Why Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins' WWE Feud Hinges on Triple H's Involvement

Triple H is the linchpin of the battle for the WWE Universal Championship between Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins.

The Game is the father figure who looms over the entire story. The full power of this narrative can only be harnessed if WWE can effectively weave Triple H into it. He is the key to morphing Rollins into a babyface, to providing this rivalry with a wealth of subplots.

As of now, though, WWE has been slow to add this missing piece to the puzzle.

On Aug. 29, Triple H emerged from a long absence during a match to determine the next universal champion. He looked as if he was going to aid his protege Rollins to the finish line but instead clocked The Architect and gifted Owens the win.

Then the executive/wrestler disappeared.

He didn't show up the next week to explain his actions. The folks at Daily DDT were among those confused by his absence:

Triple H didn't appear on Monday's Raw, either. 

We don't know yet why Triple H turned on Rollins, the man he once hailed as the future of the business. We don't know the dynamic of Triple H's relationship with Owens. In answering those questions, WWE can craft an electric, multilayered story.

And those answers are coming.

Owens and Rollins are set to clash for the universal title on the Clash of Champions pay-per-view on Sept. 25. That match remains a one-on-one contest thanks to Owens' defeating Roman Reigns on Monday night, a victory that cost The Big Dog a shot at expanding it into a Triple Threat match.

Triple H remains a key figure lingering in the background. The two rivals faced off backstage on Monday's Raw, and the champion was quick to remind Rollins that his old mentor abandoned him.

Owens told The Architect that he replaced him as Triple H's favorite son.

Whatever Triple H's reasons were for making that change, they are powerful catalysts for a change in Rollins. Feeling betrayed and ousted, Rollins can rail against his former ally, becoming a warrior fans root for as he takes down a tyrant.

That will not only create a more traditional heel-face dynamic between him and Owens but lead to a feud brimming with potential.

As Doug Mortman of Busted Open pointed out, Rollins and Triple H's faceoff will be big:

And WWE has a great chance to explore and deepen Owens' character by way of Triple H. It can play up Owens' hypocrisy, for one. The more the champ talks about winning his championship by his lonesome despite Triple H's clear assistance, the more of a jerk he'll look.

Beyond that, Owens can be a sellout, having cozied up with Triple H in order to advance in the company. He can be The Game's mercenary or a part of his ultimate master plan.

There have only been hints of the complexion of their alliance thus far.

When Michael Cole sat down with Owens after his big title win, he asked about The Game's hand in his victory. Owens denied knowing anything about Triple H's scheme that night.

He did say, though, that "Triple H did the right thing. He made things right."

The fact that those questions annoyed him so much points to Cole getting too close to the truth. Just as there was indeed a secret relationship with The Shield and CM Punk in 2012, there needs to be some back-alley dealings between Triple H and Owens.

That's the more intriguing direction to take all of this. Exercising great creativity with that aspect of the tale and telling a strong story moving forward will do wonders for Owens, his reign beginning with a complex, compelling angle.

The danger exists, however, of Triple H overshadowing Owens and Rollins. 

That has to be avoided so that a part-time wrestler doesn't garner the momentum that two stars of the New Era need. The universal title, the champion and the challenger must remain the focus.

But Triple H can be the common thread between those enemies, the flame that ignites their explosive rivalry. The best version of Rollins vs. Owens will have The Game lurking behind the warriors, improving their battle.