WWE: HHH Era Begins, Offers Hope for Future of Wrestling Product

No, wrestling fans, the sky is not falling. All of the shock and horror that is surely to occur upon reading the news that WWE is re-branding itself and expanding its “entertainment” products beyond wrestling is inevitable, but not the end of the pseudo-sport we all love as we know it.

Buried deep in the official press release sent out today is the slice most critical to our fanbase. 

“In addition to focusing on the expansion of the company, the company will bolster its core business with the launch of a new talent development department headed by Paul "Triple H" Levesque. The new department will put a greater emphasis on worldwide recruitment, training and character development to identify future WWE Superstars and Divas. The first recruit acquired under Levesque's new department was the signing last month of future WWE Superstar, Sin Cara, formerly known worldwide as Mistico.” 

The day that we all knew was coming is upon us. HHH is closer every day to officially taking over the company, and if he was truly the force behind signing Sin Cara, that future may be brighter than we imagined. 

While we have all panned HHH for years as an ego-maniacal, self-centered chump, we have simply been too caught up in the moment. We were too short-sighted when he singlehandedly buried London and Kendrick to open Raw one night or the time spent building a new stable, only to literally pack up the Spirit Squad and send them back to Developmental.

What we forget is that HHH loves professional wrestling. He’s a lifer. He isn’t going to go to Hollywood. He doesn’t have any aspirations beyond the industry and that passion for the product is what WWE needs right now to refocus it’s core moneymaker and create compelling television. 

Vince McMahon is the P.T. Barnum of our generation. I’m not the first to say it, and I’m simply stealing that from other pundits over the years. But more recently, as a businessman, he’s put his time and energy into ventures beyond wrestling. We need to remember that while he’s often portrayed the Mr. McMahon character on television, this man is the chairman and CEO for a billion dollar company. Most executives at his level wouldn’t be on the road 300 days a year with their traveling circus. They’d be in a cushy office.

As Vince has turned his attention to other aspects of his growing business, he’s recognized it’s time to hand the keys to his prized Ferrari to someone younger that may have fresh ideas for the product. I’m not saying that Vince doesn’t care about wrestling any longer. It’s the industry that built his fortune and he has always been a fan first. But that doesn’t mean that a fresh set of eyes on the script wouldn’t help. 

HHH is as respected as anybody in the business. His time in the ring and on the mic, along with the hard work he’s known for behind the scenes, gives him a 360-degree understanding of the business unlike anyone else. He has demonstrated a mind for the business that can’t be said for every performer. While Hulk Hogan sits in the seat of an executive, he has never approached the business with a willingness to learn and be taught like HHH, who looks to Vince as a mentor, not an adversary. 

We don’t know what the future will bring with HHH in charge. Given his reputation for booking himself over young stars and being of the “Big Man Appreciation Club” with Vince, it’s easy to be apprehensive to the notion that he will have control over the entire product. 

But if the signing of Sin Cara under his watch is any indicator, HHH recognizes the array of potential from all types of performers. The recent signing of Jon Moxley, which I presume was through the same channels, is another good sign, given that he appears willing to open the doors to independently-trained performers, not just those schooled in FCW. 

There could certainly be a time of growing pains for this new administration, but I’m optimistic. HHH’s passion for the industry is unquestioned and that gives me hope he will fully dedicate himself to the product, refocus WWE on their bread and butter and produce improved television.