigns over the top rope, leaving Dean Ambrose, who won a Last Man Standing match against Owens earlier that night. Triple H survived and won the Royal Rumble, making him the WWE world heavyweight champion.

Triple H adds a unique twist as both WWE COO and world heavyweight champion.

He now represents the company in two separate capacities, which makes for great storytelling. Basically, he can dictate his title picture. However, it’s an unfair situation for anyone challenging him because of his authority over the company.

In this dual capacity, Triple H controls his own destiny, wrestling when he wants but also having the power to choose his opponents.

Reigns, Ambrose or Lesnar will get the first crack at Triple H at WrestleMania 32. All either has to do is win a Triple Threat match at Fastlane. Just because a No. 1 Contender’s match is set doesn’t mean The Game will be satisfied with it.

Secondly, he has the backing of other WWE Superstars. The League of Nations will carry out his dirty work. The New Day has also been regarded as Triple H’s allies.

Obviously, it doesn’t hurt to be married into the McMahon family, doesn’t it?

Triple H calls the shots with wife Stephanie McMahon and father-in-law Vince McMahon, who also have a say in who gets a title shot. With Triple H as champion, they’ll sit comfortably knowing the COO can control the world title picture.

In fact, the world title picture is the most concerning. How can anyone get a fair shot against a champion who controls the company?

How can Lesnar, Reigns and Ambrose, who will vie at Fastlane in a Triple Threat match, expect to get a fair opportunity? Will Ambrose and Reigns be able to get their revenge on Triple H?

To make matters worse, Triple H already has faced all three men before.

Granted, Triple H is past his prime at 46 years old. That doesn’t mean The Game can't still play mind games to perfection.

Listen to his promo on the Jan. 25 episode of Raw. Triple H stated he didn’t need the title; he wanted it! That shows that the will to compete still exists in The Game.

They didn’t call him The Cerebral Assassin for nothing. At this point, Triple H has seen it all and beaten them all. He even owns a WrestleMania victory over Lesnar at WrestleMania 29.

In other words, Triple H still knows what it takes to win.

Reigns, Ambrose and Lesnar will need to take caution if either man advances to WrestleMania. Frankly, the cards will be stacked against them when Triple H squares off against either man.

Triple H holds every opportunity in his hands, especially his possible successor to the WWE world title. Whoever dethrones The Game will likely have to go through an army just to face him. Will there be anything left for that WWE Superstar when Triple H is next?

We'll find out at WrestleMania 32. Regardless, you cannot deny that Triple H as both WWE champion and COO draws intrigue and heightens fascination for those who await the biggest show of the year.