Triple H has weighed in on one of wrestling’s longest-running debates, arguing that charisma matters more than anything else when it comes to creating a true star.
Speaking on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike, Paul “Triple H” Levesque was asked whether he would rather have a wrestler who is elite in the ring but weak on the microphone, or one who excels at promos but is less polished between the ropes. His answer was clear.
“I’ll go on the mic,” Levesque said. “The thing about our business, when people ask me what’s key in our business, the king is charisma. It always is, it always will be.”
Levesque pointed to some of the biggest names in wrestling history as proof that emotional connection outweighs technical perfection.
“As you go through the years, you can make a list of the biggest stars, the people that transcended the business in the biggest way,” he said. “Sometimes they weren’t the most athletic. Sometimes they weren’t the best wrestlers. They weren’t the best technically skilled wrestlers, but they captivated people’s emotions. That’s what they did.”
He specifically cited John Cena and Hulk Hogan as examples of performers whose charisma carried them to legendary status.
“John Cena captivated people’s emotions. Hulk Hogan captivated emotions. Hulk Hogan wasn’t the most athletic by far of his generation, but he was the biggest star by far of his generation because he had charisma. It is the biggest thing that you can have.”
While Levesque prioritised presence and personality, he stressed that in-ring ability is still essential in the modern era.
“I’m not going to say that in-ring skill doesn’t matter. It absolutely matters, especially today. You have to be able to deliver in that ring, but you’ve got to be able to get them to tune in first.”
What Iconic WWE Storyline Does Triple H Wish He Had Created?
Elsewhere in the interview, Triple H was asked to name a storyline he did not create but wishes he had. He chose the iconic feud between Steve Austin and Vince McMahon.
“I don’t know if I could have made it any bigger than it was,” Levesque admitted, “but I would’ve liked to try.”
The comments offer a clear insight into Levesque’s philosophy as WWE’s chief content officer, where star power, personality, and emotional investment remain central to how talent is evaluated and presented.
