Triple H Claps Back at WWE Critics: “The Internet Is Not Real Life”

The disconnect between online wrestling criticism and live audience reactions became a focal point during a recent media appearance by WWE executive Triple H. Speaking on the Flagrant podcast with host Andrew Schulz, Triple H addressed how internet feedback often contradicts what WWE witnesses in arenas.

Triple H specifically highlighted the case of Cody Rhodes to illustrate his point about this disparity.

The internet is not real life. The complaints and criticisms that are out there are not real life. ‘You can read the internet’ and it’s going to seem like everything is wrong. I’ll use Cody as an example. ‘Cody’s done his thing. He’s dead as a babyface.’ Seriously? I’m in an arena with 10,000 people every night going crazy for him. He sells more merchandise than anybody.

The WWE Chief Content Officer further explained that each WWE show functions as a natural focus group, providing immediate feedback on what connects with live audiences versus online commentary.

Jey Uso served as another example in Triple H’s assessment of this phenomenon. When addressing online criticism of Uso, Triple H pointed to contradictory evidence:

‘Jey Uso is terrible.’ What are people doing? (Yeeting). Merchandise, public reaction, everything he does. It’s just some people’s opinions.

Throughout the interview, Triple H maintained that while internet feedback exists, WWE places greater emphasis on tangible metrics like arena reactions and merchandise sales when evaluating performer success.