Wrestling world honors Triple H as the WWE legend announces his retirement
Triple H talks with Stephen A. Smith about undergoing heart surgery in September and says he is done performing in the ring. (2:47)
After more than 30 years in pro wrestling, Triple H is calling it a career. He announced his retirement on ESPN’s First Take on Friday.
Triple H, whose real name is Paul Levesque, started wrestling in 1990 and made his WWE debut in 1995 after two years in World Championship Wrestling. Levesque began his career with a “blueblood” character going by Hunter Hearst Helmsley with a finishing maneuver known as the “Pedigree.”
He won 14 world championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019. Levesque, 52, went into heart failure last September and hasn’t performed since 2019.
“… I have a defibrillator in my chest, which, you know, probably not a good idea for me to get zapped on live TV,” said Levesque, who is also an executive vice president with WWE and married to Stephanie McMahon, WWE’s chief brand officer.
“… There’s moments in there when they’re putting you out for stuff and you think, ‘Is this it? Do you wake up from this?’ That’s tough to swallow and makes you think differently,” he said.
News of Triple H’s retirement brought out stars from around pro wrestling to sing his praises.
Thank you @TripleH https://t.co/2Rhn18cuuz
One of the all time best wrestlers and minds … congratulations on an iconic in ring run… so glad you’re alive and healthy @TripleH https://t.co/I2KKJpGIp5
When I was 10 years old I attended my first live event and you were in the main event. You always supported me on my journey since day one in this company. Thank you @TripleH pic.twitter.com/m9qDa5kBEg
Thank you @TripleH for your guidance, friendship and the opportunities you gave me in #NXT ! Looking forward to seeing your next chapter unfold!
Thank you for everything you contributed to the game @TripleH. Living legend. 💚
Many things are more important than wrestling matches and it’s not like he had things left to accomplish. One hell of a career. All the best to @TripleH, be well and stay healthy. https://t.co/dWrvoA6WA5
Legend!!
Thank you Triple H.
Congrats on retiring @TripleH.. Preciate your guidance and always being the guy I can call.. All love! 🙏🏽 https://t.co/ivbfSiAJh6
Triple H it was an honor to have shared the ring with you. Thank you for the wealth of knowledge you have given to me over the years. Enjoy the extra time you will now have with your girls. #ThankYouTripleH pic.twitter.com/GL5FsadoJJ
Thank you Triple H for the years of entertainment. You were the driving force behind the CWC, which lead to fulfilling a lifelong dream of working for the WWE. For that, I’m forever grateful.
He did a lot of things. One of the most incredible things he did is give a room full of dreamers a chance. Thank you @TripleH pic.twitter.com/tNlzOWo3te
From being the reason I started watching @WWE, to the reason I made it further in this business. Thank you for everything @TripleH 🖤💚 pic.twitter.com/z29dZLNMKc
Thank you @TripleH for the great memories. pic.twitter.com/P05T3miuxF
Always being direct and honest, a true example to follow!! Thank you @TripleH @WWE pic.twitter.com/Aal9efd7o5
Always being direct and honest, a true example to follow!! Thank you @TripleH @WWE pic.twitter.com/Aal9efd7o5