Eric Bischoff Explains Exactly Why Triple H Left WCW For WWE
Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s decision to leave WCW for WWE in 1995 remains a turning point in professional wrestling. During his iconic WWE career, Levesque introduced legendary factions like D-Generation X and Evolution. But behind this monumental shift were financial and logistical hurdles that shaped his path.
On an episode of 83 Weeks, former WCW President Eric Bischoff shared insights into the factors behind Triple H’s departure. Bischoff highlighted WCW’s financial struggles at the time, which left the company unable to retain Levesque.
I really wanted to keep Paul for a variety of reasons, but Paul came along at a really difficult time.
Levesque’s WCW salary was $75,000 annually—about $158,000 in today’s dollars—significantly less than what WWE would offer its top-tier talent. Budget constraints meant WCW couldn’t match future opportunities available to Levesque elsewhere.
I had a very, very limited budget. As much as I wanted to keep Paul, I couldn’t. The budget just wouldn’t sustain it.
Travel logistics further complicated matters. Based outside Atlanta, WCW required talent to either live nearby or absorb their own travel costs. For Levesque, who was not based in Atlanta, this became a sticking point. With WCW’s budget already stretched thin by existing contracts, the situation made his exit inevitable. Looking back, Bischoff saw the move as fortuitous for Levesque.
WCW was just a stepping stone for Paul, it worked out really, really well.
By the time WCW folded in 2001, WWE had acquired its assets, and Levesque had become a cornerstone of the industry.
Had he stuck around for WCW, what could’ve been? Or could not have been. But it worked out in the end.
What Promise Did Triple H Make To WWE Fans?
Triple H made a promise to WWE fans ahead of the company’s move to Netflix in the New Year. With Raw moving to Netflix The Game said that the company will be committed to bringing the biggest stars, the biggest storylines and things that fans have never seen before to the promotion.
H/t to ITRWrestling.com