FSM Archive - WWE Triple-H: Thy Kingdom Come (Issue 99; Nov 2013)

Information: - Blu-ray: Region B - Distributor: Fremantle Media - RRP: £34.99 - Other Info: 475 mins - Release: Out now - Weblink:
WWE DVD

As a result of his status as heir to the WWE throne, it's perhaps surprising that Triple-H has not really received the deluxe home video treatment before now. The 2008 set, King Of Kings, came the closest to doing so, but with Triple-H now established as semi-retired, the timing could not be better for a more complete retrospective.

The main attraction is a two-hour documentary that chronicles the development of Paul Levesque from bodybuilder to pro wrestler to industry power-player. Early footage of his training with Killer Kowalski is superb, and there's a wealth of great input from his parents, particularly in a story that refers to how he got the name "Terra Ryzing".

The documentary manages to find a few new tidbits about Hunter's participation in the notorious MSG "curtain call". Michael Hayes helps Shawn Michaels give Chyna her just deserts, and along with highlights and discussion of 1997's feud with Mick Foley, this is a real highlight of the feature.

Triple-H's 1999 interview with Jim Ross remains shockingly effective, particularly as a base for his more serious persona. There's a great deal of talk of stepping up as WWE champion, but any bumps along the road are sadly glossed over.

Previous releases have delved into Triple-H's quadriceps tear and emotional return, and this set is no different, although it does provide fresh footage of the subsequent rehab. Ric Flair is on hand to talk about Evolution, in some of the more sincere moments of the programme.

BRINGING THINGS UP TO DATE
More recent material unearths a few gems. Behind the scenes peeks at the relationship between Hunter, Shawn Michaels, and The Undertaker following WrestleMania XXVIII are intimate, and especially notable is the sight of an emotional Vince McMahon. Likewise, it's fascinating to hear Triple-H and Randy Orton speak about the disappointment they felt following their abysmally received WrestleMania XXV main event.

Detractors will also find much ammunition here. There is a lot of fawning from the contributors, including The Undertaker. Meanwhile, the vast amount of time dedicated to the relationship between Triple-H and Stephanie is nauseating; between Vince and Linda, Big Show, and the couple themselves, it's an interminable 15 minutes.

The included matches will likely disappoint those seeking to purchase a definitive collection. Instead, we're treated to fascinating curiosities against Ricky Steamboat, Ric Flair and Dude Love. A star-studded tag match with Steve Austin opposite The Undertaker and Kane doesn't live up to the billing, nor does the SummerSlam 2007 return against Booker T. Tussles with Chris Jericho and RVD are decent though oddly perfunctory inclusions.

Removed from the evasive end to their feud, the Unforgiven 2000 scrap with Kurt Angle stands as a compelling battle. Better, though, are exciting efforts against Orton, Michaels, and Jeff Hardy. The true highlight, though, is the astonishing Iron Man match with The Rock from Judgment Day 2000. A much underrated spectacle, this complex epic tells a wonderful story, and illustrates just how good Triple-H was at the peak of his powers.

The Blu-ray also includes a plethora of extra interview snippets, as well as the WrestleMania XXIX scrap with Brock Lesnar - a bout certainly worth revisiting with the benefit of hindsight.

Fans of "The Game" will find this release hugely enjoyable, even if it is missing some of his most vital match-ups. Still, Thy Kingdom Come should help to illustrate the gulf in perception between casual fans and industry workers when it comes to Triple-H.

Cynics will still find much to sneer at, but this release is as deserved as its title, and comes highly recommended.