Industrial Strength REPLAY: Episode #55 w/ Paul “Triple H” Levesque!

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Apr 17, 2025

This week’s guest is Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE legend and executive known for his incredible wrestling career. In this replay, he shares how he met Joe and the promise made during their first encounter. Triple H discusses his unconventional training methods, including warming up barefoot and switching from free squats to box squats for better knee health. He also reveals the surprising exercises he detests and the life lessons learned in the gym. A fun and insightful look into the world of wrestling and fitness from a true icon!

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ANECDOTE

How Training Partnership Began

Paul Levesque hired Joe DeFranco for training after extensive research on top strength coaches.
He trusted Joe’s expertise despite initial doubts about changing his bodybuilding style.

ADVICE

Warmup Transformed Training

Prioritize a proper warmup focusing on mobility, stretching, and activation.
This foundation enables heavier lifts safely and improves overall training quality.

ADVICE

Benefits of Barefoot Training

Train barefoot or in minimalist shoes to improve ankle mobility and strength.
Paul saw tangible improvements in ankle function and stability from barefoot training.

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SURPRISE, SURPRISE!! Last week Joe announced that there would NOT be a podcast this week... But, in honor of Triple H’s WWE Hall of Fame induction, Joe changed his mind and decided to REPLAY Triple H's first-ever appearance on the podcast! This episode originally aired on March 31, 2016 and it quickly became the most downloaded Industrial Strength Show of all-time…until it went missing!!! But thankfully Joe was able to track down the “missing file” and now you can enjoy this historic episode once again!

Highlights from Joe & Triple H's conversation include:
Triple H tells his version of the story of how he and Joe met
The promise that Joe made to Triple H during their very first meeting
Triple H’s “old way” of warming up vs. the “new way” and how it’s affected his training and overall health
Why Triple H trains barefoot
How switching from Free Squats to Box Squats has improved Triple H’s knee health & overall strength
How/Why Triple H’s shoulders got BIGGER [and healthier] once he stopped lifting heavy weights
Triple H tells the story of when WWE superstar Sheamus tried doing “Blackburns” with him
The misconception that “training for function” will take away from your hypertrophy gains & aesthetics
The reason Triple H trains at midnight
What exercise(s) does Triple H “hate so much that he wants to Pedigree Joe D. onto a pile of broken glass"?
Triple H explains why he feels the gym teaches you everything you need to know about life
The #1 characteristic Triple H looks for when recruiting new NXT talent
Who was Triple H’s favorite wrestler when he was a kid?
Triple H reveals the best overall athletes currently on the WWE roster
Triple H’s favorite workout music
Who did Triple H enjoy wrestling the most during his career?
Triple H’s all-time favorite in-ring moment
What are Triple H’s all-time favorite wrestling matches to watch?
Who’s the better boxer – Triple H or Stephanie McMahon?
Triple H talks about his current [leaner] physique and his low-carb diet
Is Triple H on a strict “Keto” diet year-round or just when he’s peaking for Wrestlemania?
What will be Triple H’s GO-TO cheat food after his Wrestlemania match this year?