It was heavily, heavily implied that HHH was about to end the streak with the sledgehammer, but Taker got Hell's Gate locked in out of desperation.
So yeah, saying "there is nothing else to be done" is factually wrong, given HHH literally had the sledgehammer in his hand and the "kayfabe" power of a sledgehammer is indisputably above that of a steel chair or even a Pedigree.
Hell, in kayfabe had HHH gone with a heavy pin after the Tombstone he probably would have gotten him then, too.
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Official ~Trendsetter~ of Board 8