#4 Triple H “fires” Vince McMahon: July 18, 2011
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The Summer of Punk storyline not only propelled The Best in the World to the top of WWE, it also saw the owner lose his spot on TV. In what was a very surprising moment, Triple H came to the ring on Raw and relieved Vince McMahon of his duties.
McMahon’s erratic behaviour following Punk’s ascension to the WWE Championship brought on the change, as the company’s board of directors was backed into a corner. McMahon wanted John Cena fired because of the title loss, but The Game disagreed.
The two men were in tears as the spot took place, and fans went from shock to respect. They recognised just how good Vince and Triple H were, and how much they allowed themselves to be absorbed in the moment. For perhaps the first time, reality crept up on Vince as WWE was preparing for what was coming.
As Triple H becomes more immersed in the daily grind of running WWE, it’s becoming obvious that only a new vision will carry the company forward. The rise of NXT, the rebirth of the women’s division and the return of the cruiserweights, are all signs that progress is indeed being made.
Vince McMahon will surely always be attached to his company, but Hunter is the heir apparent. The tearful promo between them could be viewed as a symbolic passing of the torch, or at least a statement by WWE that change is the only constant in the company.
McMahon obviously did return and has been part of storylines since this promo, but the impact it had on fans at the time cannot be denied. It was much more than just a spot on Raw; it was a sign of things to come for WWE and for the fans that love it.
