When Triple H was calling the shots in NXT the first time around, it was clear that he was a much better booker than Vince McMahon. So, when the billionaire was forced out of WWE amid a series of sexual misconduct allegations, The Game was his natural successor.
WWE now rarely mentions McMahon, but somewhat complicating matters is the fact that he's Triple H's father-in-law. After all, how can the WWE CCO criticise or condemn his predecessor when he's also the father of his wife, Stephanie McMahon?
Talking during his WWE Hall of Fame acceptance speech last night, Triple H made a point of thanking McMahon and giving him credit for the way his career turned out. However, he also alluded to their relationship being a "complicated one" (read into that as you will).
Here's the excerpt in question:
"The thing that I’ve skirted around all night long, but I’ve got to talk about it, and that’s Vince. It’s a complicated story and a complicated relationship, but in so many ways, I would not be here without him, not just in my business life, which would be enough on its own, my career, he’s the one that saw something in me creatively, invited me to those production meetings, taught me, let me sit under that learning tree and courage me to sit under the Pat learning tree and continue to learn."
"But also in my personal life, my family, he wasn’t just my boss, he wasn’t just a friend, he wasn’t just a mentor. He would become my father-in-law. He’s my wife, the person I love the most in this world, he’s her father. He’s my kids’ grandfather. So it’s complicated. When there’s somebody that helps propel you that far, you owe them so much. He taught me so much. What to do, what not to do. I’m grateful for all those lessons. I love you, Vince, and thank you."
We don't know what kind of relationship Stephanie has with Vince since all this happened, though her decision to walk away from WWE when he briefly returned may tell you everything you need to know.
You can hear more from Triple H's WWE Hall of Fame induction in the X posts below.