Diamond Dallas Page, a WWE Hall of Famer, recently shared insights in an interview with Escapist Magazine about pivotal experiences in pro wrestling, including his interactions with iconic figures and his perspective on Cody Rhodes’ remarkable confidence. The conversation covered moments that shaped his career and underscored how Cody Rhodes’ self-belief has profoundly influenced the industry.
Hulk Hogan’s Unforgettable Support Early in DDP’s Career
Page recalled a defining moment when Hulk Hogan offered him a chance that left a lasting impact. As he was about to board a bus, Hogan called him over to his locker room, where Eric Bischoff was also present. Hogan urged Bischoff to seriously consider Page as an essential part of their plans, expressing confidence in his potential to generate significant revenue in the future.
“I was walking up the stairs to get on the bus, and I heard, ‘Diamond!’. Hulk always called me Diamond. I always called him Hulk. He said, ‘come on down here’ and Eric Bischoff was in his locker room. And he said, ‘Listen, I know you two guys are boys, ‘but you need to start doing something with him’. Bischoff wasn’t the guy in control. He was one of the guys on the booking committee back then. Hulk said, ‘Because if it’s not this year or next year, but somewhere down the line, I believe this guy right here has the ability to draw huge money with me.”
– Diamond Dallas Page
The Unmatched Confidence of Cody Rhodes
Addressing Cody Rhodes’ self-belief, Page highlighted how no one in the modern wrestling era has demonstrated stronger conviction. He emphasized the power that belief in oneself holds and praised Rhodes for making bold career decisions despite uncertain prospects and significant financial sacrifice. According to Page, this courage, shared by Cody’s wife Brandy as well, offers a powerful example of resilience and determination.
He explained,
“I tell everyone, never underestimate the power someone gives you by believing in you. More importantly, never underestimate the power you give yourself by believing in you. And there is no one in this modern era of guys who believed in himself more than Cody Rhodes. He left. And I don’t know how much money he was making back then, but I would bet it was somewhere around a half a million dollars a year, when a half a million dollars meant a lot of money back then. We’re talking about ten years ago, whatever it was. For him to have the guts to believe in himself, for his wife, Brandy, to have the guts to believe in her husband that much, having no guarantee of anything, and for his life to turn out the way it has, Nothing sets a better example than never underestimate the power you give yourself by believing in you.”
Lessons from Vince McMahon on Standing Firm
Page also credited Vince McMahon for teaching him the importance of having the strength to walk away when necessary. This lesson about self-respect and knowing one’s worth resonated deeply and influenced his approach both inside and outside the ring.
“No, I’m a positive guy. But Vince did make me understand the importance of never being afraid to walk away from the table. That’s what he did for me.”
– Diamond Dallas Page
Enduring Impact of Self-Belief in Wrestling Careers
The reflections from Diamond Dallas Page underline how confidence and conviction can shape a wrestler’s path in a volatile industry. Cody Rhodes’ story demonstrates that steadfast belief can lead to groundbreaking success, inspiring others to trust their own abilities even in the face of uncertainty. As the wrestling world continues to evolve, such examples remain crucial for future generations seeking to make their mark.
