play
Triple H announces retirement from in-ring competition (2:47)

Triple H tells Stephen A. Smith that he is done performing in the ring after having heart surgery. The song is called "2:47."

1:53 PM ET

Triple H has been in pro wrestling for more than 30 years. On Friday, he announced his retirement on First Take.

Triple H, whose real name is Paul Levesque, started wrestling in 1990 and made his WWE debut in 1995 after two years in World Championship Wrestling. Levesque's career began with a character called "blueblood" that was going by Hunter Hearst Helmsley.

He was in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019. Levesque went into heart failure last September and hasn't performed since.

It's... Levesque, who is also an executive vice president with the company and married to McMahon, said that he has a defibrillator in his chest, which is probably not a good idea for him to get zapped on live TV.

It's... When they put you out for stuff, you think, "Is this it?" He said that it was difficult to swallow and make you think differently.

The news of Triple H's retirement brought out stars from around pro wrestling.

Thank you @TripleH https://t.co/2Rhn18cuuz

— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) March 25, 2022

One of the all time best wrestlers and minds ... congratulations on an iconic in ring run... so glad you're alive and healthy @TripleH https://t.co/I2KKJpGIp5

— Peter Rosenberg (@Rosenbergradio) March 25, 2022

When I was 10 years old I attended my first live event and you were in the main event. You always supported me on my journey since day one in this company. Thank you @TripleH pic.twitter.com/m9qDa5kBEg

— Jessika Carr (@WWELadyRefJess) March 25, 2022

Thank you @TripleH for your guidance, friendship and the opportunities you gave me in #NXT ! Looking forward to seeing your next chapter unfold!

— Beth Copeland (@TheBethPhoenix) March 25, 2022

Thank you for everything you contributed to the game @TripleH. Living legend. 💚

— Carmelo Hayes (@Carmelo_WWE) March 25, 2022

Many things are more important than wrestling matches and it's not like he had things left to accomplish. One hell of a career. All the best to @TripleH, be well and stay healthy. https://t.co/dWrvoA6WA5

— Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) March 25, 2022

Legend!!

— Veer Mahaan (@VeerMahaan) March 25, 2022

Thank you Triple H.

— Mia Yim (@MiaYim) March 25, 2022

Congrats on retiring @TripleH.. Preciate your guidance and always being the guy I can call.. All love! 🙏🏽 https://t.co/ivbfSiAJh6

— Gable Steveson (@GableSteveson) March 25, 2022

Triple H it was an honor to have shared the ring with you. Thank you for the wealth of knowledge you have given to me over the years. Enjoy the extra time you will now have with your girls. #ThankYouTripleH pic.twitter.com/GL5FsadoJJ

— The Miz (@mikethemiz) March 25, 2022

Thank you Triple H for the years of entertainment. You were the driving force behind the CWC, which lead to fulfilling a lifelong dream of working for the WWE. For that, I'm forever grateful.

— Ariya Daivari (@AriyaDaivari) March 25, 2022

He did a lot of things. One of the most incredible things he did is give a room full of dreamers a chance. Thank you @TripleH pic.twitter.com/tNlzOWo3te

— Mustafa Ali / Adeel Alam (@AliWWE) March 25, 2022

From being the reason I started watching @WWE, to the reason I made it further in this business. Thank you for everything @TripleH 🖤💚 pic.twitter.com/z29dZLNMKc

— RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) March 25, 2022

Thank you ⁦@TripleH⁩ for the great memories. pic.twitter.com/P05T3miuxF

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) March 25, 2022