WWE Legend Triple H Details Sledgehammer Injury Incident

By Andrew Ravens‎

Contributing Sports Writer

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Triple H, like many celebrated performers, became synonymous with a particular weapon during his extensive WWE career. For the Hall of Famer, that iconic weapon became the distinctive sledgehammer. His initial use of the signature tool began unexpectedly during a storyline rivalry.

He used the sledgehammer for the first time to smash a coffin that The Rock was inside. This dramatic moment immediately made the tool a regular part of his heel persona. The weapon simply became synonymous with him following that initial segment.

Triple H was asked about the use of the sledgehammer during a recent interview with Complex. He revealed that while he often used real hammers, he would sometimes use a specific prop version for safety during risky spots. Ironically, the only time he ever injured an opponent with the weapon was when he attempted to use the supposedly safe, gimmicked version. This painful incident occurred during a memorable segment involving The Undertaker.

The intended spot was set up to feature The Undertaker preparing to hit his finisher, The Last Ride powerbomb. Triple H was supposed to grab the hammer on the way up, but they worried about the weight of the actual tool.

Triple H explained his routine for picking the correct weapon: “To be honest, I just used whatever hammer was available. I used it one time because I ended up smashing a coffin with it that Rock was in, and then it just became synonymous with me after that.” He continued, “Over the years used various ones. I did not like using every now and then- they’d have a prop one or something.”

He detailed the setup for the botched move: “Ironically, the only time I ever injured anybody with the hammer was with Taker and we were going to- I believe it was WrestleMania. He was going to put me up for The Last Ride and I was going to grab the hammer on the way up.”

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The wrestler explained the failed safety measure they implemented for that segment: “But we were so afraid that could I get all the way up there and still use it? So we used a gimmicked sledgehammer that had like a foam head because it was much lighter.”

The light prop failed dramatically when the move was executed. “When I went up top and hit him in the head with it, I held on to the foam part to protect him, and the handle went all the way through the foam part and cut him from like here to here.”

Triple H had no immediate idea that he had severely injured his opponent. “I hit him. I had no idea. He went down. When I came up, he was bleeding. I was like, holy shit, what happened? He was just covered,” he recalled. This bizarre and ironic accident remains one of the most memorable stories involving the legendary weapon.

Triple H is currently serving as WWE’s Chief Content Officer, focusing heavily on creative and talent relations for the promotion. He continues to make significant strategic decisions, including plans for the upcoming Elimination Chamber 2026 Premium Live Event in Chicago. The CCO was recently inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025 as an individual performer, celebrating his impressive, championship-filled career.

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