WWE: Triple H’s 2002 return remains the greatest of all time

It might be over 20 years old this week but Triple H’s 2002 return remains the greatest in WWE history.

The Game is obviously one of the all-time greats in WWE but his return eight months after a devastating torn quadricep injury is possibly the absolute peak of his career, regardless of the 14 World titles he won. It simply was that damn good (to steal a saying of his from the time).

That the return took place in the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, made it all the better.

Triple H went from major heel to the hottest babyface

Prior to his injury layoff, Triple H was the most detested heel on the roster and had been for near two years. Already aligned with Stephanie and Vince McMahon, he had recently formed the two-man power trip with Stone Cold Steve Austin after his own shocking heel turn.

Respect and admiration for Triple H grew during his time away, aided by knowledge of his injury being sustained mid match and him continuing on, even allowing Chris Jericho to place him in the Walls of Jericho. Rehab videos featuring U2’s “Beautiful Day” track also allowed fans to see the man behind the character, and his relentless passion for the business.

Still, it was slightly shocking to see the level of fandom he received upon return. It has since been seen numerous times with other heel wrestlers who return as heroes such is the buzz – Charlotte Flair being the latest. It’s safe to say The Game started this trend.

Take a look at the mega return below (shared on Twitter by @2000s_WWE)

VIDEO: Triple H’s mega return in 2002 The pop is absolutely incredible

The pop off the crowd is legitimately incredible, and as JR references it’s “as loud as any sustained roar” he has ever heard in MSG. He isn’t even lying. Everything about it feels so big time, from the epic Motorhead entrance track to The Game somehow making double denim seem badass.

The roar when Triple H does his famous spit is unbelievable and told you how much the WWE fans revered and respected the former dastardly heel, in the process making him the biggest babyface in the company instantly.

These sentiments are echoed in comments left on the thread.

Triple H Triple H Triple H What happened next?

Triple H capped off his return with a Royal Rumble win a few weeks later, last eliminating Kurt Angle. Now cemented as a full blown babyface, he “divorced” Stephanie and eventually defeated Chris Jericho for the Undisputed title at WrestleMania 18.

See more: 12 best WWE returns of all time

Could Cody Rhodes do something similar over the coming weeks and months? He has always said Triple H was his hero, and he is the Head of Creative now after all…

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