JBL praises Triple H’s mainstream media presence while reflecting on WWE’s evolution under TKO, comparing it to Vince McMahon’s more private, old-school mindset.
As WWE moves forward under the TKO banner, Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque has emerged as a more public-facing leader, regularly appearing across mainstream media platforms—a departure from the path taken by longtime chairman Vince McMahon. WWE Hall of Famer JBL recently addressed this shift on the Something To Wrestle podcast with host Conrad Thompson.
Thompson highlighted Triple H’s recent appearances on major platforms like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Andrew Schulz’s podcast, asking JBL if such visibility is essential for today’s WWE. JBL acknowledged the changing media landscape and contrasted Levesque’s approach with McMahon’s guarded nature.
“Vince didn’t want to do that,” JBL explained. “Vince came from such an old school that when you go in front of a reporter, you really regarded that they’re going to take some type of veiled shot at you, and you were waiting for it… At least that was our mindset.”
JBL was quick to compliment Triple H’s media savvy, calling him an outstanding representative of the company. “He’s fantastic,” JBL said. “He does the rare thing in interviews—he listens and actually answers the questions. He is so freaking smart.”
According to JBL, having a leader like Triple H who is willing and able to engage with media outlets offers WWE a major advantage. “You’ve got a guy that’s running everything that can actually get in front of the microphone… and that is a good representative of WWE,” he added.
The conversation also touched on Triple H’s willingness to break down barriers and speak openly about behind-the-scenes matters, including interactions with talents like CM Punk. JBL admitted that while he’s “mixed” on the openness due to his old-school mentality, he recognizes its potential value. “I know enough to be open to it that maybe this is what’s best,” he said.
Thompson compared WWE’s current media strategy to how people discuss major TV series, emphasizing the company’s increased alignment with Hollywood entertainment. JBL agreed, noting WWE’s current success with ticket sales and revenue. “They’re doing big money, so they’re doing everything right.”
Still, JBL stressed the enduring importance of mystique in professional wrestling. He cited Brock Lesnar’s limited interviews and commitment to character as proof that maintaining some secrecy can be beneficial. He also pointed to the recent Charlotte Flair–Tiffany Stratton angle, particularly their fan-filmed parking lot brawl, as an example of how wrestling can still blur the lines between fiction and reality.
Ultimately, JBL believes that Triple H’s articulate, thoughtful, and engaging media presence is a significant asset for WWE as the company continues to grow its public image and appeal to wider audiences.
JBL Praises Triple H’s Mainstream Media Presence, Compares It to Vince McMahon’s Old-School Approach
