WWE News Dot Net Exclusive: The backstage influence of Shawn Michaels and Triple H Mar 18, 2008 - 11:08 AM Email This Article | Printer Friendly Page Send Us News & Results | Back to Main Listing Triple H and Shawn Michaels continue to wield more power than any other wrestlers in the company. Undertaker has a lot of stroke, but he doesn’t get involved in the creative process like Hunter and Michaels do. All sources say Triple H is protective of his spot, but some also credit him with reeling Vince McMahon in and eliminating the campy toilet humor the writers include because they know it appeals to his sense of humor. Although Hunter has more than his fair share of detractors, one source described him as “an asset to the company” and stated that he’ll never get credit he deserves because he married the boss’s daughter. The same source added that Michaels comes across neutral during meetings and doesn’t let his insecurities shine through like Hunter does at times. The flip side is that another source who has been involved with Hunter and Michaels during meetings says there is nothing magnanimous about the way they conduct themselves. And all sources seem to share the assumption that most of the “heavy hitting” Hunter does is behind closed doors with McMahon. The most notable example of Triple H burying anyone publicly occurred when Chris Jericho came back after a long hiatus and Hunter openly mocked the “save us” aspect of his return gimmick. Powell’s POV: For all the complaints there are about Hunter and Michaels, they are also viewed by some in the office as the only wrestlers willing and powerful enough to voice their concerns with the overall product. The most definitely have their share of detractors, but it's good to hear from both sides of the debate. Vince loves to challenge people and Hunter is not excluded from that just because he’s family. Hunter’s poker face is said to be legendary. He’s notorious for staring down and pretending to take notes during the meetings—particularly when Vince tries to push his buttons just to see how he’ll react. Hunter and Michaels remain unpopular with many wrestlers and there is definitely a group of upper-mid-card performers who are waiting for them and Undertaker to step aside so that they can take control of the locker room. However, there are no signs that this transition will occur anytime soon. Michaels is said to be enjoying his part-time schedule and likes the fact that his children get to see him perform, and Hunter and Taker could potentially win World Titles at WrestleMania 24. News Usage Policy HELP SUPPORT DOT NET! BECOME A MEMBER AT OUR CHARTER RATE OF JUST $5 A MONTH - GET THE FIRST LOOK AT EXCLUSIVE INSIDER DOT NET NEWS, TONS OF EXCLUSIVE AUDIO SHOWS, MESSAGE BOARD ACCESS, START YOUR OWN BLOG, AD-FREE MAIN LISTING: SIGN ME UP (or MORE INFO) GOT AN IPHONE OR IPOD TOUCH? THEN BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD OUR NEW FREE iPhone APP: (click here!) (or SEARCH "pro wrestling" in iTunes App Store) FOR MORE BREAKING WWE & TNA NEWS AND COMMENTARY, VISIT OUR AFFILIATE PWTORCH.COM (click here!) FOR MORE MMA & UFC NEWS AND COMMENTARY, VISIT OUR AFFILIATE MMATORCH.COM (click here!) CLICK TO RETURN TO DOT NET MAIN LISTING OR SELECT A LINK BELOW FROM THIS CATEGORY WWE News Latest Twelve Articles Jim Ross shoots down talk that he's targeting WrestleMania 26 for his return, comments on his current contractual status with WWE Shore's WWE Superstars Hitlist: Shelton Benjamin vs. Zack Ryder, Eric Escobar (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. Jimmy Wang Yang, and Mark Henry vs. Cody Rhodes 11/20 WWE Smackdown preview: The complete lineup for tonight's show headlined by Undertaker and Kane vs. Chris Jericho and Big Show, plus a hot Intercontinental Title match (no spoilers) 11/20 WWE Smackdown spoilers: Full results of the show that airs tonight with John Morrison defending the Intercontinental Title against Dolph Ziggler in a best of three falls match (spoilers) Where Are They Now: Former WWE wrestler Duke "The Dumpster" Droese WWE "ECW on Syfy" rating: How did the return of C.M. Punk to the Tuesday night show perform in the ratings?