WWE legend Triple H presents hero off-duty police officer stabbed in London Bridge terror attack with championship belt
RING legend Triple H has presented the off-duty policeman stabbed in the London Bridge Terror attack with a WWE Championship belt.
The 14-time world champion hailed the officer as a “real hero” and spoke of his “exceptional bravery” as he made a surprise visit to see PC Charlie Geunigault in the capital.
A fortnight on from his traumatic ordeal, Geunigault is making good recovery after he suffered stab wounds to his head, leg, back and stomach after running towards the knife-wielding attackers.
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The 25-year-old, who was wearing a t-shirt of WWE star Sami Zayn at the time of the attack, was enjoying a night out with friends when the terrifying incident occurred.
And after his attempts to protect others despite being unarmed, Triple H was desperate to recognise his heroic efforts with the ultimate accolade.
Having now been discharged from hospital, Charlie’s father and Sergeant Bill Lowden of the Police Federation contacted WWE to plan the secret meeting.
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Unbeknown to Charlie, he was transported to a secret London hotel in a limo to meet his idol.
Seated comfortably and unaware of what was going to happen next, Charlie was visibly shaken as 14-time WWE World Champion Triple H, stepped into the room to greet him.
Triple H, WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events & Creative, then presented him with the belt inscribed with the message: “To Charlie. Thank you to a true hero”.
He also had a personal recorded video message from Zayn, which the Canadian grappler said: “You put yourself in the line of danger at a time when you really had no obligation to do so.
“I can’t tell you how much respect I have for you. The fact you were wearing my shirt at the time really puts it into perspective for me.
“Sami Zayn has always been the guy known to stand up to the bad guys, but you did it in the most horrific of circumstances. Man, I’m just blown away, I really am.”
Triple H, real name Paul Levesque, added: “To run in the direction of a scary situation that can’t even be described in words, to help others, for that to be your instinct to help others – that is a hero.
“People say a lot of times that they watch WWE because these guys are like real-life superheroes. Well, Charlie is a real hero.
“The highest recognition a WWE Superstar can get is winning the WWE Championship. But this honour is also reserved for those in real life who go above and beyond.”
Afterwards, Charlie said: “It was an absolute pleasure to meet one of the greatest superstars ever. My comments when he first walked in the room are probably not suitable for a PG audience!”
Eight people were killed and 48 were injured when three jihadi knife nuts ploughed pedestrians with a van before slashing Saturday night revellers and tourists at London Bridge on June 4.