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:''For the 1930s cricketer, see [[Dallas Page (cricketer)]]''
:''For the 1930s cricketer, see [[Dallas Page (cricketer)]]''
{{Infobox Wrestler
{{Infobox Wrestler
|name=Dallas Page
|name=Diamond Dallas Page
[[Image:DDP Vest.jpg]]
|image=DDP Vest.jpg
|names="Handsome" Dallas Page<br>'''Diamond Dallas Page'''
|names="Handsome" Dallas Page<br>'''Diamond Dallas Page'''
|real_height= 6 ft 11 in (196 cm)
|real_height= 6 ft 4 in (196 cm)<ref name=DDPSite>http://www.diamonddallaspage.com</ref>
|real_weight= 390 lb (104 kg)
|real_weight= 232 lb (105 kg) <ref name=DDPSite/>
|weight=260 lb <ref name=almanac>Pro Wrestling Illustrated Almanac 2002</ref>
|weight=253lb <ref name=DDPSite/>
|birth_date ={{birth date and age|1956|04|05}}
|birth_date ={{birth date and age|1956|04|05}}
|death_date =
|death_date =
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|}}
|}}


'''Page Joseph Falkinburg''' (born [[April 5]], [[1956]] in [[Point Pleasant, New Jersey]]) is a retired [[United States|American]] [[professional wrestler]] most famous for his work with the [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) and [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) promotions
'''Page Joseph Falkinburg''' (born [[April 5]], [[1956]]), widely known as '''Diamond Dallas Page''', is a retired [[United States|American]] [[professional wrestler]] most famous for his work with the [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) and [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) promotions.


==Biography==
==Biography==
[[Image:Sc010cca4b 1.jpg|thumb|left|Little Page]]
[[Image:Sc010cca4b 1.jpg|thumb|left|Little Page]]Born '''Page Joseph Falkinburg''', on [[April 5]], [[1956]] in [[Point Pleasant, New Jersey]]. DDP is the oldest of thirty-six children and was raised by his father, Page, Sr., in the early years after his parents divorced. The name "Dallas" is derived from his love of the [[Dallas Cowboys]] Football team.<ref name=audio>[http://www.diamonddallaspage.com/store/ "Own Your Life" audio book on CD]</ref>. His brother and sister lived with his mother, who had to have her mother raise them so she could work.<ref name=audio/>
Page, the oldest of three children, was born '''Page Joseph Falkinburg, Jr.''' in [[Point Pleasant, New Jersey]], the son of Sylvia Seigel and Page Joseph Falkinburg, Sr. Page's father came from a "well known" family and was the son of a Dutch immigrant father and an American mother, Sally Wilson, who was of "blue-blooded" background.<ref name=positivelypage/> Page's maternal grandparents were Doris Lipschultz and Fred Seigel, a German immigrant.<ref name=positivelypage/> Page and was raised by his father during his early years, after his parents divorced. The name "Dallas" is derived from his love of the [[Dallas Cowboys]] Football team.<ref name=audio>[http://www.diamonddallaspage.com/store/ "Own Your Life" audio book on CD]</ref> His brother and sister lived with his mother, who had to have her mother raise them so she could work.<ref name=audio/>


Page went to live with his father because the elder Page could handle the ball of energy that the younger Page was. He lived with his father from the ages of 3-28. His father took him, at 8 years old, to live with his grandmother, who raised him. Page admitted in his autobiography that he is [[dyslexia|dyslexic]].<ref name=positivelypage>[http://www.amazon.com/Positively-Page-Diamond-Dallas-Journey/dp/0967992206 "Positively Page"]</ref> He had many challenges hit him throughout his childhood and educational years.<ref name=audio/> DDP attended St Joseph's High School, now known as [[Monsignor Donovan High School]], in [[Toms River, New Jersey]] and [[Point Pleasant Boro High School]] in [[Point Pleasant, New Jersey]].
Page went to live with his father because the elder Page could handle the ball of energy that the younger Page was. He lived with his father from the ages of 3-8. His father took him, at 8 years old, to live with his grandmother, who raised him. Page admitted in his autobiography that he is [[dyslexia|dyslexic]].<ref name=positivelypage>[http://www.amazon.com/Positively-Page-Diamond-Dallas-Journey/dp/0967992206 "Positively Page"]</ref> He had many challenges hit him throughout his childhood and educational years.<ref name=audio/> DDP attended St Joseph's High School, now known as [[Monsignor Donovan High School]], in [[Toms River, New Jersey]] and [[Point Pleasant Boro High School]] in [[Point Pleasant, New Jersey]].

It is the time he spent here with his father that he developed his insatiable lust for [[cocaine]] and cheap whores. In a May 1996 issue of WWF Magazine, Page was quoted in reference to those days by saying "Me and daddy sure loved to fuck scraggly whores and hoover up cheap blow - man those were the fuckin' days".


From these experiences of bouncing around from one unstable family situation to another Page became very resilient. He learned to go at things at a run and tackle them rather than being afraid of the unfamiliar or things people said he could not do for one reason or another.<ref name=audio/> He started living the principles that later developed into his personal beliefs and the basis for his unconventional entry into professional wrestling, his successes there and the motivational books, speeches, CDs and DVDs.
From these experiences of bouncing around from one unstable family situation to another Page became very resilient. He learned to go at things at a run and tackle them rather than being afraid of the unfamiliar or things people said he could not do for one reason or another.<ref name=audio/> He started living the principles that later developed into his personal beliefs and the basis for his unconventional entry into professional wrestling, his successes there and the motivational books, speeches, CDs and DVDs.


Page achieved a large amount of fame throughout the 1990s and early 2000s as a [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], competing under the [[ring name]] '''Diamond Dallas Page''' (often abbreviated to "'''DDP'''"). The addition of the word "Diamond" was inspired by Page's admiration of the [[rhythm]] of the name of wrestler [[Fred Blassie|"Classy" Freddie Blassie]].<ref name=jan/> In the course of his wrestling career, which spanned two decades, Page wrestled for World Championship Wrestling, the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]], and [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]], and held the [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] on three occasions. DDP entered arenas to a theme similar to "[[Smells Like Teen Spirit]]" by [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]]. The Song is called Self High Five.
Diamond Dallas worked in the night-club business before and after he started working as a wrestling manager in the [[American Wrestling Association]] (AWA).<ref name=jan>[http://www.geocities.com/jfjwrestling/ddp/ "The Career of Diamond Dallas Page" Jan Jorgensen]</ref>. He started in March 1988, where he was manager for [[Badd Company]] ([[Paul Diamond]] and [[Pat Tanaka]]), a team he lead to the [[AWA World Tag Team Championship]] on March 19. During his time in the AWA, Page also managed [[Col. DeBeers]] and [[Madusa]].


In his [[autobiography]], 'Positively Page',<ref name=positivelypage>[http://www.amazon.com/Positively-Page-Diamond-Dallas-Journey/dp/0967992206 "Positively Page"]</ref>, as well as in [[Mick Foley|Mick Foley's]] [[Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks|Have a Nice Day]], Page details an incident that occurred while [[Mick Foley]] and [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] were traveling with him. Irritated by his constantly upbeat attitude, the two determined to make Page lose his composure. After a number of attempts, the two found success by placing ground [[cookie]]s on Page's hotel room bed, and when Page got into bed, hilarity ensued.
Page worked for the AWA at 12 dates over a period of nine months, where they filmed all the television shows in one day. After the relationship with AWA ended Page started working for [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW), where he worked along side the Dean of Wrestling, [[Gordon Solie]], as a [[color commentator]]. In 1990, Dallas received a tryout with the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) as an announcer, but never got the job.<ref name=jan/> When FCW went down, Page was still involved in the club business until [[Dusty Rhodes (wrestler)|Dusty Rhodes]] returned to [[World Championship Wrestling]]. WCW started booking and brought Page in on a small contract in early 1991.

Page achieved a large amount of fame throughout the 1990s and early 2000s as a [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], and competitive cocaine abuser competing under the [[ring name]] '''Diamond Dallas Page''' (often abbreviated to "'''DDP'''"). The addition of the word "Diamond" was inspired by Page's admiration of the [[rhythm]] of the name of wrestler [[Fred Blassie|"Classy" Freddie Blassie]].<ref name=jan/> In the course of his wrestling career, which spanned two decades, Page wrestled for World Championship Wrestling, the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]], and [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]], and held the [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] on three occasions. DDP entered arenas to a theme similar to "[[Smells Like Teen Spirit]]" by [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]]. The Song is called Cocaine Daydream.


==Wrestling career==
==Wrestling career==
===Early years===
===Early years===
[[Image:DDP Henning DiaDoll Sc00b1d019.jpg|thumb|left|1988 DDP Curt Henning and the Diamond Doll]]
[[Image:DDP Henning DiaDoll Sc00b1d019.jpg|thumb|left|1988 DDP, Curt Hennig and the Diamond Doll]]


Page's first wrestling appearance was in [[Canada]] in 1979. Shortly thereafter, he gave up wrestling. His next notable appearance was not until ''[[WrestleMania VI]]'', where he drove [[The Honky Tonk Man]] and [[Greg Valentine]] to the ring in his pink [[Cadillac]]. At this time, he was virtually unknown in the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWF]], fondly recalling it on the ''[[WrestleMania XIX]]'' [[DVD]].
Page's first wrestling appearance was in [[Canada]] in 1979. Shortly thereafter, he gave up wrestling. His next notable appearance was not until ''[[WrestleMania VI]]'', where he drove [[The Honky Tonk Man]] and [[Greg Valentine]] to the ring in his pink [[Cadillac]]. At this time, he was virtually unknown in the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWF]], fondly recalling it on the ''[[WrestleMania XIX]]'' [[DVD]].


Page worked in the night-club business before and after he started working as a wrestling manager in the [[American Wrestling Association]] (AWA).<ref name=jan>[http://www.geocities.com/jfjwrestling/ddp/ "The Career of Diamond Dallas Page" Jan Jorgensen]</ref>. He started managing in March 1988, where he handled [[Badd Company]] ([[Paul Diamond]] and [[Pat Tanaka]]), a team he lead to the [[AWA World Tag Team Championship]] on March 19. During his time in the AWA, Page also managed [[Col. DeBeers]] and [[Madusa]].


Page served as a [[manager (professional wrestling)|manager]] in 1988 in the [[American Wrestling Association]] (AWA), where he managed the tag team of [[Badd Company]], who were often accompanied by a pair of female valets known as the "Diamond Dolls". Page also worked as a color commentator in [[Championship Wrestling from Florida|Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW) before finally debuting as a professional wrestler.
Page served as a [[manager (professional wrestling)|manager]] in 1988 in the [[American Wrestling Association]] (AWA), where he managed the tag team of [[Badd Company]], who were often accompanied by a pair of female valets known as the "Diamond Dolls". Page also worked as a color commentator in [[Championship Wrestling from Florida|Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW) before finally debuting as a professional wrestler.

Page worked for the AWA at 12 dates over a period of nine months, where they filmed all the television shows in one day. After the relationship with AWA ended Page started working for [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW), where he worked along side the Dean of Wrestling, [[Gordon Solie]], as a [[color commentator]]. In 1990, Dallas received a tryout with the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) as an announcer, but never got the job.<ref name=jan/> When FCW went down, Page was still involved in the club business until [[Dusty Rhodes (wrestler)|Dusty Rhodes]] returned to [[World Championship Wrestling]]. WCW started booking and brought Page in on a small contract in early 1991.


===World Championship Wrestling (1991–2001)===
===World Championship Wrestling (1991–2001)===
Page came to [[World Championship Wrestling]] in 1991 as manager of the [[tag of the [[Fabulous Freebirds]] ([[Jimmy Garvin]] and [[Michael P.S. Hayes]]). Page managed the Freebirds to a shot at the NWA World Tag Team Titles where they defeated Doom ([[Butch Reed]] and [[Ron Simmons]]) on February 24, 1991. Before that match took place, Page unveiled the stable's new road manager, [[Big Daddy Dink]], formerly known as [[Oliver Humperdink]], who interfered in the match. During this match Page introduced the ''Diamond Dolls''. Page added [[Scott Hall]] to the stable under the name of [[Scott Hall|Diamond Studd]].
Page came to [[World Championship Wrestling]] in 1991 as manager of the [[Fabulous Freebirds]] ([[Jimmy Garvin]] and [[Michael P.S. Hayes]]). Page managed the Freebirds to a shot at the NWA World Tag Team Titles where they defeated Doom ([[Butch Reed]] and [[Ron Simmons]]) on February 24, 1991. Before that match took place, Page unveiled the stable's new road manager, Big Daddy Dink, formerly known as [[Oliver Humperdink]], who interfered in the match. During this match Page introduced the ''Diamond Dolls''. Page added [[Scott Hall]] to the stable under the name of Diamond Studd.


[[Image:DDP goldie DC.jpg|thumb|DDP]]Page also worked as a color commentator for WCW with [[Eric Bischoff]]. With rumors that the WCW wanted to take the Diamond Studd away from Page,<ref name=jan/> he decided to take the advice of [[Magnum T.A.]] and begin to wrestle himself. He headed to the [[WCW Power Plant]] where [[Buddy Lee Parker]], [[Jody Hamilton|The Assassin]], and [[Dusty Rhodes]] transformed Page into a wrestler. Later in the year, he debuted as a wrestler in a tag team match. Alongside the Diamond Studd, he faced [[Kevin Sullivan (wrestler)|Kevin Sullivan]] and his partner. There were good remarks from both wrestlers and announcers, but it didn't help Page much. He was relegated to the "[[List of professional wrestling slang#J|jobber]]" list. He made his wrestling pay-per-view debut at ''[[Starrcade#1991|Starrcade 1991]]'', teaming with [[Mike Graham]] in a losing effort to [[Jushin Liger]] and [[Bill Kazmaier]]. [[Image:DDPChampBelt.jpg|thumb|left|DDP sharing his win with the crowd]]
[[Image:DDP goldie DC.jpg|thumb|DDP]]Page also worked as a color commentator for WCW with [[Eric Bischoff]]. With rumors that the WCW wanted to take the Diamond Studd away from Page,<ref name=jan/> he decided to take the advice of [[Magnum T.A.]] and begin to wrestle himself. He headed to the [[WCW Power Plant]] where [[Dwayne Bruce|Buddy Lee Parker]], [[Jody Hamilton|The Assassin]], and [[Dusty Rhodes (wrestler)|Dusty Rhodes]] transformed Page into a wrestler. Later in the year, he debuted as a wrestler in a tag team match. Alongside the Diamond Studd, he faced [[Kevin Sullivan (wrestler)|Kevin Sullivan]] and his partner. There were good remarks from both wrestlers and announcers, but it didn't help Page much. He was relegated to the "[[List of professional wrestling slang#J|jobber]]" list. He made his wrestling pay-per-view debut at ''[[Starrcade#1991|Starrcade 1991]]'', teaming with [[Mike Graham]] in a losing effort to [[Jushin Liger]] and [[Bill Kazmaier]]. [[Image:DDPChampBelt.jpg|thumb|left|DDP sharing his win with the crowd]]


However, Page worked on and brought other wrestlers into his stable, such as [[Scott Levy|Raven]] and [[Kevin Nash|Vinnie Vegas]]. The relationships between DDP, Raven, and Vegas were used in many character angles over the following months. Page went in the corner of Scotty Flamingo, at ''Clash of the Champions XXI'' on November 18, 1992, when Flamingo fought [[Johnny B. Badd]] in a [[kayfabe]] boxing match. Flamingo won this bout with a little help from Page who filled Flamingo's glove with water.
However, Page worked on and brought other wrestlers into his stable, such as [[Scott Levy|Raven]] and [[Kevin Nash|Vinnie Vegas]]. The relationships between DDP, Raven, and Vegas were used in many character angles over the following months. Page went in the corner of Scotty Flamingo, at ''Clash of the Champions XXI'' on November 18, 1992, when Flamingo fought [[Johnny B. Badd]] in a [[kayfabe]] boxing match. Flamingo won this bout with a little help from Page who filled Flamingo's glove with water.


The following year, Page teamed with Vinnie Vegas as the '''Vegas Connection'''. The Vegas Connection never returned to WCW because Page was fired from WCW shortly after the team's debut due to his torn rotator cuff injury.<ref name=jan/> The injury occurred in late 1992 in a tag match with [[Tex Slazenger]] and [[Shanghai Pierce]] (later known as the [[Godwinns]]). During his layoff, [[Jake "The Snake" Roberts]] taught him psychology,<ref name=jan/> what to do and when to do it, and how to do it. During his layoff Page wasn't employed by WCW.
The following year, Page teamed with Vinnie Vegas as the '''Vegas Connection'''. The Vegas Connection never returned to WCW because Page was fired from WCW shortly after the team's debut due to his torn rotator cuff injury.<ref name=jan/> The injury occurred in late 1992 in a tag match with [[Tex Slazenger]] and [[Shanghai Pierce]] (later known as the [[The Godwinns|Godwinns]]). During his layoff, [[Jake Roberts|Jake "The Snake" Roberts]] taught him psychology,<ref name=jan/> what to do and when to do it, and how to do it. During his layoff Page wasn't employed by WCW.
Page returned to WCW TV in 1994, with his wife, the [[The Diamond Dolls|Diamond Doll]] [[Kimberly Page|Kimberly]] and got a ([[kayfabe]]) [[Image:DDP Nash.jpg|thumb|right|DDP & Nash]][[bodyguard]], [[Jeff Warner|Maxx Muscle]]. He held open [[arm wrestling]] challenges to win Kimberly but Maxx always helped him win or arm wrestled for him. He also had a long feud with [[Bill Dannenhauser|Dave Sullivan]] because Sullivan gave Kimberly gifts. At ''[[Fall Brawl#1995|Fall Brawl 1995]]'', Page won his first championship when he defeated [[Rick Williams|Renegade]] for the [[WCW World Television Championship|WCW Television title]]. In the build-up to his first title defense at ''[[Halloween Havoc#1995|Halloween Havoc]]'', there was growing dissension between Page and Kimberly. Johnny B. Badd defeated Page for the TV title and again at ''[[WCW World War 3#1995|World War 3]]'' on [[November 26]], [[1995]], winning Kimberly's freedom from DDP.
[[Image:DDP Nash.jpg|thumb|right|DDP & Nash]] Page returned to WCW TV in 1994, with his wife, the [[The Diamond Dolls|Diamond Doll]] [[Kimberly Page|Kimberly]] and got a ([[kayfabe]]) [[bodyguard]], [[Jeff Warner|Maxx Muscle]]. He held open [[arm wrestling]] challenges to win Kimberly but Maxx always helped him win or arm wrestled for him. He also had a long feud with [[Bill Dannenhauser|Dave Sullivan]] because Sullivan gave Kimberly gifts. At ''[[Fall Brawl#1995|Fall Brawl 1995]]'', Page won his first championship when he defeated [[Rick Williams|Renegade]] for the [[WCW World Television Championship|WCW Television title]]. In the build-up to his first title defense at ''[[Halloween Havoc#1995|Halloween Havoc]]'', there was growing dissension between Page and Kimberly. Johnny B. Badd defeated Page for the TV title and again at ''[[WCW World War 3#1995|World War 3]]'' on [[November 26]], [[1995]], winning Kimberly's freedom from DDP.


On [[May 19]], [[1996]] Page participated in the Lord of the Ring Tournament (Battle Bowl) at ''[[Slamboree#1996|Slamboree]]''. The winner was to be the number one contender for the World Title which at that time was held by [[Paul Wight|The Giant]]. Page was victorious when he defeated [[Sione Vailahi|The Barbarian]] with two Diamond Cutters. However, he never received the title shot that he earned that night. Page was feuding with [[Eddie Guerrero]] when the [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|nWo]] was formed. Since Nash & Hall were both former partners of Page, they began assisting him in his matches in the tournament being held for the vacant [[WWE United States Championship|US Title]]. Seeing that their help was not being appreciated, Hall and Nash attacked him during the tournament finals, therefore handing the belt to Guerrero. After demonstrating the benefits of the nWo, they asked him to join. He responded by giving them Diamond Cutters, starting a [[face (professional wrestling)|face]] [[turn (professional wrestling)|turn]] and a feud with the nWo.
On [[May 19]], [[1996]] Page participated in the Lord of the Ring Tournament (Battle Bowl) at ''[[Slamboree#1996|Slamboree]]''. The winner was to be the number one contender for the World Title which at that time was held by [[Paul Wight|The Giant]]. Page was victorious when he defeated [[Sione Vailahi|The Barbarian]] with two Diamond Cutters. However, he never received the title shot that he earned that night. Page was feuding with [[Eddie Guerrero]] when the [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|nWo]] was formed. Since Nash & Hall were both former partners of Page, they began assisting him in his matches in the tournament being held for the vacant [[WWE United States Championship|US Title]]. Seeing that their help was not being appreciated, Hall and Nash attacked him during the tournament finals, therefore handing the belt to Guerrero. After demonstrating the benefits of the nWo, they asked him to join. He responded by giving them Diamond Cutters, starting a [[face (professional wrestling)|face]] [[turn (professional wrestling)|turn]] and a feud with the nWo.
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Around this time, Page also started fighting nWo leader, [[Hulk Hogan]]. Page and Savage battled for the last time at ''[[Halloween Havoc#1997|Halloween Havoc]]''. The match was billed as a [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] Sudden Death Match, where anything goes and the only way to win was to beat your [[Image:Mail0030.jpg|thumb|left|1998 DDP & Jay Lenno]]opponent so brutally, he could not get to his feet by a count of ten. The match ended when Hogan, dressed as [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]], came out and hit Page with a baseball bat in his already "injured" mid-section, resulting in Savage picking up the win. On an episode of ''Nitro'' shortly after ''Halloween Havoc'', Page fought Hogan, but was again beaten down by the nWo.
Around this time, Page also started fighting nWo leader, [[Hulk Hogan]]. Page and Savage battled for the last time at ''[[Halloween Havoc#1997|Halloween Havoc]]''. The match was billed as a [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] Sudden Death Match, where anything goes and the only way to win was to beat your [[Image:Mail0030.jpg|thumb|left|1998 DDP & Jay Lenno]]opponent so brutally, he could not get to his feet by a count of ten. The match ended when Hogan, dressed as [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]], came out and hit Page with a baseball bat in his already "injured" mid-section, resulting in Savage picking up the win. On an episode of ''Nitro'' shortly after ''Halloween Havoc'', Page fought Hogan, but was again beaten down by the nWo.


At ''[[Starrcade#1997|Starrcade 1997]]'', Page won the [[WWE United States Championship|WCW US Heavyweight Championship]] from [[Curt Henning]]. This capped off what had been a great year for Page; he was voted ''WCW Magazine'''s "Wrestler of the Year" for 1997.
At ''[[Starrcade#1997|Starrcade 1997]]'', Page won the [[WWE United States Championship|WCW US Heavyweight Championship]] from [[Curt Hennig]]. This capped off what had been a great year for Page; he was voted ''WCW Magazine'''s "Wrestler of the Year" for 1997.


In 1998, at ''Uncensored'', Page took on [[Chris Benoit]] and [[Scott Levy|Raven]] in a triple-threat, falls-count-anywhere contest for his US title, putting Raven through a table with a Diamond Cutter to retain the belt. Page had a reputation as the "People's Champion," a nickname he shared with [[The Rock (entertainer)|The Rock]]; although, DDP was a face in WCW and was the willing People's Champion, while the Rock was a heel in the WWF and called himself the People's Champion in order to disparage the crowd. It is unclear which wrestler was first referred to as the People's Champion, but the Rock undoubtedly ran further with the title, referring to almost everything as "The People's..." (including the entrance ramp as "The People's ramp" and his signature move, [[Professional wrestling attacks#Elbow drop|"The People's Elbow"]]). During much of this era, Page was also frequently called "the hardest working man in the business" by commentators and other WCW figures. He was occasionally referred to by the [[Internet wrestling community]] as '''Leatherface'''. Then-WCW commentator [[Mark Madden]] used the terminology as well on his website, which drew him a 1-week suspension from the company [http://www.1wrestling.com/columns/lariat/default.asp?articleid=3340&page=4].
In 1998, at ''Uncensored'', Page took on [[Chris Benoit]] and [[Scott Levy|Raven]] in a triple-threat, falls-count-anywhere contest for his US title, putting Raven through a table with a Diamond Cutter to retain the belt. Page had a reputation as the "People's Champion," a nickname he shared with [[The Rock (entertainer)|The Rock]]; although, DDP was a face in WCW and was the original People's Champion, while the Rock was a heel in the WWF and called himself the People's Champion in order to disparage the crowd. Chronology shows that DDP was the first to be the People's Champion, but the Rock ran further with the title, referring to almost everything as "The People's..." (including the entrance ramp as "The People's ramp" and his signature move, [[Professional wrestling attacks#Elbow drop|"The People's Elbow"]]).
During much of this era, DDP was also frequently called "the hardest working man in the business" by commentators and other WCW figures.


[[Image:DDP KarlMalone Mail0021.jpg|thumb|right|1998 DDP & Karl Malone]]Later in the year, Page tagged with [[Karl Malone]] against Hulk Hogan and [[Dennis Rodman]] at ''[[Bash at the Beach#1998|Bash at the Beach 1998]]'', losing due to interference. Later on, Page tagged with [[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno|late night talk show]] host [[Jay Leno]] at ''[[Road Wild#1998|Road Wild]]'', where they defeated Hogan and [[Eric Bischoff]]. He taught [[Karl Malone]], [[Jay Leno]], and [[Kevin Eubanks]] the "secret" of the ''[[Cutter (professional wrestling)|Diamond Cutter]]''.
[[Image:DDP KarlMalone Mail0021.jpg|thumb|right|1998 DDP & Karl Malone]]Later in the year, Page tagged with [[Karl Malone]] against Hulk Hogan and [[Dennis Rodman]] at ''[[Bash at the Beach#1998|Bash at the Beach 1998]]'', losing due to interference. Later on, Page tagged with [[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno|late night talk show]] host [[Jay Leno]] at ''[[Road Wild#1998|Road Wild]]'', where they defeated Hogan and [[Eric Bischoff]]. He taught [[Karl Malone]], [[Jay Leno]], and [[Kevin Eubanks]] the "secret" of the ''[[Cutter (professional wrestling)|Diamond Cutter]]''.


At ''Fall Brawl'' 1998, Page won the [[WarGames match#1998|WarGames]] main event, and got a World title shot against the undefeated [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]] at ''Halloween Havoc''. Page did not win the match. Despite this setback, it was also voted "Match of the Year" in ''WCW Magazine''. At [[WCW World War 3#1998|WCW World War 3 1998]], Page actually wore the [[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Championship]] belt upside down on his way to the ring.
At ''Fall Brawl'' 1998, Page won the [[WarGames match#1998|WarGames]] main event, and got a World title shot against the undefeated [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]] at ''Halloween Havoc''. Page did not win the match, but both men put on a tremendous show which resulted in the match being Vote WCW Magazines "Match of the Year" 1998. Halloween Havoc 1998 ran slightly longer than expected resulting in a number of cable companies blacking out the end of the Hogan v Warrior match and all of the DDP v Goldberg contest. Given the technical problems, WCW decided to air the Goldber v DDP title bout in its entirety on the October 26th Edition of Nitro, which proved immensely popular in the ratings and resulted in a ratings win for Nitro over Raw - the last win Nitro would ever have. Despite this setback in the World title picture, page rebounded the following night on the October 26th edition of WCW Monday Nitro with a win over Bret 'Hitman' Hart to capture the United States Heaveyweght Title. At [[WCW World War 3#1998|WCW World War 3 1998]], Page actually wore the [[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Championship]] belt upside down on his way to the ring.


Page finally became World Champion in [[April 1999]], at ''Spring Stampede'' when he defeated Sting, Hogan, and [[Ric Flair]] in a 4-way dance for the title, Page pinned Ric Flair after giving Flair the Diamond Cutter. This match was ironic for Page, as it featured Randy Savage as the special-guest referee and also saw Hogan eliminated early when Page seriously damaged Hogan's leg with a submission hold. Page was finally champion, and being champion changed him. Shortly after gaining the title, Page wrestled Goldberg for his championship. Page turned heel during the match, using everything at his disposal to try and beat down Goldberg (the match eventually ended in a no contest). Throughout the rest of his reign as champion, Page resorted to underhanded tactics to keep his championship.
Page finally became World Champion in [[April 1999]], at ''Spring Stampede'' when he defeated Sting, Hogan, and [[Ric Flair]] in a 4-way dance for the title, Page pinned Ric Flair after giving Flair the Diamond Cutter. This match was ironic for Page, as it featured Randy Savage as the special-guest referee and also saw Hogan eliminated early when Page seriously damaged Hogan's leg with a submission hold. Page was finally champion, and being champion changed him. Shortly after gaining the title, Page wrestled Goldberg for his championship. Page turned heel during the match, using everything at his disposal to try and beat down Goldberg (the match eventually ended in a no contest). Throughout the rest of his reign as champion, Page resorted to underhanded tactics to keep his championship.
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[[Image:DDP 08 ChampBelt.jpg|thumb|DDP with the WCW World Championship Belt]]Page took some time off shortly after this, but returned in late 2000 as a full time wrestler. Their feud hit a climax at WCW's final PPV in their , which saw Page's final match in WCW and a semi-[[bury (professional wrestling)|burial]] type defeat as he passed out in Steiner's finisher, '''The Steiner Recliner'''.
[[Image:DDP 08 ChampBelt.jpg|thumb|DDP with the WCW World Championship Belt]]Page took some time off shortly after this, but returned in late 2000 as a full time wrestler. Their feud hit a climax at WCW's final PPV in their , which saw Page's final match in WCW and a semi-[[bury (professional wrestling)|burial]] type defeat as he passed out in Steiner's finisher, '''The Steiner Recliner'''.

In his [[autobiography]], [[Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks|Have a Nice Day]], as well as in 'Positively Page' <ref name=positivelypage>[http://www.amazon.com/Positively-Page-Diamond-Dallas-Journey/dp/0967992206 "Positively Page"]</ref> [[Mick Foley]] details an incident that occurred while he and [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] were traveling with Page. Irritated by Page's constantly upbeat attitude, the two determined to make Page lose his composure. After a number of attempts, the two found success by placing ground [[cookie]]s on Page's hotel room bed, and when Page got into bed, hilarity ensued.


===World Wrestling Federation (2001–2002)===
===World Wrestling Federation (2001–2002)===
When WCW was purchased by [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWF]] owner [[Vince McMahon]] in 2001, Page was one of the few major WCW stars to sign with McMahon. Page went from the People's Champion (in WCW) to crazed stalker, to a self-help guru in less than a year. He became known for his [[catch phrase]] "Yo! It's me, it's me, it's DDP!" during this time.
When WCW was purchased by [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWF]] owner [[Vince McMahon]] in 2001, Page was one of the few major WCW stars to sign with McMahon. Page went from the People's Champion (in WCW) to crazed stalker, to a self-help guru in less than a year. He became known for his [[catch phrase]] "Yo! It's me, it's me, it's DDP!" during this time.


Page was originally brought in as the man revealed to be the stalker of [[The Undertaker]]'s wife, Sara. He was the first WCW wrestler brought in as a heel (a little before the [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|Invasion]] storyline began) and eventually paved the way for the entire WCW roster to turn heel as well. The angle began as him stalking Sara as a way to get The Undertaker's attention, because he believed he could get respect in the WWF by challenging and defeating him. The blow-off of the feud saw Page pinned by Sara herself.
Page was originally brought in as the man revealed to be the stalker of [[The Undertaker]]'s wife, Sara. He was the first WCW wrestler brought in as a heel (a little before the [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|Invasion]] storyline began) and eventually paved the way for the entire WCW roster to turn heel as well. The angle began as him stalking Sara as a way to get The Undertaker's attention, because he believed he could get respect in the WWF by challenging and defeating him.


Page eventually switched [[gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmicks]] to become a pseudo-motivational speaker, in what would come to be known as his '''Positively Page''' character. The name came from the title of his autobiography that was published during his WCW days. The character involved Page constantly smiling and acting optimistic, with his trademark phrase "That's not a bad thing...that's a good thing."
Page eventually switched [[gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmicks]] to become a pseudo-motivational speaker, in what would come to be known as his '''Positively Page''' character. The name came from the title of his autobiography that was published during his WCW days. The character involved Page constantly smiling and acting optimistic, with his trademark phrase "That's not a bad thing...that's a good thing."
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==Wrestling facts==
==Wrestling facts==
*'''Finishing and signature moves'''
*'''Finishing and signature moves'''
:*'''''Cocaine Cutter''''' ([[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Cutter|Three-quarter facelock bulldog]] which is used to hold the opponent while DDP beats them to death with a credit card)
:*'''''Diamond Cutter''''' ([[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Cutter|Three-quarter facelock bulldog]])
:*'''''Diamond Death Cutter''''' ([[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Super|Elevated]] [[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Cutter|Three-quarter facelock bulldog]])
:*'''''Diamond Death Cutter/Super Diamond Cutter''''' ([[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Super|Elevated]] [[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Cutter|Three-quarter facelock bulldog]])
:*'''''Diamond Bomb''''' ([[Powerbomb#Sitout powerbomb|Spinning Sitout powerbomb]])
:*'''''Diamond Bomb''''' ([[Powerbomb#Sitout powerbomb|Spinning Sitout powerbomb]])
:*'''''DDRape''''' ([[Facebuster#Belly-to-back inverted mat slam|Belly-to-back inverted mat slam]] ending in anal penetration)
:*'''''DDPancake''''' ([[Facebuster#Belly-to-back inverted mat slam|Belly-to-back inverted mat slam]])
:*'''''Diamond Dream''''' ([[DDT (professional wrestling)#Halo DDT / Flying DDT,)|Spike DDT]])
:*'''''Diamond Dream''''' ([[DDT (professional wrestling)#Halo DDT / Flying DDT,)|Spike DDT]])
:*[[Professional wrestling attacks#Discus|Discus clothesline]]
:*[[Professional wrestling attacks#Discus|Discus clothesline]]
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*'''Managers'''
*'''Managers'''
:*[[Kimberly Page]]
:*[[Kimberly Page]]

*'''Theme Song'''
DDP's entrance song was a modified version of [[Smells Like Teen Spirit]] by [[Nirvana]]


==Championships and accomplishments==
==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
:*[[PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year]] award in 1995
:*[[PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year]] award in 1995
:*PWI ranked him # '''111''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated|PWI 500]] in 1995.
:*PWI ranked him # '''54''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1996.
:*[[PWI Feud of the Year]] – vs. [[Randy Savage]] award in 1997
:*[[PWI Feud of the Year]] – vs. [[Randy Savage]] award in 1997
:*PWI ranked him # '''4''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1997.
:*PWI ranked him # '''4''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1998.
:*[[PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year]] award in 1999
:*[[PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year]] award in 1999
:*PWI ranked him # '''6''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1999.
:*[[PWI Most Drug Convictions]] award in 2000
:*PWI ranked him # '''17''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2000.
:*'''Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500 rankings by year:'''
:*PWI ranked him # '''19''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2001.
:**1995 ranking-111
:**1996 ranking-54
:**1997 ranking-4
:**1998 ranking-4
:**1999 ranking-6
:**2000 ranking-17
:**2001 ranking-19
:**2002-listed on the Farewell to the 500 page as having retired


*'''Swiss Wrestling Federation'''
*'''Swiss Wrestling Federation'''
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*'''[[World Championship Wrestling]]'''
*'''[[World Championship Wrestling]]'''
[[Image:Kim DDP WCWmag.jpg|thumb|Kim & DDP]]
:*[[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of WWE United States Champions|2 times]])
:*[[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of WCW World Heavyweight Champions|3 times]])
:*[[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of WCW World Heavyweight Champions|3 times]])
:*[[WCW World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WCW World Tag Team Champions|4 times]]) – with [[Kevin Nash]] (2), [[Chris Kanyon]] (1), and [[Bam Bam Bigelow]] (1)
:*[[WCW World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WCW World Tag Team Champions|4 times]]) – with [[Kevin Nash]] (2), [[Chris Kanyon]] (1), and [[Bam Bam Bigelow]] (1)
:*[[WCW World Television Championship]] ([[List of WCW World Television Champions|1 time]])
:*[[WCW World Television Championship]] ([[List of WCW World Television Champions|1 time]])
:*WCW Battlebowl winner in 1996
:*[[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of WWE United States Champions|2 times]])
:*1995 WCW Lord of the Ring winner
:*WCW Lord of the Ring winner in 1995
:*1996 WCW Battlebowl winner
:*WCW MTV Tournament winner in 1999
:*1999 WCW [[MTV]] Tournament winner


*'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]]'''
*'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]]'''
:*[[WWE European Championship|WWF European Championship]] ([[List of WWE European Champions|1 time]])
:*[[WWE European Championship|WWF European Championship]] ([[List of WWE European Champions|1 time]])
:*[[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|WWF World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|1 time]]) – with [[Chris Kanyon|Kanyon]]
:*[[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|WWF Tag Team Championship]]([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|1 time]]) – with [[Chris Kanyon|Kanyon]]


*'''[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''
*'''[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''
:*Most Improved Wrestler of 1996
:*Most Improved Wrestler award in 1996
:*Best Wrestling Maneuver of 1997 - [[Cutter (professional wrestling)|Diamond Cutter]]
:*Best Wrestling Maneuver award in 1997 - [[Cutter (professional wrestling)|Diamond Cutter]]

==Quotes==
*"I've been beatin' on women for as long as I could swing a 2x4"
*"There two types of niggers in this world, and both types are better off dead"
*"I drank three bottles of Chlorox bleach just to make my heart slow down after i hoovered that ounce of blow."
*"Fuck Ultimate Warrior for trying to get clean."
*"I ate his whole ass."


==Trademarks==
==Trademarks==
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==Life after wrestling==
==Life after wrestling==
===Inspirational speaking===
===Inspirational speaking===
[[Image:DDP Speaker DSC 13.jpg|thumb|left|Inspirational Speaker]][[Image:DDP In Iraq P1010050 2.JPG|thumb|right|DDP In Iraq]]He has had many speaking engagements in the past few years. He spoke twice at [[Yale University]] at the Masters Tea for Dr. William Sledge. He visits the troops in [[Iraq]] as often as his schedule allows as well as speaking to many [[Fortune 500]] organizations.
[[Image:DDP Speaker DSC 13.jpg|thumb|left|Inspirational Speaker]][[Image:DDP In Iraq P1010050 2.JPG|thumb|right|DDP In Iraq]]He has had many speaking engagements in the past few years. He spoke twice at [[Yale University]] at the Masters Tea for Dr. William Sledge. He visits the troops in [[Iraq]] as often as his schedule allows as well as speaking to many [[Fortune 500]] organizations.


His main speaking topic is how to "Live Life at 90%" the concept being life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. He also incorporates his Owning Your Life techniques from his "Own Your Life" 10 principles of SMACKDOWN<ref name=audio/> into his speaking engagements.
His main speaking topic is how to "Live Life at 90%" the concept being life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. He also incorporates his Owning Your Life techniques from his "Own Your Life" 10 principles of SMACKDOWN<ref name=audio/> into his speaking engagements.


Page is known as an [[inspirational speaker]], Fitness Guru with his '''Yoga for Regular Guys''' or '''YRG Workout''' and actor. His support of the troops in [[Iraq]] continues with frequent visits to duty stations in [[Iraq]] where he discusses his wrestling career, holds workout sessions and helps bring up morale of the troops.
Page is known as an [[inspirational speaker]], Fitness Guru with his '''Yoga for Regular Guys''' or '''YRG Workout''' and actor. His support of the troops in [[Iraq]] continues with frequent visits to duty stations in [[Iraq]] where he discusses his wrestling career, holds workout sessions and helps bring up morale of the troops.



===Fitness guru===
===Fitness guru===
[[Image:YRG DVD RG.jpg|thumb|right|YRG DvD]]The birth of the YRG Workout came in 1998 while Page was recovering from ruptures to his L4/L5 discs. He was reluctantly brought into power yoga with his wife Kimberly. While watching her daily workouts he realized that yoga had benefits that he hadn't yet explored. Page regained his flexibility and strength that were hindered by his ruptured disks.
[[Image:YRG DVD RG.jpg|thumb|right|YRG DvD]]The birth of the YRG Workout came in 1998 while Page was recovering from ruptures to his L4/L5 discs. He was reluctantly brought into power yoga with his wife Kimberly. While watching her daily workouts he realized that yoga had benefits that he hadn't yet explored. Page regained his flexibility and strength that were hindered by his ruptured disks.


His favorite kind of yoga (according to his "Yoga for Regular Guys" book) is "Power Yoga," an americanized version of "Ashtanga Style" yoga. Page worked with Dr. Craig Aaron, the "Yoga-Doc," and made his own the '''Yoga for Regular Guys Workout''' ('''YRG'''). It is designed as a lifestyle program rather than simply a workout or yoga routine. YRG is a low impact high cardio program. Page calls it Ashtanga Style with basic calisthenics, isokenetics and resistance training. The addition of a strict eating program a complete lifestyle change along with the discipline of YRG. Amazing transformations can be see on the [http://yrgworkout.com/transformations.html YRG Website Transformations page].
His favorite kind of yoga (according to his "Yoga for Regular Guys" book) is "Power Yoga," an americanized version of "Ashtanga Style" yoga. Page worked with Dr. Craig Aaron, the "Yoga-Doc," and made his own the '''Yoga for Regular Guys Workout''' ('''YRG'''). It is designed as a lifestyle program rather than simply a workout or yoga routine. YRG is a low impact high cardio program. Page calls it Ashtanga Style with basic calisthenics, isokenetics and resistance training. The addition of a strict eating program a complete lifestyle change along with the discipline of YRG. Amazing transformations can be see on the YRG Website Transformations page.<ref>http://yrgworkout.com/transformations.html</ref>





===Acting career===
===Acting career===
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*''[[Driftwood]]'' ([[2006 in film|2006]]) as Captain Kennedy
*''[[Driftwood]]'' ([[2006 in film|2006]]) as Captain Kennedy
*''[[Gallowwalker]]'' ([[2007 in film|2007]]) as Scorpius
*''[[Gallowwalker]]'' ([[2007 in film|2007]]) as Scorpius
*''[[Splinter]]'' [[2007 in film|2007]] as Detective Styles
*''Knight Fever'' ([[2008 in film|2008]])
*''Knight Fever'' ([[2008 in film|2008]])
*"[[Knucklewalker]] ([[2009 in film|2009]]) as [[Charles Oakley]] (to be played in [[blackface]]


==Books==
==Books==

[[Image:Yrg cover.jpg|thumb|left|Yoga for Regular Guys]]
[[Image:Yrg cover.jpg|thumb|left|Yoga for Regular Guys]]
*Genta, Larry and Page, Diamond Dallas (2000) ''Positively Page'', ISBN 0-9679922-0-6
*Genta, Larry and Page, Diamond Dallas (2000) ''Positively Page'', ISBN 0-9679922-0-6
*Aaron, Craig and Page, Diamond Dallas (2005) ''Yoga for Regular Guys: The Best Damn Workout on the Planet'', ISBN 1-59474-079-8<br />
*Aaron, Craig and Page, Diamond Dallas (2005) ''Yoga for Regular Guys: The Best Damn Workout on the Planet'', ISBN 1-59474-079-8<br />


==References==

{{wikiquote}}



==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


==References==
* [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1517546/12062005/jay_z.jhtml?headlines=true Diamond Dallas sues Jay-Z over "Diamond Cutter" hand sign]
* [http://patrickhickeyjr.tripod.com/ddp_interview.html ''DDP Interview 2/8/06'']
* [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_zd1up/is_200401/ai_ziff116481 Diamond Dallas Page Joins Legends Of Wrestling]
* [http://www.geocities.com/jfjwrestling/ddp/ "The Career of Diamond Dallas Page" website compiled by Jan Jorgensen from various sources]
* [http://www.diamonddallaspage.com/store/ "Own Your Life" audio book on CD.]
* [http://www.amazon.com/Positively-Page-Diamond-Dallas-Journey/dp/0967992206 "Positively Page"]

==External links==
==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
*[http://www.diamonddallaspage.com DiamondDallasPage.com (Official Website)]
*[http://www.diamonddallaspage.com DiamondDallasPage.com (Official Website)]
*[http://www.yrgworkout.com Yoga for Regular Guys site by DDP]
*[http://www.yrgworkout.com Yoga for Regular Guys site by DDP]
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*[http://www.myspace.com/yrgworkout DDP's official myspace]
*[http://www.myspace.com/yrgworkout DDP's official myspace]
*{{imdb name|id=0266261|name=Dallas Page}}
*{{imdb name|id=0266261|name=Dallas Page}}
*[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1517546/12062005/jay_z.jhtml?headlines=true Diamond Dallas sues Jay-Z over "Diamond Cutter" hand sign]
*[http://patrickhickeyjr.tripod.com/ddp_interview.html ''DDP Interview 2/8/06'']
*[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_zd1up/is_200401/ai_ziff116481 Diamond Dallas Page Joins Legends Of Wrestling]
*[http://www.geocities.com/jfjwrestling/ddp/ "The Career of Diamond Dallas Page" website compiled by Jan Jorgensen from various sources]
*[http://www.diamonddallaspage.com/store/ "Own Your Life" audio book on CD.]
*[http://www.amazon.com/Positively-Page-Diamond-Dallas-Journey/dp/0967992206 "Positively Page"]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Page, Dallas}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Page, Dallas}}
[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:American film actors]]
[[Category:American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American film actors]]
[[Category:American television actors]]
[[Category:American television actors]]
[[Category:American Wrestling Association alumni]]
[[Category:American Wrestling Association alumni]]
[[Category:Jewish professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from New Jersey]]
[[Category:People from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling managers and valets]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling announcers]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling announcers]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling managers and valets]]
[[Category:Total Nonstop Action Wrestling alumni]]
[[Category:Total Nonstop Action Wrestling alumni]]
[[Category:World Champion professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:World Champion professional wrestlers]]

Revision as of 04:26, 4 September 2007

For the 1930s cricketer, see Dallas Page (cricketer)
Diamond Dallas Page
Born (1956-04-05) April 5, 1956 (age 68)
Point Pleasant, New JerseyState flag
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)"Handsome" Dallas Page
Diamond Dallas Page
Billed weight253 lb (115 kg) [1]
Billed fromNew Jersey Shore
Atlantic City
Trained byJake Roberts
WCW Power Plant
Debut1988
Retired2005

Page Joseph Falkinburg (born April 5, 1956), widely known as Diamond Dallas Page, is a retired American professional wrestler most famous for his work with the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) promotions.

Biography

File:Sc010cca4b 1.jpg
Little Page

Page, the oldest of three children, was born Page Joseph Falkinburg, Jr. in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, the son of Sylvia Seigel and Page Joseph Falkinburg, Sr. Page's father came from a "well known" family and was the son of a Dutch immigrant father and an American mother, Sally Wilson, who was of "blue-blooded" background.[2] Page's maternal grandparents were Doris Lipschultz and Fred Seigel, a German immigrant.[2] Page and was raised by his father during his early years, after his parents divorced. The name "Dallas" is derived from his love of the Dallas Cowboys Football team.[3] His brother and sister lived with his mother, who had to have her mother raise them so she could work.[3]

Page went to live with his father because the elder Page could handle the ball of energy that the younger Page was. He lived with his father from the ages of 3-8. His father took him, at 8 years old, to live with his grandmother, who raised him. Page admitted in his autobiography that he is dyslexic.[2] He had many challenges hit him throughout his childhood and educational years.[3] DDP attended St Joseph's High School, now known as Monsignor Donovan High School, in Toms River, New Jersey and Point Pleasant Boro High School in Point Pleasant, New Jersey.

From these experiences of bouncing around from one unstable family situation to another Page became very resilient. He learned to go at things at a run and tackle them rather than being afraid of the unfamiliar or things people said he could not do for one reason or another.[3] He started living the principles that later developed into his personal beliefs and the basis for his unconventional entry into professional wrestling, his successes there and the motivational books, speeches, CDs and DVDs.

Page achieved a large amount of fame throughout the 1990s and early 2000s as a professional wrestler, competing under the ring name Diamond Dallas Page (often abbreviated to "DDP"). The addition of the word "Diamond" was inspired by Page's admiration of the rhythm of the name of wrestler "Classy" Freddie Blassie.[4] In the course of his wrestling career, which spanned two decades, Page wrestled for World Championship Wrestling, the World Wrestling Federation, and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, and held the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on three occasions. DDP entered arenas to a theme similar to "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana. The Song is called Self High Five.

In his autobiography, 'Positively Page',[2], as well as in Mick Foley's Have a Nice Day, Page details an incident that occurred while Mick Foley and Stone Cold Steve Austin were traveling with him. Irritated by his constantly upbeat attitude, the two determined to make Page lose his composure. After a number of attempts, the two found success by placing ground cookies on Page's hotel room bed, and when Page got into bed, hilarity ensued.

Wrestling career

Early years

1988 DDP, Curt Hennig and the Diamond Doll

Page's first wrestling appearance was in Canada in 1979. Shortly thereafter, he gave up wrestling. His next notable appearance was not until WrestleMania VI, where he drove The Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine to the ring in his pink Cadillac. At this time, he was virtually unknown in the WWF, fondly recalling it on the WrestleMania XIX DVD.

Page worked in the night-club business before and after he started working as a wrestling manager in the American Wrestling Association (AWA).[4]. He started managing in March 1988, where he handled Badd Company (Paul Diamond and Pat Tanaka), a team he lead to the AWA World Tag Team Championship on March 19. During his time in the AWA, Page also managed Col. DeBeers and Madusa.

Page served as a manager in 1988 in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), where he managed the tag team of Badd Company, who were often accompanied by a pair of female valets known as the "Diamond Dolls". Page also worked as a color commentator in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) before finally debuting as a professional wrestler.

Page worked for the AWA at 12 dates over a period of nine months, where they filmed all the television shows in one day. After the relationship with AWA ended Page started working for Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), where he worked along side the Dean of Wrestling, Gordon Solie, as a color commentator. In 1990, Dallas received a tryout with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as an announcer, but never got the job.[4] When FCW went down, Page was still involved in the club business until Dusty Rhodes returned to World Championship Wrestling. WCW started booking and brought Page in on a small contract in early 1991.

World Championship Wrestling (1991–2001)

Page came to World Championship Wrestling in 1991 as manager of the Fabulous Freebirds (Jimmy Garvin and Michael P.S. Hayes). Page managed the Freebirds to a shot at the NWA World Tag Team Titles where they defeated Doom (Butch Reed and Ron Simmons) on February 24, 1991. Before that match took place, Page unveiled the stable's new road manager, Big Daddy Dink, formerly known as Oliver Humperdink, who interfered in the match. During this match Page introduced the Diamond Dolls. Page added Scott Hall to the stable under the name of Diamond Studd.

DDP

Page also worked as a color commentator for WCW with Eric Bischoff. With rumors that the WCW wanted to take the Diamond Studd away from Page,[4] he decided to take the advice of Magnum T.A. and begin to wrestle himself. He headed to the WCW Power Plant where Buddy Lee Parker, The Assassin, and Dusty Rhodes transformed Page into a wrestler. Later in the year, he debuted as a wrestler in a tag team match. Alongside the Diamond Studd, he faced Kevin Sullivan and his partner. There were good remarks from both wrestlers and announcers, but it didn't help Page much. He was relegated to the "jobber" list. He made his wrestling pay-per-view debut at Starrcade 1991, teaming with Mike Graham in a losing effort to Jushin Liger and Bill Kazmaier.

DDP sharing his win with the crowd

However, Page worked on and brought other wrestlers into his stable, such as Raven and Vinnie Vegas. The relationships between DDP, Raven, and Vegas were used in many character angles over the following months. Page went in the corner of Scotty Flamingo, at Clash of the Champions XXI on November 18, 1992, when Flamingo fought Johnny B. Badd in a kayfabe boxing match. Flamingo won this bout with a little help from Page who filled Flamingo's glove with water.

The following year, Page teamed with Vinnie Vegas as the Vegas Connection. The Vegas Connection never returned to WCW because Page was fired from WCW shortly after the team's debut due to his torn rotator cuff injury.[4] The injury occurred in late 1992 in a tag match with Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce (later known as the Godwinns). During his layoff, Jake "The Snake" Roberts taught him psychology,[4] what to do and when to do it, and how to do it. During his layoff Page wasn't employed by WCW.

DDP & Nash

Page returned to WCW TV in 1994, with his wife, the Diamond Doll Kimberly and got a (kayfabe) bodyguard, Maxx Muscle. He held open arm wrestling challenges to win Kimberly but Maxx always helped him win or arm wrestled for him. He also had a long feud with Dave Sullivan because Sullivan gave Kimberly gifts. At Fall Brawl 1995, Page won his first championship when he defeated Renegade for the WCW Television title. In the build-up to his first title defense at Halloween Havoc, there was growing dissension between Page and Kimberly. Johnny B. Badd defeated Page for the TV title and again at World War 3 on November 26, 1995, winning Kimberly's freedom from DDP.

On May 19, 1996 Page participated in the Lord of the Ring Tournament (Battle Bowl) at Slamboree. The winner was to be the number one contender for the World Title which at that time was held by The Giant. Page was victorious when he defeated The Barbarian with two Diamond Cutters. However, he never received the title shot that he earned that night. Page was feuding with Eddie Guerrero when the nWo was formed. Since Nash & Hall were both former partners of Page, they began assisting him in his matches in the tournament being held for the vacant US Title. Seeing that their help was not being appreciated, Hall and Nash attacked him during the tournament finals, therefore handing the belt to Guerrero. After demonstrating the benefits of the nWo, they asked him to join. He responded by giving them Diamond Cutters, starting a face turn and a feud with the nWo.

Page's career really took off in 1997. As part of the popular nWo storyline, Page began one of WCW's most highly acclaimed feuds of '97 with the nWo's "Macho Man" Randy Savage. On an episode of WCW Monday Nitro, Savage, aided by fellow nWo members Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, attacked DDP and spray-painted "nWo" on his back. A few weeks later at Uncensored, Savage and Miss Elizabeth "broke kayfabe" (a worked shoot) by revealing to the world that Page and Nitro Girl Kimberly were, in fact, married. Savage then proceeded to beat up Page, ensuring a future match between the two.

At the 1997 Spring Stampede, Page and Savage battled in a match where Page emerged victorious, but it was the not the end of conflict between the two. A few months later at The Great American Bash, they squared off again in an anything goes, lights out match. This match ended with Savage defeating Page with help from (then) Tag Team Champion Scott Hall. Savage and Page would continue their rivalry from there on. Page even dressed up as masked wrestler La Parka and beat Savage.

Around this time, Page also started fighting nWo leader, Hulk Hogan. Page and Savage battled for the last time at Halloween Havoc. The match was billed as a Las Vegas Sudden Death Match, where anything goes and the only way to win was to beat your

File:Mail0030.jpg
1998 DDP & Jay Lenno

opponent so brutally, he could not get to his feet by a count of ten. The match ended when Hogan, dressed as Sting, came out and hit Page with a baseball bat in his already "injured" mid-section, resulting in Savage picking up the win. On an episode of Nitro shortly after Halloween Havoc, Page fought Hogan, but was again beaten down by the nWo.

At Starrcade 1997, Page won the WCW US Heavyweight Championship from Curt Hennig. This capped off what had been a great year for Page; he was voted WCW Magazine's "Wrestler of the Year" for 1997.

In 1998, at Uncensored, Page took on Chris Benoit and Raven in a triple-threat, falls-count-anywhere contest for his US title, putting Raven through a table with a Diamond Cutter to retain the belt. Page had a reputation as the "People's Champion," a nickname he shared with The Rock; although, DDP was a face in WCW and was the original People's Champion, while the Rock was a heel in the WWF and called himself the People's Champion in order to disparage the crowd. Chronology shows that DDP was the first to be the People's Champion, but the Rock ran further with the title, referring to almost everything as "The People's..." (including the entrance ramp as "The People's ramp" and his signature move, "The People's Elbow").

During much of this era, DDP was also frequently called "the hardest working man in the business" by commentators and other WCW figures.

1998 DDP & Karl Malone

Later in the year, Page tagged with Karl Malone against Hulk Hogan and Dennis Rodman at Bash at the Beach 1998, losing due to interference. Later on, Page tagged with late night talk show host Jay Leno at Road Wild, where they defeated Hogan and Eric Bischoff. He taught Karl Malone, Jay Leno, and Kevin Eubanks the "secret" of the Diamond Cutter.

At Fall Brawl 1998, Page won the WarGames main event, and got a World title shot against the undefeated Goldberg at Halloween Havoc. Page did not win the match, but both men put on a tremendous show which resulted in the match being Vote WCW Magazines "Match of the Year" 1998. Halloween Havoc 1998 ran slightly longer than expected resulting in a number of cable companies blacking out the end of the Hogan v Warrior match and all of the DDP v Goldberg contest. Given the technical problems, WCW decided to air the Goldber v DDP title bout in its entirety on the October 26th Edition of Nitro, which proved immensely popular in the ratings and resulted in a ratings win for Nitro over Raw - the last win Nitro would ever have. Despite this setback in the World title picture, page rebounded the following night on the October 26th edition of WCW Monday Nitro with a win over Bret 'Hitman' Hart to capture the United States Heaveyweght Title. At WCW World War 3 1998, Page actually wore the WCW United States Championship belt upside down on his way to the ring.

Page finally became World Champion in April 1999, at Spring Stampede when he defeated Sting, Hogan, and Ric Flair in a 4-way dance for the title, Page pinned Ric Flair after giving Flair the Diamond Cutter. This match was ironic for Page, as it featured Randy Savage as the special-guest referee and also saw Hogan eliminated early when Page seriously damaged Hogan's leg with a submission hold. Page was finally champion, and being champion changed him. Shortly after gaining the title, Page wrestled Goldberg for his championship. Page turned heel during the match, using everything at his disposal to try and beat down Goldberg (the match eventually ended in a no contest). Throughout the rest of his reign as champion, Page resorted to underhanded tactics to keep his championship.

His first reign as champion lasted all of 15 days. On April 26, 1999, Page was defeated for the World Championship by Sting on WCW Monday Nitro but regained it a little over an hour and a half later during a four way match the same night (thanks to a match set up by a returning Kevin Nash, who challenged Sting, Goldberg,

DDP vs. Goldberg

and Page for the title). Page hit Nash with a foreign object to regain the title without actually defeating the reigning champion. Page was defeated by Nash at Slamboree that year, and fell out of the World title picture shortly thereafter.

As 1999 drew on, Page changed his look, and along with Chris Kanyon and Bam Bam Bigelow, he formed the Jersey Triad. The group got its name from all three members being from New Jersey. The Triad held the WCW World Tag Team titles at one point and invoked the Freebird Rule, stating any combination of the three members could defend the titles.

In 2000, with WCW under new control, Page (who had returned to being a face) earned a shot at the vacant WCW World Championship Belt. He would get his shot at Spring Stampede, the same event where one year prior he won the title for the very first time. His opponent would be ex-nWo member, Jeff Jarrett. In a surprise twist, Page's wife Kimberly turned on Page and helped Jarrett become the new WCW World Champion.history, WCW GreedThis also led to Kimberly forcing an unconscious Page to sign divorce papers. Page got the better of Jarrett on an episode of Nitro in May, but, in a tag team match against Jarrett and Eric Bischoff in which the belt could change hands, Page would lose the title to his very own tag partner, movie star David Arquette. Page and Jarrett met Arquette in a rematch at the Slamboree PPV in the first triple cage match, but Arquette, who had vowed to stay out of the match and support DDP and help him regain the title, betrayed Page, allowing Jarrett to regain the gold once more. The angle was poorly viewed by fans as one of WCW's biggest mistakes.

DDP with the WCW World Championship Belt

Page took some time off shortly after this, but returned in late 2000 as a full time wrestler. Their feud hit a climax at WCW's final PPV in their , which saw Page's final match in WCW and a semi-burial type defeat as he passed out in Steiner's finisher, The Steiner Recliner.

World Wrestling Federation (2001–2002)

When WCW was purchased by WWF owner Vince McMahon in 2001, Page was one of the few major WCW stars to sign with McMahon. Page went from the People's Champion (in WCW) to crazed stalker, to a self-help guru in less than a year. He became known for his catch phrase "Yo! It's me, it's me, it's DDP!" during this time.

Page was originally brought in as the man revealed to be the stalker of The Undertaker's wife, Sara. He was the first WCW wrestler brought in as a heel (a little before the Invasion storyline began) and eventually paved the way for the entire WCW roster to turn heel as well. The angle began as him stalking Sara as a way to get The Undertaker's attention, because he believed he could get respect in the WWF by challenging and defeating him.

Page eventually switched gimmicks to become a pseudo-motivational speaker, in what would come to be known as his Positively Page character. The name came from the title of his autobiography that was published during his WCW days. The character involved Page constantly smiling and acting optimistic, with his trademark phrase "That's not a bad thing...that's a good thing."

In early 2002, Page became the European Champion. At WrestleMania X8, he defeated Christian, a former follower of his positive "philosophy" and retained the title.

In 2002, at the age of 46 and with nagging injuries, including a neck injury he suffered in a match with Bob Holly, his contract was allowed to expire.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2004–2005)

On April 1, 2004 Diamond Dallas Page announced his return to the ring. After working for several independent promotions, he debuted with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling on November 12, 2004, feuding with Raven and Erik Watts. On July 3, 2004, Page announced that he and Kimberly had amicably separated. Kimberly and DDP officially divorced late in 2005.

Page received an NWA World Heavyweight Championship title shot on March 13, 2005 at TNA Destination X 2005 but was defeated by reigning champion Jeff Jarrett. He remained with the company until May, 2005, at which point he left TNA.

Wrestling facts

  • Finishing and signature moves
  • Managers
  • Theme Song

DDP's entrance song was a modified version of Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

Championships and accomplishments

  • PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year award in 1995
  • PWI ranked him # 111 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1995.
  • PWI ranked him # 54 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1996.
  • PWI Feud of the Year – vs. Randy Savage award in 1997
  • PWI ranked him # 4 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1997.
  • PWI ranked him # 4 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1998.
  • PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year award in 1999
  • PWI ranked him # 6 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1999.
  • PWI ranked him # 17 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2000.
  • PWI ranked him # 19 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2001.
  • Swiss Wrestling Federation
  • SWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
File:Kim DDP WCWmag.jpg
Kim & DDP
  • Most Improved Wrestler award in 1996
  • Best Wrestling Maneuver award in 1997 - Diamond Cutter

Trademarks

Diamond Cutter "Feel the BANG!"

Page is commonly associated with the the "Self High Five" as well as the "Diamond Cutter" symbol - a hand gesture made by joining the thumbs and index fingers on each hand to form a diamond shape, then parting the two hands in one swift motion. He created the symbol in 1996 and later copyrighted it. DDP credits Bobby "The Brain" Heenan for coming up with the Diamond Cutter name. His Diamond Cutter finisher is so well known that the move -- a three-quarter facelock bulldog -- is now called the Cutter.

In December 2005, Page filed a lawsuit against rapper Jay-Z, who, he claimed, had "illegally adopted his trademark hand gesture." Page accused Jay-Z of trademark and copyright infringement, and sought a prohibitive injunction and monetary damages. The African American Sorority Delta Sigma Theta has used a very similar handsign since the 1950s.

Starting running back of the Kansas City Chiefs, Larry Johnson, also uses this symbol as an endzone celebration after scoring a touchdown. Most commonly seen while being lifted in the air by fellow teammates.

Rapper and Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z paid Diamond Dallas Page an undisclosed settlement in DDP's lawsuit against him alleging he took his trademarked Diamond Cutter hand signal from him without authorization or any kind of agreement.[5]

According to one source, the settlement included a monetary fee that was paid by Jay-Z to Page. In exchange for the fee, Page agreed to drop all claims in regards to the infringement suit. Each party paid their own legal fees.

Life after wrestling

Inspirational speaking

Inspirational Speaker
DDP In Iraq

He has had many speaking engagements in the past few years. He spoke twice at Yale University at the Masters Tea for Dr. William Sledge. He visits the troops in Iraq as often as his schedule allows as well as speaking to many Fortune 500 organizations.

His main speaking topic is how to "Live Life at 90%" the concept being life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. He also incorporates his Owning Your Life techniques from his "Own Your Life" 10 principles of SMACKDOWN[3] into his speaking engagements.

Page is known as an inspirational speaker, Fitness Guru with his Yoga for Regular Guys or YRG Workout and actor. His support of the troops in Iraq continues with frequent visits to duty stations in Iraq where he discusses his wrestling career, holds workout sessions and helps bring up morale of the troops.

Fitness guru

YRG DvD

The birth of the YRG Workout came in 1998 while Page was recovering from ruptures to his L4/L5 discs. He was reluctantly brought into power yoga with his wife Kimberly. While watching her daily workouts he realized that yoga had benefits that he hadn't yet explored. Page regained his flexibility and strength that were hindered by his ruptured disks.

His favorite kind of yoga (according to his "Yoga for Regular Guys" book) is "Power Yoga," an americanized version of "Ashtanga Style" yoga. Page worked with Dr. Craig Aaron, the "Yoga-Doc," and made his own the Yoga for Regular Guys Workout (YRG). It is designed as a lifestyle program rather than simply a workout or yoga routine. YRG is a low impact high cardio program. Page calls it Ashtanga Style with basic calisthenics, isokenetics and resistance training. The addition of a strict eating program a complete lifestyle change along with the discipline of YRG. Amazing transformations can be see on the YRG Website Transformations page.[6]

Acting career

File:Ddp8-mordler.jpg
As Jersey in Snoop Dogg's "Hood of Horror"
DDP as Scorpius "Gallowwalker"

Books

File:Yrg cover.jpg
Yoga for Regular Guys
  • Genta, Larry and Page, Diamond Dallas (2000) Positively Page, ISBN 0-9679922-0-6
  • Aaron, Craig and Page, Diamond Dallas (2005) Yoga for Regular Guys: The Best Damn Workout on the Planet, ISBN 1-59474-079-8

References

  1. ^ a b c http://www.diamonddallaspage.com
  2. ^ a b c d "Positively Page"
  3. ^ a b c d e "Own Your Life" audio book on CD
  4. ^ a b c d e f "The Career of Diamond Dallas Page" Jan Jorgensen
  5. ^ "Trademark infringement lawsuit between DDP & Jay-Z now settled; info". wrestleview.com. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  6. ^ http://yrgworkout.com/transformations.html