In recent years, Paul “Triple H” Levesque has been at the helm of WWE’s creative direction, steering the company through major storylines and talent development as the head of creative. However, with inevitable changes always on the horizon, fans and insiders alike are speculating about who might step into Triple H’s shoes when his tenure ends. WWE legend JBL has added his voice to this conversation, pinpointing Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes as the two most likely successors to carry forward WWE’s creative legacy.
During an insightful episode of the popular podcast Something to Wrestle, JBL shared a compelling perspective on the future of WWE’s creative leadership, notably praising Rollins for his instincts and strategic approach backstage. “Seth is so good at what he does,” JBL said, emphasizing Rollins’ role as a standout contributor in creative meetings. “There’s always one guy that always talks in these meetings. Seth is that guy. He has a great mind for the business and you can see that in everything he does”[2].
JBL drew a comparison between Rollins and legendary producer Michael P.S. Hayes, who similarly exerted strong creative influence during JBL’s own days in the wrestling business. Hayes has been integral behind the scenes in WWE for years, helping mold storylines and matchmaking alongside Triple H. “Seth is the same,” JBL continued. “I’ve sat there in meetings with him… they all cede to Seth, because he’s a really smart guy and he’s really sharp at what he does. So yes, I can see that happening”[2]. Given this endorsement, it’s clear JBL envisions Rollins as a natural fit for stepping into the creative leadership role in the post-Triple H era.
Meanwhile, JBL also highlighted Cody Rhodes as a potential successor, though with less elaboration. Rhodes, a former WWE World Champion, significantly enhanced his reputation outside WWE by helping launch AEW, working behind the scenes to build an entire promotion before returning to WWE in 2022. His long-term industry experience combined with in-ring star power makes him another credible candidate for leadership. Sources close to Cody have hinted that his experiences both in and out of WWE have equipped him with a broad understanding of wrestling business dynamics and storytelling[2].
JBL’s praise for Triple H himself was equally strong, recognizing the unique skill set Triple H brought to his dual role as talent and creative lead. On Something to Wrestle, JBL noted Triple H shares a rare ability with Vince McMahon to multitask with strategic brilliance in meetings, compartmentalizing various facets of the business while providing precise and influential creative input. “I’d see Vince… he’d pause and I would tell guys, ‘When you get done don’t keep talking. Vince is going to pause for a minute, it’s going to be uncomfortable. And then he’s going to give you an answer.’ And I see Hunter almost do the same thing and come up with an answer that’s just better”[4]. This kind of leadership skill will be difficult to replace, making the rise of a new creative visionary a critical moment for WWE’s future.
Industry insiders have speculated on the evolving creative landscape of WWE as Triple H’s influence deepens, especially following Vince McMahon’s exit. While some commentators, including former writer Vince Russo, have floated the idea of Hollywood star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson getting involved behind the scenes in a leadership capacity, JBL’s focus remains steered toward internal talent who have both creative passion and industry understanding[1][2].
WWE’s own official statements have not clarified any timeline for Triple H’s transition out of his leadership role. However, backstage sentiment and podcast discussions suggest careful grooming is underway to prepare top talent like Rollins and Rhodes for future backstage creative demands. One WWE insider told Fightful, “Both Seth and Cody have shown hunger to help craft storylines, and were involved more in the booking process under Triple H’s watch than many realize. They’re being positioned for big roles soon” (source Fightful Wrestling, 2025).
JBL’s viewpoint echoes a growing trend of WWE stars expanding beyond their in-ring personas to become key creative decision-makers, reflecting the company’s need to blend storytelling with athleticism and audience engagement. The endorsement from a seasoned veteran like JBL adds weight to the belief that WWE’s next generation of leaders won’t just wear the title of star but will also shape the product’s creative heart.
As WWE navigates its post-Vince McMahon era and Triple H’s eventual departure, one thing is clear: Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes stand out as the dominant figures being considered to fulfill that monumental role. Whether JBL’s prediction will materialize remains to be seen, but his insight certainly adds an exciting chapter to the ongoing conversation about WWE’s future behind the scenes.
If quoting this article, please credit “Something to Wrestle” podcast for JBL’s remarks, with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for transcription.