Triple H

He’s The King of Kings, a nickname with no hint of exaggeration considering that Triple H is essentially WWE royalty. From his days as a Greenwich snob, to his era-defining run as a co-founder of D-Generation X, to the time he spent shepherding future main eventers Randy Orton and Batista toward WWE greatness in Evolution, Triple H hasn’t just existed on the cutting edge, he’s been the one sharpening the blade.

A 13-time World Champion, The Game has clashed with a litany of ring legends to seize the throne as The King of Kings. The Rock, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, John Cena, even WWE Chairman Vince McMahon – each mowed down by the sledgehammer-wielding fist of The Cerebral Assassin. He has methodically and systematically usurped sports-entertainment, capturing every major WWE championship (multiple times), the King of the Ring crown, a Royal Rumble Match victory (2002) and the marquee spot at WrestleMania on several occasions, all throughout a career that spans nearly two decades.

As The Game’s role within WWE shifted from active competition, he used his squared circle acumen to nab the title of Chief Operating Officer and steer WWE toward some it’s most exciting and controversial moments in 2011. A bitter, personal rivalry with anti-authority crusader CM Punk tested Triple H’s resolve, and a mutiny by the whole Raw roster made it clear that even the combined power of an entire locker room couldn’t keep him down. Both situations necessitated The Cerebral Assassin’s return to the ring and, during each encounter – not to mention his five-star classic bout against The Phenom at WrestleMania XXVII – he demonstrated that, whether in a suit or trunks, he can still compete at the most elite level without missing a beat.

At WrestleMania XXVIII, after four years of battles between Triple H, The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, the trio participated in a post-bout curtain call that truly signified The End of an Era. Even with nothing left to prove, Triple H’s passion for the squared circle burns hot and ensures that, no matter his role in WWE, those who choose to play The Game should be prepared to play by his rules.