It is pretty well known by now that Triple H’s shocking appearance through the crowd, duly attacking both Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, was the reason behind Kevin Owens capturing the WWE Universal Title in the first place.
And in keeping with that, everyone almost took it for granted that Triple H would be appearing at Clash of Champions to ensure that his new golden boy would retain the title against his former protege, Seth Rollins.
But as it would turn out, there was no sign of Triple H throughout the show, as Kevin Owens somehow managed to hold on to the Universal Title and close out what was a highly satisfying pay-per-view event.
With the twist at the end leaving more questions than answers, we take a look at 5 reasons why Triple H may not have chosen to make his presence felt at the Clash of Champions.
#5 To build up the Jericho-Owens angle
Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens have been bandying themselves as ‘best friends’, but anyone who has watched pro-wrestling for a respectable period of time can forsee that a combustible break-up is a matter of when and not if.
Allowing Chris Jericho to come out and run interference for Kevin Owens allows the WWE to organically feed that angle, so that the eventual feud doesn't come out of the blue when the WWE choose to pull the trigger on it.
Had Triple H come out, the WWE would have missed out on an important facet of their relationship – that of Jericho helping Owens retain his title; something Chris Jericho will be no doubt reminding Owens about in the near future.
#4 To ensure a slow build for a Triple H – Seth Rollins angle
This match between master and disciple has been touted to be a shoo-in for WrestleMania 33, and with good reason. The intrinsic narrative is already present for a match, but it is imperative that the WWE doesn’t mess up the build to the encounter.
Keeping Triple H from TV on Clash of Champions, therefore, is a prudent move all things considered.
That way the WWE keep him from interacting with Seth Rollins, which would glean them some leverage to establish long-term storytelling; something that the product has direly missed in the past few years.
It also protects both Triple H and Seth Rollins from being undermined by the other, which only bodes well for the ultimate pay-off for the feud when they do ultimately cross paths.
#3 To involve Stephanie McMahon in the storyline
Stephanie McMahon has, thus far, unfalteringly professed ignorance when quizzed about whether she was in on her husband’s actions in handing Kevin Owens the WWE Universal Title.
But her appearance at the end of the main event involving Owens and Rollins, albeit just to supply the match with a replacement official, was telling nonetheless.
I could almost swear that there was a smirk on her face as she turned away after Kevin Owens pinned Seth Rollins, and even it there wasn’t, involving her officially in the match and the storyline only makes sense since her husband is inextricably tangled it in already.
Could this be the beginning of the reveal that she has been in league with Triple H all along?
#2 To maintain the element of surprise
Since almost everybody was expecting Triple H to surface at some point during the main event, having him no-show the pay-per-view could have just been decided in the interest of maintaining a suspense factor in proceedings.
In today’s dynamic of a rampant IWC and quasi-kayfabe, the WWE not only struggles to deliver believable storylines and engaging characterization to the audience, but also to preserve the element of surprise in their product.
If one examines the situation along those lines, then not having Triple H appear at Clash of Champions makes complete sense, and could work in favour of the WWE in terms of adding a dash of unpredictability to the storyline that is developing.
#1 To boost Raw ratings
Perhaps Triple H not appearing at Clash of Champions is a cleverly conceived ploy by the WWE to allow him to appear the next day on Raw, further singing the praises of and condoning his hand-picked Champion.
That Kevin Owens managed to somehow eke out a victory against Seth Rollins could be proof that Triple H chose right; something that the Game could no doubt re-iterate on Raw. It also allows the WWE to ensure that the audience want to tune in to their flagship show, thereby providing its floundering ratings with a shot in the arm.
Despite not appearing at the pay-per-view, Triple H has left the fans wondering almost as much as they would have had he made his presence felt. And whatever way you look at it, it does smack of sound decision making from the WWE.
Why do you think Triple H didn't interfere in the match between Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins at Clash of Champions?
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