Former WWF Commentator Kevin Kelly revealed how a storyline pitch he and his wife created led to significant real-life consequences in the World Wrestling Federation.
In the late 1990s, Triple H and Chyna were dating, but the storyline paved the way for Triple H to begin a real-life relationship with Stephanie McMahon, ultimately leading to Chyna’s departure from the company.
Kelly shared on Hannibal TV that the idea emerged from his and his wife’s love for soap operas. At the time, Stephanie was engaged to Test in a WWE storyline. Kelly’s wife suggested a dramatic twist where Triple H would disrupt the wedding and marry Stephanie instead.
Inspired, Kelly pitched the concept, which involved Stephanie being drugged or dazed during the ceremony, unknowingly marrying Triple H instead of Test. The reveal would come when Triple H smugly declared his victory, shocking everyone.
Kelly sent the idea to Vince McMahon and others, receiving immediate praise from Vince, who called it “great”. Shane McMahon also expressed enthusiasm. Though the WWF modified some details, the core idea was used, creating one of the most memorable storylines in company history.
What Kelly didn’t foresee was the storyline’s real-life fallout. Triple H and Stephanie began dating during the angle, leading to the end of Triple H’s relationship with Chyna.
This shift had a lasting impact on WWE, with Stephanie eventually gaining significant backstage influence and Triple H becoming a key figure in the company.
Here’s what Kelly said:
“What actually happened, though, was different. Triple H and Stephanie fell in love for real. Chyna got her heart broken for real. The business took a major turn as Stephanie gained more power in WWF, eventually heading the writing team, and Triple H got more influence too. It ended up being more impactful than the original idea, but they did it their way.
Vince’s response to my email was immediate. I had copied Vince, Shane, Kevin Dunn, Jim Ross, and others, as I had done with 20 or 30 other ideas before. Vince was the first to reply, and his email, in all caps, just said, ‘THAT’S GREAT SH*T!’
Shane, who was in charge of creative at the time and working just down the hall, came into my office. He poked his head in and said, ‘Dude, that idea is sick. I love it.’ They ended up tweaking it, but the core idea stayed the same.
Little did I know, though, that messing with real relationships would have such an impact. I didn’t know it would break up Triple H and Chyna in real life or that one of the biggest stories in WWF history would affect the industry so much.
And yet, here we are. Triple H and Stephanie are still together today, with three kids, and it all started because my wife and I love soap operas.”
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