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Triple H was a great champion because people wanted to see him foiled, and he always wrestled good matches.
The fans knew this. Why else do you think they gave him the ovation that they did upon his return in 2002?
People might not have been coming to see him like they did The Rock and Austin, but they were coming to see those guys get their hands on him.
He had tremendous heat, and was able to provide matches worthy of their money.
That's a draw. That's always been the business.
He was a shaky champion at first, no doubt. He floundered, but by the end of that year he was able to establish his heel character and by the time his feud with Foley and The Rock were underway, it was off to the races.
It just took a few months to get going, but it was an important transition in the company with Taker and Austin out for a year.
That's why I get a little frustrated when the WWE doesn't extend other first time champions that same confidence. Even though HHH was shaky, he was the focus of the main event and the top guy. They gave him time to right the ship.
With others, they often give up on them before granting them real time, and they never even place them at the top of the pile to begin with.
They give them the belt, but then continue to book them in the upper-midcard while the top dogs stay in the actual main event. What's the point?
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