Triple H's 2002 Madison Square Garden WWE return

WWE icon Triple H announced his retirement after 30 years in the sport in the week, and in the days that have followed, people have been sharing their fondest memories of The Game.

He revealed the news on ESPN’s First Take on Friday, confirming that he won’t be wrestling again due to the health scare he had last year. 

Triple H’s career began in World Championship Wrestling in 1990 and he went on to make his WWE debut five years later. 

A career jam-packed with success, Triple H won 14 world championships and was awarded a place in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019 as part of D-Generation X.

On May 21, 2001, Triple H and Stone Cold Steve Austin partnered up to face Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit in a tag team encounter. While his teammate was locked in the Walls of Jericho, Triple H went to break the hold, but tore his quad in the process.

Remarkably, he managed to finish the contest despite not being able to walk properly.

However, one of the most iconic moments in WWE, let alone just his career, took place on January 7, 2002.

Triple H, whose real name is Paul Levesque, made a highly awaited return after being out of action for eight months.

The lights dimmed and the crowd were put on the edge of their seats. Suddenly, a classic ‘The Game’ theme song boomed around Madison Square Garden. Kitted in double denim and hair slicked back with sweat and water, Triple H reintroduced himself in a memorable manner. 

To top it off, Triple H went on to win the Royal Rumble match.

Triple H’s return in 02’ at MSG is still one of the coldest returns in wrestling history. Thanks for the memories man pic.twitter.com/XfEM3T5HGD

On his return, Triple H said: “It was great. You know, it’s hard to put into words the journey that I was on at