WC: A lot of people may not realise, but you actually tried out to break into the wrestling business long before you jumped in with both feet in the late 80s, leading to your famous big break as a manager with AWA. What was it that didnt work out first time round? DDP: Well, I hurt my knee during a match, for one thing. I got hit by a car when I was 12 and it was that same knee. I flew 42 feet from the point of impact with that car, so when I torqued that knee in the match, I could barely walk. I could limp on it but couldnt really get in the ring. Then I was offered the opportunity to run my first rock n roll joint. It was small but Id been in the bar business since I was 17 and done everything but be a manager. All I gave a f**k about back then was partying, wrestling and p***y; and I knew that the clubs were where the p***y was at. I got lost in the booze, the broads and the partying. That was in 78 and by the time the mid-80s rolled around, wrestling was the big deal and I was so mad that I didt pay my dues and stick with it that I just stopped watching. WC: What was it that finally dragged you back in? DDP: One night, I was flicking through the channels and I saw Jesse Ventura and thought, Who the f**k is that guy? Hes f***ing awesome! So I started watching and, what do you know, thats the first night I saw Jake The Snake Roberts. So now, Im like Who the f**k is THAT guy? Hes real! Hes a bad mother f***er! My god, bro; his promos were out of this world and he was just the craziest f***ing guy Id ever seen. Whod know that, years later, hed play a huge part in turning my business around and making people take notice. WC: Speaking of Jake, its common knowledge that youre behind the upcoming movie, The Resurrection of Jake The Snake. DDP: Its a really positive story that takes you on a rollercoaster ride. I didnt make this film for the wrestling fans I knew they would love it I made it for the people who dont even watch wrestling, because its a story for everyone. Jakes had his demons and theres always someone in everyones lives thats an addict; whether its booze, girls or drugs. WC: The moment when Jake breaks the news and tells you about the WWE Hall of Fame is a classic moment. DDP: And theres plenty of s**t that went on after that we didnt even put on YouTube! WC: With DDP Yogas influence on wrestlers past and present on top of your own wrestling accomplishments really, it shouldnt be long before we see DDP inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame too. DDP: If it had been the WCW Hall of Fame, I think we both know Id already be in there! But thats okay, man. Lifes blessed me on so many different levels, if its meant to happen, itll happen when its supposed to. Keep up to date with all the latest news from Diamond Dallas Page and DDP Yoga at the links below: Web: DDPYoga.com Twitter: @RealDDP / @DDPYoga Facebook: fb.com/ddpyoga YouTube: youtube.com/Dallapage
Occasional wrestler, full-time gym rat and lifelong lover of the grapple game. Would probably buy you a shot of Jack at the bar in exchange for witty banter...and preferably more Jack.
@MartynGrant88 for more wrestling-related musings and weight room wisecracks!
