Seth Rollins and Triple H are two of the most prominent figures in WWE, but are they related by blood or by bond? The answer is not as simple as it may seem, as their relationship has gone through many twists and turns over the years. In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of their connection, from mentor and protégé to rivals and enemies.
Contents
The Beginning: NXT and The Shield
The first time Seth Rollins and Triple H crossed paths was in NXT, WWE’s developmental brand. Rollins was one of the most promising talents in NXT, and Triple H was the founder and executive producer of the show. Under Triple H’s guidance, Rollins became the first-ever NXT Champion in 2012, defeating Jinder Mahal in the tournament final.
Later that year, Rollins made his main roster debut as part of The Shield, a faction of three young rebels who vowed to fight against injustice and corruption in WWE. Along with Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns, Rollins quickly made an impact by attacking top stars like John Cena, Ryback, and Randy Orton. The Shield also aligned themselves with Triple H’s group, The Authority, which consisted of his wife Stephanie McMahon, Kane, and Orton. The Authority was a powerful force that controlled WWE and often abused their power to favor their allies and punish their enemies.
The Betrayal: Evolution vs. The Shield
In 2014, The Shield’s loyalty to The Authority was tested when they faced off against Evolution, a legendary stable that included Triple H, Orton, and Batista. Evolution was Triple H’s former group that dominated WWE in the early 2000s, and they reunited to challenge The Shield’s dominance. The two factions waged war in a series of epic matches, with The Shield emerging victorious in both encounters.
However, just when it seemed that The Shield had proven themselves as the future of WWE, Rollins shocked the world by betraying his brothers and hitting them with a steel chair. Rollins revealed that he had joined forces with Triple H and The Authority, claiming that he had made a smart business decision and that he was the architect of The Shield’s success. Rollins became Triple H’s handpicked successor and protégé, receiving his support and guidance in his quest for glory.
The Breakup: WrestleMania 33
For the next few years, Rollins enjoyed a successful run as one of the top heels in WWE, winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship twice and defeating legends like Sting and John Cena. However, his alliance with Triple H also came at a cost, as he lost many friends and fans along the way. He also suffered a serious knee injury in 2015 that sidelined him for months and forced him to vacate his title.
When Rollins returned in 2016, he expected to receive a warm welcome from Triple H, but instead he was betrayed by his mentor. Triple H interfered in a match between Rollins and Finn Balor for the newly created Universal Championship, costing Rollins the title and handing it to Balor. Triple H then introduced Kevin Owens as his new chosen one, leaving Rollins stunned and furious.
Rollins then embarked on a mission to get revenge on Triple H for his betrayal. He confronted him several times on Raw, but was always met with resistance from Owens or Samoa Joe, who were aligned with Triple H. Rollins also suffered another knee injury at the hands of Joe, putting his WrestleMania 33 match with Triple H in jeopardy.
However, Rollins refused to give up on his dream of facing Triple H on the grandest stage of them all. He signed a contract for a non-sanctioned match with Triple H at WrestleMania 33, putting his career on the line. In a brutal and emotional battle, Rollins finally defeated Triple H with a pedigree, his former mentor’s signature move. By doing so, Rollins earned the nickname of The King Slayer.
The Present: Respect or Rivalry?
Since then, Rollins and Triple H have had a complicated relationship. On one hand, they have shown respect for each other’s accomplishments and abilities. On the other hand, they have also clashed over their different visions for WWE and NXT. For example, in 2019, Rollins challenged Adam Cole for the NXT Championship on Raw, but was attacked by several NXT stars who were loyal to Triple H. Later that year, at Survivor Series, Rollins led Team Raw against Team NXT in a five-on-five elimination match, but was eliminated by Keith Lee after being distracted by Triple H.
In 2020, Rollins underwent another transformation when he became The Monday Night Messiah, a self-proclaimed leader and savior of Raw. He recruited disciples like Murphy and Austin Theory to follow his teachings and help him spread his message. He also feuded with Rey Mysterio, Kevin Owens, and Dominik Mysterio, often resorting to brutal and sadistic tactics to assert his dominance.
In 2021, Rollins moved to SmackDown, where he continued his messianic persona and claimed to be the face of the brand. He also targeted Cesaro, who he felt was disrespecting him and his vision. He challenged Cesaro to a match at WrestleMania 37, but was defeated by the Swiss Superman in a spectacular display of strength and skill.
As of now, Rollins and Triple H have not crossed paths in a while, but their history and connection remain intact. They are both influential and controversial figures in WWE, who have shared many highs and lows in their careers. They are not related by blood, but they are certainly related by bond. Whether that bond is based on friendship or enmity, only time will tell.
Conclusion
Seth Rollins and Triple H have a complex history that spans over a decade. They have been allies and enemies, mentors and protégés, rivals and opponents. They have influenced each other’s careers and shaped each other’s legacies. They are not related by blood, but they are related by bond. A bond that is forged by passion, ambition, betrayal, and redemption. A bond that is unique and unforgettable. A bond that is WWE.
