Monday Night RAW’s Netflix debut on January 6 marked the latest push for WWE’s “New Era,” led by Triple H. Since taking over as Head of Creative in 2022, Triple H has drawn praise for revitalizing WWE but faced criticism for overexposing himself and overusing the “New Era” branding.
WWE Veteran Stevie Richards voiced his concerns on The Stevie Richards Show, particularly about Triple H’s extensive involvement and the potential dilution of the “New Era” message.
“Triple H was doing this at WrestleMania last year, constantly talking about ‘New Era, New Era, New Era’ all the way through. Ever since Vince left in, what was it, January 2024, that’s all this has been. But now, on the biggest platforms—WrestleMania, RAW, Netflix’s debut—this is where he’s really driving it home that Vince is gone. But if everything is the ‘New Era,’ it’s like Dixie Carter’s deal where every month something was supposed to change the face of wrestling. If everything’s the new era, then nothing’s the new era.”
Richards also criticized Triple H’s frequent appearances on WWE programming, despite being unable to wrestle due to medical issues. He cited examples, such as Triple H’s involvement in angles with Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, where no physical payoff is possible.
“And dare I say, Triple H has been everywhere. I’ve seen posts online—14, 15 different things—and it’s all about Triple H. This is still my theory: these guys, at any level, cannot let go. Triple H obviously can’t perform because of his medical issues, but I keep going back to the Saturday Night’s Main Event thing.
Why is it that after the Cody stuff and the package piledriver—which everybody has forgotten about—Cody was able to just hit a diamond cutter and not get any heat? We’ll get to the no heat on this show whatsoever. But then Triple H and Kevin Owens get into a shoving match after he lays out Cody. There’s this weird thing where Hunter keeps interjecting himself into angles, but there’s no payoff because he can’t get physical in the ring.”
Richards likened Triple H’s involvement to independent wrestling promoters making themselves the focal point of their shows, suggesting it could harm WWE’s product and counter its attempts to move past Vince McMahon’s legacy.
“It’s like… you talk about money marks? This feels like a promoter putting himself on top of an indie show. Everywhere you turn, it’s Triple H. And if they’re trying to stick it to Vince with all this, they’re only damaging the product themselves.”
While fans appreciate Triple H’s creative direction, Richards’ critique highlights a potential overreach that could undermine WWE’s efforts to redefine itself in the post-McMahon era.
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