During a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio this week, Diamond Dallas Page got emotional as he looked back on how Hulk Hogan was one of his biggest backstage supporters in WCW. And played a big role in making him a star.
The wrestling world was shaken to its core on Thursday when it was revealed that industry icon Hulk Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest following complications from a recent neck surgery. Over the last 24 hours, legends from around the industry have weighed in on his passing at 71. One of them is former in-ring rival DDP.
Related: Looking Back on Hulk Hogan’s 10 Greatest Rivals, Including Macho Man and Roddy Piper
The multi-time WCW Champion made an appearance on Busted Open Radio on Friday and told a story about how Hogan stopped him from quitting the company during a tough period in his career. Then went to the decision makers to vouch for his potential as a main eventer.
“I’m fed up because these guys are never going to give me an opportunity. And I am going to see if he can get me a tryout [in WWE], and I’m going to ask for my release,” DDP remembered. “And he said, ‘Before you do that, let me tell you something. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.
“Because it’s not today, next year, or the year after. But somewhere down the line, I honestly believe that you could draw huge money with me.’ And he walked away. And all I could think about was, did Hulk Hogan just tell me he watches my matches?
It was a seminal moment in his career at that point. Yet, that was not where the story ended.
“I went to go up the stairs to get on the bus, and I heard, ‘Diamond.’ I walk downstairs into his locker room and [Eric] Bischoffs with him. And he says to Eric, ‘You need to do something with him. Because I feel down the line he can draw huge money with me.’ And now my jaw dropped… Never underestimate the power someone gives you by believing in you,” he said with tears in his eyes.
DDP and Hogan would go on to have a memorable and highly successful feud in the late 1990s that saw them take part in a part of mainstream tag matches that featured NBA stars Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone, and late-night host Jay Leno.
Related: Remembering Hulk Hogan’s 10 Greatest Moments Following His Passing at 71
