As WWE continues its evolution under the TKO umbrella, Triple H (Paul Levesque) has become increasingly visible in mainstream media, a stark contrast to the approach often taken by former chairman Vince McMahon. WWE Hall of Famer JBL shared his thoughts on this shift during the “Something To Wrestle” podcast.
Host Conrad Thompson noted Triple H’s recent appearances on platforms like “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and Andrew Schultz’s podcast, asking JBL if this public-facing role is necessary for WWE today.
JBL contrasted Triple H’s willingness with McMahon’s historical reluctance. “Vince didn’t want to do that,” JBL stated. “Vince came from that such an old school that when you go in front of reporter, you really regarded that they’re going to take some type of veiled shot at you, and you were waiting for it… It was that, that bad, or at least that was our mindset.”
He lauded Triple H’s skill in handling these appearances. “I watched some of these Triple H interviews. He’s fantastic,” JBL praised. “He is such a good interview. He does the rare thing that people do in interviews, he listens and he actually answers questions… He is so freaking smart.”
JBL believes this shift benefits the company significantly. “We do have that option now. You’ve got a guy that’s running everything there that can actually get in front of the microphone… Triple H, fortunately does, and I think it’s a huge help to WWE… to have a representative like Hunter out there… that is a good representative of WWE.”
The discussion also touched upon Triple H peeling back the curtain more, such as discussing conversations with CM Punk. JBL admitted to being “mixed” on this level of transparency. “I’m such from the old school that it does bother me some,” he confessed, “but I’ve also seen so much that I know enough to be open to it that maybe this is what’s best.”
Thompson suggested WWE is embracing its entertainment and Hollywood side more than ever, comparing it to discussing popular TV series. JBL acknowledged the success, stating, “They’re drawing massive crowds and they’re doing big money, so they’re doing everything right?”
However, JBL still sees value in mystique, citing Brock Lesnar as an example of a character who maintains intrigue by staying in character and limiting interviews. He also pointed to the recent Charlotte Flair/Tiffany Stratton angle, including a parking lot brawl captured by fans, as proof that wrestling can still create “magic” where fans wonder, “what’s real, what really happened?”
While acknowledging the changing landscape, JBL firmly believes Triple H’s skilled and open communication style is a major asset for WWE’s current public image.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit AdFreeShows.com with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
