WWE Hall-Of-Famer Turned Down New Role Comeback Because Of Vince McMahon
Vince McMahon's mania once drove this wrestling legend out of a new WWE role...
Diamond Dallas Page has cited Vince McMahon as the reason behind his declining the chance to return to WWE in a new role shortly after departing the promotion in 2002.
The WWE Hall-of-Famer made this claim during a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio. Explaining that he was burnt out upon leaving WWE that year, DDP said that he was approached by the company's longstanding Executive Vice President, Television Production, Kevin Dunn, who wanted Page to try out as an announcer. The former WCW Champion enjoyed the process, did well, and was told of how WWE intended on bringing him onto television gradually.
Said DDP (h/t Wrestling Inc.):-
"When I left [in 2002], I was so burnt out. Kevin Dunn asked me to go and do a test to be an announcer ... They wanted me to do a spot, so I did it. I went up there [to WWE HQ in Stamford, CT] and I did it. Kevin called me back, he goes, 'I love it. We're gonna start you, not with SmackDown, we're gonna start you with the satellite for the first month or two. You get your feet wet, you'll be on SmackDown. In no time, you're gonna be on Raw."
But the gig didn't pan out. Page ultimately opted against taking WWE up on its offer and informed Dunn of this decision, citing Vince as the reason.
Per DDP, reciting a common criticism of McMahon's production style, the now-deposed Chairman and CEO would "really scream" through the headset to his announcers. This wasn't something he wanted to deal with at that time in his life, despite Dunn telling DDP he felt he could become "the next Jesse Ventura."
Another five years passed before Page even heard from WWE again.
McMahon resigned in disgrace from his role as WWE Chairman and CEO in July 2022, doing so amidst allegations he had paid millions of dollars in "hush money" to silence accusations of sexual misconduct.