While many fans have described the creative direction under Paul “Triple H” Levesque as a new era for WWE, one former talent suggests the Chief Content Officer may not be the one truly pulling the strings. The conversation stems from the announcement made by Triple H this past Friday in Las Vegas: for the first time, WrestleMania will be held outside North America, with WrestleMania 43 taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on his The Stevie Richards Show podcast, the former WWE star offered a direct assessment of the power structure within TKO.
“This Triple H era in which Triple H, he’s just a pawn in this entire, excuse the pun, game. TKO, and especially in this case, Saudi Arabia, will use their leverage, will use their influence, will use the power to get what they want.” (h/t TJR Wrestling)
Richards’ assessment is supported by backstage reporting on the deal. According to Fightful Select, the Saudi government insisted on a “proper” single WrestleMania, dismissing earlier talk of a two-show plan.
A report from Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio also claims the hosts have a wishlist that includes bringing names like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Undertaker out of retirement. The primary target is reportedly Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, for whom they are prepared to make “the biggest offer in wrestling history” for a single match, potentially against Roman Reigns.