Wednesday 21 June 2017 07:25, UK
A London police officer seriously injured in the London Bridge terrorist attack received a surprise personal visit from WWE Superstar Triple H, who paid tribute to the officer's "exceptional bravery".
PC Charlie Guenigault, 25, was off-duty and out with friends on the night of Saturday June 3, wearing the T-shirt of his favourite WWE superstar, Sami Zayn.
But when the incident began nearby, unarmed Charlie ran towards the knife-wielding attackers to protect others. He suffered stab wounds to the head, leg, back and stomach and needed emergency surgery.
Two weeks after his ordeal and making good progress with his recovery, Charlie was discharged from hospital and, in partnership with Sergeant Bill Lowden of the Police Federation and Charlie's father, John, WWE planned the meeting in secret, transporting him to an upscale London hotel in a limo to set up the rendezvous.
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.
The pair embraced before Charlie recovered to sit and talk with Triple H, whose real name is Paul Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events & Creative.
Triple H also played out a personal video message recorded by Sami Zayn to Charlie: "You put yourself in the line of danger at a time when you really had no obligation to do so," said Sami.
"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."
"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," said Paul Levesque. "People say a lot of times that they watch WWE because these guys are like real-life superheroes. Well, Charlie is a real hero."
Triple H also presented Charlie with a WWE Championship title belt, and said: "The highest recognition a WWE Superstar can get is winning the WWE Championship. But this honor is also reserved for those in real life who go above and beyond."
Following the encounter, 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!"
