As Paul “Triple H” Levesque continues to lead WWE’s creative direction, speculation about who might succeed him is increasingly intense behind the scenes. With “The Game” having taken over the reins after Vince McMahon’s retirement, the next transition at the creative helm is a hot topic among WWE insiders and fans alike. Recent reports and industry whispers highlight several strong potential candidates vying to shape the future of one of pro wrestling’s biggest global brands.
Leading Contenders: Brian Gewirtz and The Rock’s Influence
According to Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, two primary names have emerged backstage as frontrunners to replace Triple H. The first is Brian Gewirtz, a former WWE writer known for his close collaboration with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who now serves on WWE’s parent company TKO’s Board of Directors. Gewirtz is highly regarded for his writing acumen and reportedly enjoys strong support among creative executives due to both his storytelling abilities and corporate connections.
The second heavyweight in the discussions is The Rock himself. Despite no formal announcement about taking over creative, his position on the TKO Board and recent visible influence over WWE’s product make him an undeniable player. Multiple backstage sources confirm that The Rock has had a noticeable impact behind the scenes, from helping set up major storylines like John Cena’s heel turn to stirring up the main event landscape around WrestleMania 40. Some insiders believe The Rock’s presence signals he could eventually challenge Triple H’s creative authority or even succeed him if circumstances align.
An anonymous WWE insider shared with PWMania:
“The Rock’s involvement isn’t just a cameo or a fan service. There’s genuine corporate interest in his vision. If Triple H ever steps aside, The Rock is right there in the mix as a top contender — but it won’t be an easy transition politically or creatively.” [5]
Wrestlers Eyeing the Creative Chair: Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Beyond
Apart from executives and legends, several current WWE talent are seen as potential future heads of creative, reflecting a possible shift toward having in-ring performers shape storytelling from the front office.
Cody Rhodes, praised for his knowledge of backstage operations and strategic mind, is frequently mentioned as one of the best candidates. Rhodes himself joked in an ESPN Unsportsmanlike interview about being “the best candidate,” yet humbly acknowledged stars like CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Bayley as viable options who could bring fresh perspectives. Cody highlighted Punk’s aptitude for developing young talent, a key skill WWE looks for in creative leadership.
WWE fans and insiders often speculate a post-wrestling role for such seasoned stars, as their firsthand experience in the locker room and fan pulse is considered invaluable. As one backstage source noted:
“Cody’s rise isn’t just about his work in the ring. Management sees him as someone who understands both the business and the fans. He could be a unifying force if given the creative reins.” [1][2]
Political Dynamics: The Power Struggle with The Rock
Triple H’s tenure as head of creative has not been without controversy or challenges, including recent public tensions with The Rock. While The Rock’s ties to TKO (WWE’s governing parent company) suggest corporate backing, Triple H currently holds the official authority as Chief Content Officer and head of creative.
Industry observers point out the delicate power dynamic between these two icons:
- Triple H is a longtime WWE executive who built NXT into a critical developmental brand and ushered in a new era on the main roster.
- The Rock is a global superstar with mainstream media influence and a direct seat on the company’s board, giving him indirect creative input.
Should these tensions escalate, it could hasten a leadership change or at least a restructuring of WWE’s storytelling hierarchy. Sources close to the company mention that with WrestleMania major events influenced by The Rock’s vision and other board-level interests, creative decisions are increasingly collaborative yet politically charged.
Other Potential Candidates and Future Directions
Beyond Gewirtz, The Rock, and top stars like Rhodes, the list of possible successors includes WWE writers, producers, and even select former wrestlers who have demonstrated creative aptitude. The evolving role of head of creative may also change — blending traditional storytelling oversight with corporate strategic content planning, especially as WWE expands into streaming and digital platforms.
Industry watchers speculate that a future leader will need to balance the following:
- Improving long-term storyline coherence to address fan criticisms of dragged-out plots.
- Giving new stars a chance to shine and expanding women’s wrestling prominence.
- Integrating WWE’s legacy acts with fresh corporate media initiatives under TKO.
As the wrestling world waits, sources emphasize no immediate changes are expected but that WWE is quietly preparing for the eventual era beyond Triple H. One creative team member commented:
“Triple H’s legacy is secure, but WWE’s always thinking ahead. There are a few talented people ready and waiting; when the time comes, it’s going to be an intense but exciting transition.” [5]
What This Means for WWE Fans
For WWE enthusiasts, the question of who will take over creative leadership after Triple H carries major implications. Each potential successor brings a different philosophy toward storytelling and talent utilization:
| Candidate | Strengths | Potential Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Gewirtz | Strong writer, corporate ties via The Rock | Less public wrestling background |
| The Rock | Mainstream appeal, board-level influence | Possible conflicts with existing team |
| Cody Rhodes | In-ring insight, backstage knowledge | Balancing wrestling with executive role |
| CM Punk | Talent development, fresh creative ideas | Historically outspoken, polarizing |
| Seth Rollins | Experience as a top star, modern perspective | Limited executive experience |
Ultimately, WWE’s creative future depends on how well these candidates handle both the crafting of compelling storylines and the internal politics of a sprawling global entertainment business.
As of now, Triple H remains firmly in charge of WWE’s creative vision, but the backstage buzz indicates that a new generation of leaders is being groomed. Fans can expect intense discussions and strategic maneuvering behind the scenes as WWE prepares for the next chapter in its evolution.