Up-and-coming professional wrestler Hunter Hearst Helmsley achieved a career milestone today when he finally scored a main-event victory to capture championship gold in World Wrestling Entertainment.

Helmsley, a plucky upstart who has been patiently waiting for his chance to shine, got his big break tonight when he won the Royal Rumble match, outlasting several other men to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

“I knew that if I just worked hard and never gave up, something big would finally happen for me in WWE,” the youngster said after his big win.

Helmsley has long been considered a “developmental” talent without the charisma — or the backstage influence — to break through to the main-event picture.

But now that he has an important win to his credit, fans can expect to see big things from this inspiring young newcomer.

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon told reporters he sees “big things ahead for this kid.”