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
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) March 25, 2022
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
— Peter Rosenberg (@Rosenbergradio) March 25, 2022
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
— Jessika Carr (@WWELadyRefJess) March 25, 2022
Thank you @TripleH for your guidance, friendship and the opportunities you gave me in #NXT ! Looking forward to seeing your next chapter unfold!
— Beth Copeland (@TheBethPhoenix) March 25, 2022
Thank you for everything you contributed to the game @TripleH. Living legend. 💚
— Carmelo Hayes (@Carmelo_WWE) March 25, 2022
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
— Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) March 25, 2022
Legend!!
— Veer Mahaan (@VeerMahaan) March 25, 2022
Thank you Triple H.
— Mia Yim (@MiaYim) March 25, 2022
Congrats on retiring @TripleH.. Preciate your guidance and always being the guy I can call.. All love! 🙏🏽 https://t.co/ivbfSiAJh6
— Gable Steveson (@GableSteveson) March 25, 2022
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
— The Miz (@mikethemiz) March 25, 2022
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.
— Ariya Daivari (@AriyaDaivari) March 25, 2022
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
— Mustafa Ali / Adeel Alam (@AliWWE) March 25, 2022
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
— RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) March 25, 2022
Thank you @TripleH for the great memories. pic.twitter.com/P05T3miuxF
— Miro (@ToBeMiro) March 25, 2022
Always being direct and honest, a true example to follow!! Thank you @TripleH @WWE pic.twitter.com/Aal9efd7o5
— Angel Garza (@AngelGarzaWwe) March 25, 2022
Always being direct and honest, a true example to follow!! Thank you @TripleH @WWE pic.twitter.com/Aal9efd7o5
— Angel Garza (@AngelGarzaWwe) March 25, 2022