Back in 1996, the wrestling world operated under a strict code of kayfabe, where maintaining the illusion of good guys (babyfaces) and bad guys (heels) never crossing paths was essential. One of the earliest moments that broke this tradition happened when the Kliq—Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Shawn Michaels, and Triple H—shared a genuine hug in the ring after a show at Madison Square Garden. Triple H reflects on the significance of that moment and what followed, describing it as an incredibly real experience. Afterward, they returned backstage to find that most people had left, which was unusual since staff and agents typically stayed behind. Levesque (Triple H) soon learned the consequences were real when he received a call from Vince McMahon’s secretary, summoning him to an urgent meeting the next morning that stirred a lot of chaos. Thankfully, the consequences for Triple H were short-lived, and he ultimately earned his spot in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2025.
Fan Take: This story highlights how WWE’s boundaries have evolved, showing fans that moments of authenticity can coexist with the scripted nature of wrestling. It also underscores Triple H’s lasting impact on the industry, reinforcing why his contributions continue to shape the sport today.
