The best wrestlers who have had long careers are usually the ones who can change their character when the business evolves. Chris Jericho is often praised for his ability to reinvent himself, but someone else who's managed to stay relevant with the fans is Triple H.
Since his debut in 1992, Hunter Hearst Helmsley has fought his way to the top of the card and managed to not only hold on to his spot but help make some new stars along the way. While not all of his personas have won over fans, they have been memorable none the less.
12 Terror Ryzing
There's a reason that many don't remember this version of Triple H. The name came from Helmsley's mentor and trainer, Killer Kowalski, and managed to secure him a 12-month contract with WCW.
He entered the company as a heel and competed in a few lower-card bouts. However, the name and the gimmick didn't fit, and Ryzing thankfully disappeared forever.
11 The Blue Blood
With the Terror Ryzing gimmick behind him, Jean-Paul Levesque was born. A snotty, blue-blood, upper-class style persona who looked down upon everyone else. The character was so successful that it followed the wrestler to WWE under the new name of Hunter Hearst Helmsley.
Helmsley had some success with the gimmick, including winning the Intercontinental Championship, but the character wasn't enough to push him into the main event.
10 Corporation Stooge
At WrestleMania XV, Triple H took the first step in moving up the card when he turned on his friend and DX member, X-Pac, to join The Corporation.
Surrounded by other main event talents like The Rock, Big Show, and – when the Corporation merged with the Ministry Of Darkness – The Undertaker, Triple H began getting opportunities to compete for the WWE Championship. But because the group was so big, the spotlight couldn't always shine on him.
9 DX Co-Leader
In 2006, Shawn Michaels and Triple H would reunite to form D-Generation X and fight the McMahons and The Spirit Squad. Unlike the first incarnation of the group, Helmsley and Michaels were now equals.
However, they weren't quite as entertaining as the last time. Their goofy antics seemed played out, and they appeared more interested in hocking their merchandise. It got worse with the 2009 reunion, and just sad at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia.
8 DX Underling
After taking his punishment for the Curtain Call incident, Helmsley would join forces with Shawn Michaels, Rick Rude, and Chyna to form D-Generation X. HBK held the position of leader and used the other members as a way to hold on to his WWE Championship and European title.
The group allowed Helmsley to wash himself of the blue blood gimmick and showcase more of his real-life personality.
7 COO
After losing to The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVII, Triple H exchanged his denim jacket for a suit and tie. Taking on the position of Chief Operating Officer, Triple H took responsibility for the hiring and firing of talents.
However, it also allowed some people to push his buttons and force him to get back into the ring. This is exactly what happened with CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, and The Undertaker.
6 The King Of Kings
The King Of Kings persona started to become part of Helmsley during his time in The Authority but consumed his whole identity when he turned his attention to NXT.
Seth Rollins would be the first to challenge for the throne after Helmsley spoiled his opportunity to become Universal Champion. This version of Triple H was positioned as a benchmark for other wrestlers to aim for, but very few were successful.
5 The Authority
As Helmsley became more comfortable with his position as COO, he would form The Authority with his wife Stephanie McMahon, Kane, and The Shield. The group abused their power and were a great heel faction that allowed some new faces to rise up and take their shot at overthrowing The Authority.
Triple H regularly competed when he needed to but would mostly be a mouthpiece for the stable and use his executive team to do his dirty work.
4 Leader Of Evolution
As Triple H began looking to the future, he started to get the itch to create new superstars for WWE. Taking Batista and Randy Orton under his wing and recruiting The Nature Boy Ric Flair, Triple H formed Evolution.
Grabbing all of the gold and celebrating with the finest items money could buy, the brainchild of Helmsley played a big part in ushering in the Ruthless Aggression era.
3 Leader Of DX
With Shawn Michaels booted from the group for failing to defend his WWE Championship against Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania, Triple H took over and recruited X-Pac, Road Dogg, and Billy Gunn to the group.
Becoming the new leader of DX was the best move for Triple H's career, as it helped establish the faction as one of the best in WWE history.
2 The Creator
With Triple H competing less and less in the ring, Helmsley would turn his attention to making new stars in NXT. He did this by bringing in some of the best wrestlers on the independent scene like Finn Balor, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Kevin Owens.
While not all of them have gone to be superstars on the main roster, Triple H has established NXT as a third WWE brand with a loyal fan base.
1 The Game
Triple H kicked off the 2000s by referring to himself as The Game. He wasn't claiming to be the best at a game or in the game. He was the game itself. With Stephanie McMahon by his side, the two would run rampant over WWE for 17 months.
During that time, HHH had several classic bouts with Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mick Foley, and The Rock. At this time, there was no one better in WWE than Triple H, and this persona helped cement his legacy as one of the greatest of all time.