Is WWE Neglecting Veteran Talent Under Triple H’s Era?

In recent years, WWE has undergone a significant shift in its booking philosophy, particularly under the leadership of Triple H. This new direction has opened discussions about whether the company is neglecting its older veteran talent, who once played pivotal roles in WWE.

Take Goldberg, for example. Once a major draw for WWE, Goldberg expressed his desire to have his retirement match in WWE, ideally under Vince McMahon’s leadership. However, when Triple H took over creative control, Goldberg’s contract was not renewed, leaving the Hall of Famer without the farewell he wished. Triple H could have given him his final retirement match.

Bobby Lashley, another veteran and top star, was recently let go by WWE, sparking further concerns. Lashley had been a dominant force in WWE, even capturing the WWE Championship multiple times. He faced this surprising turn under Triple H’s management which questions company commitment to it’s veteran superstars.

Brock Lesnar, a cornerstone of WWE for over a decade, has seen a change in his booking as well. His recent babyface run wasn’t as dominant as in the past, slightly diminishing his character’s aura of invincibility.

Then there’s Randy Orton, a legend in his own, who recently signed a five-year contract extension with WWE. However, his return has been met with disappointing booking decisions. Orton, who was once considered a top main event star, has lost all seven of his Premium Live Event (PLE) matches since his return last year at Survivor Series 2023. The handling of Randy Orton’s character and storylines has been underwhelming. It raises questions about whether WWE is taking him for granted, especially considering his long tenure with the company.

Related: What’s Next for Randy Orton After His Loss to Gunther at WWE Bash in Berlin?

WWE has increasingly focused on building new stars and training younger talents. While this is essential for the company’s future, it has led to less emphasis on veterans who have significantly contributed to WWE’s success over the years.

This isn’t to say that Triple H is entirely neglecting veteran talent, but there’s a noticeable change in their utilization. The primary focus seems to be on pushing fresh faces, with legends taking a back seat, contrasting the days when veterans were at the forefront of major storylines.

As WWE continues to evolve under Triple H, it will be interesting to see how the company balances the need to build new stars with honoring the legacies of its seasoned performers.