It’s been a few weeks since we last saw Diamond Dallas Page, and it’s raised a few questions as to what happened to DDP?
It’s a fair question given that it appeared that he was on the way to being an active member of AEW and he had a good showing at Bash at the Beach, but since then he’s been largely absent from AEW television.
He’s not under contract
From all reports, he’s an independent contractor, meaning he works and is paid per gig and isn’t under contract to anyone. It’s a regular business practice for wrestlers. It allows them the freedom to move from promotion to promotion, working where they please and with whom they please.
Larger promotions like WWE have always used them over the years for various events and story angles.
A couple of the more prominent names that have proficiency used this are Bruiser Brody and MVP.
While it gives wrestlers the ultimate freedom for their gimmick and what they do, it does have drawbacks like they’re responsible for their own health insurance and so on. Basically, they’re their own business just like people we know in internet cafes and elsewhere trying to make a living.
This all came to light when he first appeared on AEW Dynamite and he learned he had a choice to make.
As we covered before, DDP had been working with the wrestlers at WWE’s Performance Center when he tried to all to find out why he hadn’t heard anything about being needed there. He learned through his friend that it was either WWE or AEW, not both.
He said he pointed out he didn’t sign a contract with AEW, but it didn’t matter. If he appeared at their events he wasn’t welcome at WWE functions.
He could’ve retired
DDP is 63 years old, so there’s every possibility that he retired from in ring activity.
He had a great career in WCW and a pretty good run in the WWE, and the wear and tear took a toll on his body, hence part of the reason he created his yoga program that specializes in helping contact sports athletes.
He loves helping others heal and get them back on their feet, and said he’s willing to work with those in the Performance Center again, so it’s safe to say we may have seen the last of him in the ring.
While others seem to have a hard time letting go, he’s apparently transitioned into his new career and doesn’t mind making the occasional appearance.
Who knows, maybe hell pop into an AEW ring or show at some point again. It’s always cool to see one of the greats do their thing, so I’m sure he’ll always be welcome by those that appreciate him.
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