In a night filled with nostalgia and celebration, WWE honored one of its most iconic figures, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, during the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 induction ceremony held at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. Triple H, a 14-time world champion and a key architect of WWE's creative direction, was inducted by his longtime friend and colleague, Shawn Michaels, in a heartfelt ceremony that also recognized other wrestling legends.
The evening was hosted by Michael Cole and Pat McAfee, who set the tone for the festivities by sharing personal anecdotes from their experiences in the wrestling world. Cole reminisced about his childhood watching WWWF and attending the early WrestleMania events, expressing how being part of the Hall of Fame ceremony was the greatest honor of his career.
Triple H’s induction was the highlight of the night, marked by a touching video montage that showcased his illustrious career, from his early days as Hunter Helmsley to his transformation into the beloved character Triple H. Michaels, known for his emotional speeches, delivered a stirring introduction, reflecting on their decades-long friendship and partnership. He humorously remarked, “If you think the reign of terror from 2002 to 2005 was tough, try working for him now,” before expressing his deep admiration for Triple H.
As Triple H took the stage, he was met with thunderous applause from the audience, which included his family and friends. In his speech, he expressed gratitude to numerous individuals who shaped his career, including his parents, sister Lynn, and his wife, Stephanie McMahon. He acknowledged Vince McMahon, describing their relationship as “complicated,” but emphasized the invaluable lessons he learned from him. “When there’s somebody that helps you propel that far, you owe them so much,” he said, praising McMahon as both a mentor and a father figure.
Throughout his heartfelt address, Triple H shared stories from his journey, highlighting the influence of his mentors, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Killer Kowalski, and the importance of his time in WCW and WWE. He credited the success of NXT, the developmental brand he created, for nurturing young talent like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Becky Lynch. “It’s the fountain of youth. It brought back my passion,” he noted, reflecting on his role in shaping the future of wrestling.
Triple H also paid tribute to his fellow inductees, which included Lex Luger, Michelle McCool, and the legendary tag team, The Natural Disasters, alongside the recognition of the iconic WrestleMania 13 match between Bret Hart and Steve Austin, introduced by CM Punk. The memorialization of this match was a significant moment, as it is often regarded as a turning point in WWE history.
Lex Luger’s induction was another poignant moment of the night, presented by Diamond Dallas Page. Luger shared an emotional narrative of his life, from his highs as a wrestling star to the lows of his personal struggles. “I’ve gone from the penthouse to the jail to no house,” he stated, expressing gratitude for the support of those who stood by him during his darkest times.
Michelle McCool, recognized for her contributions to women’s wrestling, was inducted by her husband, Mark Callaway, better known as The Undertaker. McCool shared a powerful story about her health struggles, revealing that she has been dealing with kidney and liver issues for 25 years. “I’ve been through a lot, but I’m still standing,” she declared, earning a standing ovation from the audience.
The Natural Disasters, comprising Earthquake and Typhoon, were also honored, with their families accepting the accolades on their behalf. The ceremony celebrated their legacy as one of the most formidable tag teams in WWE history, and the emotional tributes highlighted the impact they had on the wrestling landscape.
In a particularly memorable segment, Bret Hart and Steve Austin unveiled a statue commemorating their legendary WrestleMania 13 match, solidifying its status as an immortal moment in wrestling history. Both superstars reflected on the match’s significance and the narrative it created within WWE.
Ivan Koloff was recognized with the Legacy Award, celebrating his lasting impact on wrestling, particularly noted for ending Bruno Sammartino's long reign as champion, a moment that echoed through the annals of wrestling history.
As the evening concluded, Triple H’s statue was unveiled, a tribute to his contributions and legacy within WWE. In typical fashion, he humorously remarked about the statue’s exaggerated features, particularly its nose, adding a lighthearted touch to the emotional proceedings.
With WrestleMania 41 just around the corner, the Hall of Fame ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the rich history and legacy of WWE, honoring those who paved the way for future generations. As fans and wrestlers alike celebrated the night, it was clear that Triple H's induction was not just a personal triumph but a testament to the enduring spirit of wrestling.
