“When you’re out, you start to doubt if the fans still care” – JOE interviews WWE icon Triple H

We played WWE's most famous Game.

His favourite ever WWE match, that unforgettable return in 2002, the fast-growing rise of NXT, and his views on one of the hottest prospects in the WWE - Wicklow's own Finn Bálor. JOE spoke about all of the above with the living WWE legend that is Triple H. The era-transending cerebral assassin, the DX co-founder, the Attitude Era's ultimate heel, the multiple-time WWE Champion and the man behind NXT lived up to his reputation... and more. https://twitter.com/TripleH/status/728649946283401217 Speaking of the latter, Triple H gushed about his baby, NXT; WWE's developmental programme, which has created stars like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dublin's Becky Lynch and, of course, Finn Bálor. NXT is coming to Ireland for the first time in June, taking in Belfast's SSE Arena on June 13 and the 3Arena in Dublin on June 14.

Finn Bálor (pictured) held the NXT Championship for the record number of days - 272.

As The Game himself said, "Trust me, you're not going to want to miss it!" The impact of NXT In a few short years, NXT has gone from a training ground for those with potential to a must-watch wrestling spectacle of its own that regularly cultivates stars. Triple H can take a lot of credit for this evolution.

NXT has a reputation for thrilling matches by wrestlers out to make a name for themselves.

NXT airs on the WWE Network on Wednesdays, with NXT TakeOver occurring every three months. But, fans want more regularly viewings. We asked Triple H if there was any chance of that happening? "We're really happy with the success of NXT", said the man himself. "The shows are absolutely crazy, unmissable and the atmosphere is electric. "As for adding more events, it's kind of a case of leaving the fans wanting more, for the time being." The big tease! Finn Bálor's rapid rise https://youtu.be/e7nEk3tw3t4 Clip via TheusBRHighlightsV5 For those of you who followed WWE growing up, but have lost track over the years, Ireland's own Finn Bálor is seriously worth keeping an eye on. The Bray native is already an icon of sorts from his wrestling days in Japan as Prince Devitt (RTÉ shot a documentary about the star) and since his move to NXT, Bálor is one of the main draws.

Bálor isn't afraid to try the unorthodox.

Surely this means that it's only a matter of time before he makes his WWE bow, Triple H? "The guy is a unique, special talent. At this stage, it's really up to where Finn Bálor wants to go. "There's no doubt, though, that he can be a huge star." Don't rule out the possibility of the Irishman performing at Wrestlemania 2017. And, how do Irish fans rate when it comes to support? Well, Triple H has a soft spot for us... "I've been to Ireland so many times with the WWE and you guys are so passionate, it's unbelievable. "June will be NXT's first time in Ireland, and it's going to be a hell of a show. I promise you." We hope that Finn Bálor - who lost the NXT title after an amazing 272 days as champion - will be in the thick of things.

WWE fans may soon be seeing a lot of the Irish superstar.

Meanwhile, HHH praised the success so far of Ireland's WWE trio - Bálor, Sheamus and Becky Lynch (who has graduated from NXT all the way to Wrestlemania in no time), paying particular tribute to their humble attitude and strong work ethic. This could well inspire more future stars from this country, with Ireland's own CCW organisation growing in strength with each event. ------------------ JOE couldn't end the conversation without mentioning the incredible in-ring career of our interviewee, and the man himself was only too happy to oblige. Right before we talked to Triple H, we re-watched this remarkable return from January 2002 - one of the greatest WWE comebacks in history. Naturally, we asked him about it. https://youtu.be/uRGQugQpjz8 Clip via WWE We wanted to know what was going through his mind at the time... "Oh, man, that was an incredible moment", he enthusiastically responded. "There were so many thoughts and emotions going through my head in that ring (HHH previously talked about crying his eyes out backstage after the cameras stopped rolling)." "I had picked up a serious injury in a match and, when you're out, you start to doubt if the fans still care. It's only human." (skip to 6:30 to see the injury) https://youtu.be/HEWgfpWKitk Clip via Jordon Beheler "But, that (comeback) night was amazing." It really was one of the great moments toward the end of the Attitude Era. Finally, speaking of great moments, we wanted to know what his favourite ever match was... "There are so many throughout the years, but one that definitely springs to mind is Hell In a Cell against The Undertaker at Wrestlemania 28. "With Shawn Michaels as referee, it made the whole experience extra special." https://youtu.be/2PFSn2iMzbg Clip via AndrewBlueRiffle28 "Our embrace at the end of the match just happened naturally. It was just a great match." https://youtu.be/i9jQpKf4hcM Clip via WWE We can't argue with that choice, anyway. Image via wrestlearena If you fancy heading along to the NXT tour (including the Download Festival) of Ireland and the UK, here are the dates: Friday, June 10 – Sunday June 12 – Download Festival, Donington Park, Derby