EXCLUSIVE: Hurricane Helms: Purpose of 2004 Trade Was To Put Over Triple H

Shane Helms said a trade in 2004 showed how WWE viewed Triple H.

A post-draft trade after the 2004 WWE Draft was formed to have Triple H, Chuck Palumbo, and A-Train go to Raw in exchange for Booker T, The Dudley Boys, Rico, and Jackie Gayda. The trade was set-up on television by having Eric Bischoff and Triple H upset about Triple H going to Smackdown. Fightful podcast host Sean Ross Sapp asked Helms if the trade was intended to send a message about Triple H's dominance. 

"I think that's exactly what they were telling people. That wasn't an accident, that was done with intent. That was 'let me explain to the world, Triple H is worth all these other people.' Sure we'll throw in A-Train and Palumbo. So it doesn't seem quite that one-sided," said Helms "That's exactly what they were going for, they did that with intent. I didn't mind the trade thing but that was pretty one sided the way it came off. It was one of those weird jabs at talent you don't need to do, which I'm not a fan of. But I see the thinking behind it too. You want to create an aura around this guy, that he's that much better than everyone else. That was part of the Triple H character, that he was one of the best," continued Helms. 

The podcast with Helms would examine each draft during the period of brand extension. He gave his opinion as someone who ended up at all three brands (Smackdown,Raw,ECW) during those days and how his career was affected as a Cruiserweight and a comedy act. The competition between brands was another topic he covered. 

Daily wrestling podcast are available at FightfulWrestling.com, Itunes, and Stitcher. Members, who can sign up for free, have access to the podcast immediately.