During a recent episode of Grilling JR, Jim Ross shot down the idea that Triple H was influential in keeping Austin out of the top spot in 2002. Here’s what he had to say:
I think a lot of guys felt, there’s a similar philosophy, or feeling, that Triple H is taking advantage of his dating the boss’ daughter as the reason that he was getting a great push.
I can’t buy into that. I’m buying into the fact that he was dating the boss’ daughter, so be it. I used to tell Joanie that. ‘Joanie, I can’t legislate who somebody dates, he doesn’t want to be with you anymore.’ And then she’d start crying. Like Fred Gwynne on The Munsters. God bless her. She was so distraught. Another goddamn element to deal with in talent relations. I just don’t think he would do that.
I think he wanted to be the top guy, but if he didn’t want to be the top guy, then something is wrong with Triple H. Anybody on the roster, if you’re not there to be the top guy, then why the fuck are you here? Are you going to be content with your lot in life because that’s where you perceive is as high as you can go so I’m not going to work any harder. He worked very hard to get better, he was an excellent babyface, he’s a better heel. And I think in today’s climate, where he’s such an influential player in WWE, people take today’s rules of being a power broker and they put it into yesterday’s storyline.
I’m just telling you, he did not have even an iota of the stroke then that he obviously had subsequently and especially today. So I don’t go for that one. I know it’s convenient and Triple H and Vince, they’re very polarizing figures as we both know, but I don’t think Triple H would do that because I just don’t believe that he’s that kind of guy. I know he’s a businessman, I know he’s hard edged, he’s learned that from Vince, all power brokers, all head honchos in pro-wrestling that I’ve ever worked for in 40+ years, have been strong handed. Every one of them. No different.
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Credit: Grilling JR. H/T 411Mania.