"Triple H", real name Paul Michael Levesque, is a retired professional wrestler widely considered one of the best ever. He currently holds executive positions in WWE, serving as the chief content officer and head of creative.
July 27, 1969: Birth of Paul Michael Levesque
Paul Michael Levesque, later known as Triple H, was born on July 27, 1969. He would go on to become an iconic figure in professional wrestling as well as an American business executive and actor.
1987: Graduated from Nashua High School
In 1987, Paul Levesque graduated from Nashua High School, where he played baseball and basketball. This marked the end of his high school education.
1988: Wins Mr. Teenage New Hampshire
In 1988, at the age of 19, Paul Levesque won the Mr. Teenage New Hampshire competition, showcasing his dedication to bodybuilding.
1990: Begins Training at Killer Kowalski's School
In 1990, Paul Levesque began training as a professional wrestler at Killer Kowalski's school in Malden, Massachusetts. This was his first step towards becoming a professional wrestler.
March 24, 1992: Professional Wrestling Debut
On March 24, 1992, Paul Levesque made his professional wrestling debut in Killer Kowalski's International Wrestling Federation (IWF) under the name Terra Ryzing, defeating Tony Roy.
July 1992: Wins IWF Heavyweight Championship
In July 1992, Levesque won the IWF Heavyweight Championship by defeating Mad Dog Richard, marking a significant early achievement in his wrestling career.
1992: Wrestling Debut as Terra Ryzing
In 1992, Paul Levesque began his wrestling career under the ring name Terra Ryzing in the International Wrestling Federation (IWF). This marked the start of his journey in professional wrestling.
1993: Wrestles on East Coast Independent Circuit
By 1993, Levesque was wrestling for various promotions on the East Coast independent circuit, further honing his skills and gaining experience.
1994: Joins World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
In 1994, Levesque joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and was repackaged as Jean-Paul Lévesque, a French-Canadian aristocrat. This was a significant step in his wrestling career.
1994: Debuts in WCW as Terror Risin'
In 1994, Levesque signed a one-year contract with WCW and debuted on television as a villain named Terror Risin', defeating Keith Cole. His ring name was later modified to Terra Ryzing before being changed to Jean-Paul Lévesque.
1994: Feud with Alex Wright
In late 1994, Levesque had a brief feud with Alex Wright, culminating in a match at Starrcade on December 27 where Wright pinned him.
January 1995: Leaves WCW for WWF
In January 1995, Paul Levesque left WCW and joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) after failing to agree on a new contract with WCW.
April 30, 1995: WWF Debut as Hunter Hearst Helmsley
On April 30, 1995, Levesque made his WWF debut under the ring name Hunter Hearst Helmsley, defeating Buck Zumhofe. This marked the beginning of his career in WWF.
1995: Signs with WWF and Becomes Hunter Hearst Helmsley
In 1995, Levesque signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and adopted the ring name Hunter Hearst Helmsley, which was later shortened to Triple H. He gained fame as a member of The Kliq and co-founder of D-Generation X.
June 1, 1996: Injury to Marty Garner
On June 1, 1996, during a match against Marty Garner, Triple H's attempt to perform the Pedigree resulted in Garner landing on his head and suffering neck damage. This incident led to a reported lawsuit, which was later clarified as settled out of court.
1996: Feud with Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese
In 1996, Triple H's career stalled, starting with a feud with Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese following a loss at the 1996 Royal Rumble. This year also saw his first singles competition loss in WWF against Bret Hart on March 4.
1996: The Kliq and the Madison Square Garden Incident
In 1996, Triple H, as part of The Kliq, was involved in the Madison Square Garden Incident. This incident involved breaking character after a match to say goodbye to departing members, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, resulting in Triple H being punished by the WWF and losing his scheduled win at the King of the Ring tournament.
1996: Relationship with Chyna Begins
Levesque began a relationship with fellow wrestler Joan "Chyna" Laurer in 1996.
February 13, 1997: Triple H loses Intercontinental Championship to Rocky Maivia
On February 13, 1997, in a special episode of Raw called Thursday Raw Thursday, Triple H lost the Intercontinental Championship to Rocky Maivia.
1997: Triple H's Rise and D-Generation X Formation
The year 1997 marked a period of significant growth for Triple H. He won the King of the Ring tournament and formed D-Generation X (DX) with Shawn Michaels, Chyna, and Rick Rude, a group that gained notoriety for its edgy promos and rebellious attitude.
1998: DX's Rise to Fan Favorites and Triple H's Injury
Throughout 1998, DX's popularity surged, transforming the group from villains to fan favorites. Triple H's feud with The Rock intensified, leading to a ladder match at SummerSlam where he won his second Intercontinental Championship. His reign was cut short due to a legitimate knee injury.
January 25, 1999: Triple H Quits, Chyna Betrays DX
On January 25, 1999, Triple H was put in an "I Quit" match against The Rock for the WWF Championship. He was forced to quit to save his ally, Chyna, from a chokeslam by Kane. In a shocking turn of events, Chyna betrayed DX by attacking Triple H after the match and joining The Corporation.
September 16, 1999: Triple H Loses and Regains WWF Championship
In a dramatic turn of events on September 16, 1999, Triple H lost the WWF Championship to Mr. McMahon. However, he quickly regained the title on September 26 at Unforgiven in a Six-Pack Challenge.
1999: Wins First WWF Championship
In 1999, Triple H won his first WWF Championship, establishing himself as a main event fixture in the company and one of the best wrestlers in North America.
January 2000: "The Game" and "The Cerebral Assassin" are Born
January 2000 marked a significant point in Triple H's career when he adopted the nickname "The Game" signifying his dominance in the wrestling world. Commentator Jim Ross also began calling him "The Cerebral Assassin." He also won his third WWF championship by defeating Big Show on January 3rd.
2000: Considered Best Wrestler in North America
By 2000, Triple H was widely considered the best wrestler in North America.
2000: Relationship with Chyna Ends, On-screen marriage to Stephanie McMahon
Levesque's relationship with Chyna ended in 2000. That same year, he began an on-screen storyline marriage with Stephanie McMahon, which later transitioned into a real-life romance.
2000: Championship Feuds and a Love Triangle
The year 2000 saw Triple H engaged in multiple high-profile feuds, including battles with Mick Foley, The Rock, Chris Jericho, and Kurt Angle. Notably, a love triangle storyline emerged involving Triple H, Angle, and Stephanie McMahon.
February 25, 2001: No Way Out
On February 25, 2001, Triple H faced Stone Cold Steve Austin in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match at the No Way Out event, marking the culmination of their intense feud. Triple H emerged victorious with a 2-1 score in a match widely acclaimed for its brutality and regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestling matches ever.
May 21, 2001: Triple H Suffers Career-Threatening Injury
On May 21, 2001, during a WWF Tag Team Championship defense with Stone Cold Steve Austin against Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit, Triple H sustained a severe injury. While attempting to break up Jericho's Walls of Jericho hold on Austin, Triple H tore his left quadriceps muscle, detaching it from the bone. Despite the agonizing injury, he finished the match, showcasing his dedication. This injury forced Triple H into a long rehabilitation, sidelining him for over eight months and marking an abrupt end to the McMahon-Helmsley Era.
January 7, 2002: Triple H Returns to Raw
On January 7, 2002, Triple H made his much-anticipated return to Raw as a face at the iconic Madison Square Garden after a long hiatus due to injury. This marked the beginning of his journey back to the top of WWE.
September 2, 2002: Inaugural World Heavyweight Champion
On September 2, 2002, Triple H was awarded the newly reinstated World Heavyweight Championship by Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff. This came after the WWE Undisputed Championship became exclusive to the SmackDown! brand. Triple H's recognition with the Big Gold Belt marked him as the first-ever World Heavyweight Champion, ushering in a new era for the title and Raw brand.
February 2003: Formation of Evolution
In February 2003, Triple H formed a powerful stable called Evolution, recruiting Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Batista. This group dominated Raw, epitomizing their dominance after Armageddon by each holding a championship title.
October 25, 2003: Marriage to Stephanie McMahon
On October 25, 2003, Levesque married Stephanie McMahon in Sleepy Hollow, New York after a period of dating that began as an on-screen storyline.
January 25, 2004: Royal Rumble Draw
On January 25, 2004, at the Royal Rumble, Triple H faced Shawn Michaels in a grueling Last Man Standing match for the World Heavyweight Championship. The intense battle resulted in a double countout, meaning Triple H retained his title.
2004: Publication of "Making the Game: Triple H's Approach to a Better Body"
In 2004, Levesque authored and published the book "Making the Game: Triple H's Approach to a Better Body," focusing on bodybuilding advice and incorporating some autobiographical elements.
January 9, 2005: Elimination Chamber Victory
Triple H emerged victorious inside the Elimination Chamber at the New Year's Revolution event on January 9, 2005, securing the World Heavyweight Championship once again. He outlasted other top contenders, lastly eliminating Randy Orton.
January 29, 2006: Royal Rumble Match
On January 29, 2006, Triple H participated in the Royal Rumble match but was unsuccessful in winning.
July 15, 2006: D-Generation X Reunion Match
On July 15, 2006, Triple H as part of D-Generation X teamed with Shawn Michaels to defeat The Spirit Squad in a 5-on-2 elimination match at Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII.
2006: Birth of Aurora
Levesque and Stephanie McMahon's first daughter, Aurora, was born in 2006.
January 7, 2007: D-Generation X vs. Rated-RKO
On January 7, 2007, at New Year's Revolution, Triple H and Shawn Michaels, as D-Generation X, faced Rated-RKO (Edge and Randy Orton). The match ended in a no contest due to Triple H suffering a legitimate torn right quadriceps injury.
February 17, 2008: Raw Elimination Chamber Match
Triple H emerged victorious in the Raw Elimination Chamber match at No Way Out on February 17, 2008, earning a WWE Championship match. He outlasted five other competitors, ultimately pinning Jeff Hardy after executing a Pedigree on a steel chair.
2008: Birth of Murphy
Levesque and Stephanie McMahon's second daughter, Murphy, was born in 2008.
2008: 2008 WWE Draft
In the 2008 WWE Draft, Triple H was drafted to the SmackDown brand, making the WWE Championship exclusive to SmackDown.
January 25, 2009: Royal Rumble Match
Triple H participated in the Royal Rumble match on January 25, 2009, but was eliminated by Randy Orton.
2009: 2009 WWE Draft
Triple H was drafted back to the Raw brand during the 2009 WWE Draft.
January 11, 2010: Mike Tyson Aligns with DX
On January 11, 2010, Mike Tyson, as Raw's guest host, teamed with Chris Jericho against DX. In a surprising turn of events, Tyson turned on Jericho, siding with Triple H and Shawn Michaels.
2010: Birth of Vaughn
Levesque and Stephanie McMahon's third daughter, Vaughn, was born in 2010.
2010: NXT Founding
Triple H founded NXT in 2010 and received praise for his role in cultivating the brand and guiding it to success.
2010: Executive Senior Advisor Role
Triple H's role as an Executive Senior Advisor was formalized in 2010, and he was given an office at WWE's headquarters.
February 21, 2011: Triple H Returns, Challenges The Undertaker
Making a return on February 21, 2011, Triple H interrupted The Undertaker's return, challenging him to a match at WrestleMania XXVII. This match was later made a No Holds Barred match.
2011: Pro Wrestling Torch Recognition
In 2011, Pro Wrestling Torch stated that Triple H was "widely regarded as the best wrestler in North America" by 2000.
2011: Executive Vice-President Appointment
In 2011, Triple H was named Executive Vice-President of Talent and Live Events.
January 30, 2012: Triple H Returns, Accepts Undertaker's Challenge
Returning on the January 30, 2012 episode of Raw, Triple H was about to evaluate John Laurinaitis's performance as general manager when he was interrupted by The Undertaker. Despite initial reluctance for a rematch, Triple H accepted the challenge under the condition of a Hell in a Cell match.
February 25, 2013: Triple H Brawls with Brock Lesnar, Puts Career on the Line
On February 25, 2013, Triple H returned to confront Brock Lesnar after an attack on Mr. McMahon, leading to a brawl. This resulted in a challenge for WrestleMania 29, escalating into a No Holds Barred match with Triple H's career at stake.
2013: Executive Vice-President Promotion
Triple H's title was elevated to Executive Vice-President of Talent, Live Events, and Creative in 2013, leading him to work on storylines with WWE's creative team.
April 6, 2014: Triple H Loses to Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania XXX
Triple H's loss to Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania XXX on April 6, 2014, paved the way for Bryan to participate in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match, which he ultimately won.
2014: Criticism of Later Career
Starting around 2014, when Triple H became a part-time performer, his career drew criticism, particularly for booking himself in high-profile matches.
2014: Connor's Cure Foundation
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon established the Connor's Cure cancer fund in 2014 in honor of Connor "The Crusher" Michalek, a young WWE fan who passed away from cancer.
2014: Executive Producer of NXT
Triple H served as the founder and executive producer of WWE's NXT brand from 2014.
December 2015: Death of Lemmy
Lemmy, frontman of the band Motörhead and a close friend of Levesque, passed away in December 2015.
January 9, 2016: Speech at Lemmy's Funeral
On January 9, 2016, Levesque spoke at the funeral of his friend, Motörhead frontman Lemmy.
January 24, 2016: Triple H Wins Royal Rumble, Becomes World Champion
Triple H made a surprise return as the 30th entrant in the Royal Rumble on January 24, 2016, eliminating Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose to win the match and his 14th world championship.
2016: Contribution to "Tools of Titans"
Levesque contributed a chapter offering advice to entrepreneur Tim Ferriss' 2016 book "Tools of Titans."
2016: Criticism for Royal Rumble Win
Bret Hart criticized Triple H's 2016 Royal Rumble win, stating it showed a "lack of imagination" for him to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship while not wrestling full-time.
April 2, 2017: Triple H Faces Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 33
Triple H's interference in the WWE Universal Championship match on August 29, 2016, ignited a feud with Seth Rollins, leading to a non-sanctioned match at WrestleMania 33 on April 2, 2017, where Rollins emerged victorious.
April 8, 2018: Triple H and Stephanie McMahon Lose at WrestleMania 34
Triple H teamed with Stephanie McMahon against Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey in a mixed tag match at WrestleMania 34 on April 8, 2018, where they were defeated.
2018: Criticism for In-Ring Performance
Following his tag team match at Crown Jewel in 2018, Triple H's in-ring performance was criticized, with some saying he was "stealing the spotlight" from newer talent.
April 7, 2019: WrestleMania 35
On April 7, 2019, at WrestleMania 35, Triple H defeated Batista in what was Batista's retirement match, with an assist from Ric Flair.
2019: Induction into WWE Hall of Fame
In 2019, Triple H was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of D-Generation X, recognizing his significant contributions to the wrestling industry.
2020: First Year Without a Match
2020 marked the first year since the start of his career that Triple H did not wrestle a match, though he still made non-wrestling appearances.
2020: Clarification on Marty Garner Lawsuit
In 2020, Marty Garner clarified that there was no lawsuit against the WWF regarding the 1996 injury, contrary to earlier reports.
2020: Executive Vice-President of Global Talent Strategy and Development
In 2020, Triple H was named WWE's Executive Vice-President of Global Talent Strategy and Development, overseeing the Talent Development department.
January 11, 2021: Unsanctioned Fight on Raw
On January 11, 2021, Triple H had his final match of his career, an "unsanctioned fight" against Randy Orton. The match ended in a no-contest after interference from Alexa Bliss and "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt.
September 2021: Heart Failure and Surgery
In September 2021, Triple H suffered from heart failure, which led to a 15-hour surgery and the implementation of an ICD. This major health scare had lasting impacts on his life and career.
September 2021: Stepping Back from "NXT 2.0"
From September 2021 onward, Triple H was not involved with the "NXT 2.0" overhaul.
September 2021: Heart Failure Diagnosis
In September 2021, Triple H suffered from heart failure, leading to an ICD being installed in his chest.
September 2021: Cardiac Event and Retirement
In September 2021, Levesque experienced a "cardiac event" attributed to a genetic heart issue, leading to a procedure at Yale New Haven Hospital. This event ultimately forced his retirement from wrestling.
March 25, 2022: Retirement Announcement
Due to heart failure and having an ICD installed, Triple H announced his retirement from wrestling on March 25, 2022, during an appearance on First Take.
April 2022: Officially Retires from In-Ring Competition
In April 2022, after recovering from his heart surgery, Triple H officially retired from in-ring competition, marking the end of an illustrious wrestling career.
July 22, 2022: Promotion to Executive Vice-President of Talent Relations
On July 22, 2022, WWE promoted Triple H to Executive Vice-President of Talent Relations.
September 6, 2022: Promotion to Chief Content Officer
Triple H was promoted to Chief Content Officer of WWE on September 6, 2022.
January 23, 2023: DX Reunion at Raw is XXX
On January 23, 2023, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, X-Pac, and Road Dogg reunited as DX for an appearance at Raw is XXX.
September 12, 2023: WWE Acquisition by Endeavor Completion
Following WWE's acquisition by Endeavor on September 12, 2023, Triple H remained head of creative for WWE and began using his real name alongside his ring name.
October 15, 2023: Leading WWE Creative
On October 15, 2023, Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel removed Vince McMahon from WWE creative power and tasked Triple H with leading "99.9% of the creative" moving forward.