The flatest episode of A&E’s WWE Rivals shines a spotlight on the intense rivalry between Seth Rollins and Triple H, offering insights into their complex dynamic through a roundtable discussion with experts.
Background to a Bitter Feud
The seeds of discord between Seth Rollins and Triple H were sown in 2014 when Triple H, known as “The Game,” enticed Rollins away from The Shield, marking the wrestler’s inaugural solo career steps. Under Triple H’s guidance, Rollins quickly rose to prominence, becoming Mr. Money in the Bank and achieving a historic cash-in at WrestleMania 31, along with a prestigious WWE Title run. However, an unfortunate injury led to a hiatus and a subsequent struggle to reclaim his previous success. This shift in fortunes sparked tensions with his mentor, Triple H, who began to favor other emerging wrestlers.
Road to WrestleMania
Rollins, determined to make a statement, set his sights on disrupting Triple H’s plans, repeatedly targeting his protégés, including Kevin Owens. He also engaged in provocative taunts directed at Triple H’s wife, Stephanie McMahon, who served as the Commissioner of Raw. In response to these actions, Triple H deployed Samoa Joe to confront Rollins, resulting in a re-aggravation of his knee injury. As the situation escalated, both wrestlers agreed to a Hold Harmless Agreement, ensuring legal peace of mind should further injuries occur.
A Match Forged in Conflict
This episode examines the contest between Rollins and Triple H at WrestleMania 33, an event that served as the culmination of their fiery and intricate relationship. Dubbed “The Man vs. The Game” and “The Creation vs. The Creator,” the match was an anything-goes, no-rules exhibition. It was a grueling showcase of resilience and skill, ultimately witnessing Rollins’ triumph over his former ally and mentor.
Seth Rollins, whose birth name is Colby Daniel Lopez, is an acclaimed wrestler celebrated for his exceptional ring skills and on-screen character versatility. With multiple championship titles to his credit, including that of a five-time world champion, Rollins embodies the hybrid athlete and is recognized as one of the most talented wrestlers of his generation.
Triple H, or Paul Michael Levesque away from the ring, is a retired wrestler widely revered as one of the sport’s all-time greats. With an impressive 14 World Champion titles to his name, he is also distinguished for his behind-the-scenes contributions, notably the creation of the NXT developmental branch. Currently, Triple H occupies a pivotal role as Chief Content Officer and creative head for WWE, shaping the company’s future direction.
WWE Rivals: Triple H vs. Seth Rollins airs on May 12, 2024, at 8:00 PM on A&E.
