The Legend of YMJ

A couple months ago, I featured JayHawk Evans with Steven (William) Regal in Friendly Encounters.  Today, I am revealing one of my favorite JayHawk stories, which occurred later in that same night.
JayHawk and I trekked out to Cincinnat (OH) for the Brian Pillman Memorial Show.  Before the night of wrestling, we met several of the wrestlers during the meet-and-greet session.  Then we settled in for a great night of up close action in the small gym.
Near the end of the night, Diamond Dallas Page entered the ring and started to thank everyone and talk about the late Brian Pillman.  In his opening statement, he pointed to JayHawk and proclaimed him to be wearing the best shirt there.  He motioned for JayHawk to stand up, which he did, soaking up a bit of applause.
As evident in the Friendly Encounter post, JayHawk was wearing a Cactus Jack shirt.  (For those unfamiliar with pro wrestling, Cactus Jack was an earlier days in-ring persona of Mick Foley).
I never saw the dvd of that Pillman event.  I don't even know if one exists.  I do know that if there is one, JayHawk is certainly on it!

Diamond Dallas Page in Cincinnati, OH-May 2000.

Diamond Dallas Page Update

Diamond Dallas Page is a fan of Johngy's Beat and we certainly reciprocate that feeling.  Page and us have had a few interactions, including the promo DDP did for us which can be viewed on the right side of this page.
Page recently responded to a message I sent him, updating me on all things DDP and YRG (Yoga for Regular Guys).  DDP's site includes the DDP video blog.  Wednesday is "Wrasslin' Wednesday" and DDP shares rare, behind-the-scenes footage of his career.
You should also check out his blog radio talk show called YRG Radio RoundTable, which airs every Tuesday night at 9 p.m. est.  It is also available on podcast, if you miss the first broadcast.  It's a show about achieving goals, facing fears and overcoming adversity.
Diamond Dallas Page isn't just a retired wrestler.  He gave a lot to the world of wrestling and now he is giving a lot to the rest of the world.  His site is jam-packed with information and entertainment.
In his promo video, DDP tells you to check out Johngy's Beat and here, I am telling you to check out DDP's site!

Dallas Page and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

On the Beat with DDP

I have met Diamond Dallas Page a few times over the last ten years. Page is a unique guy. He broke into pro wrestling at the age of 32. Just a few days after turning 43, Page won his first heavyweight championship. He went on to win the WCW Heavyweight title twice more. He also won several lesser titles and a few tag-team titles.
Page worked very hard to attain his success, especially considering how late he started. His story is a real success story.
Now retired, Page is concentrating on his acting career and YRG Fitness System. YRG stands for Yoga for Regular Guys.
When I recently met him at Wizard World, he showed me a few videos about YRG, which were amazing. Page did a short, but effective demonstration of YRG and how it raises your heart rate through concentrated stretching and yoga.
This isn't low-impact. It's no impact. It is great for the body with no ill effects. This isn't a fad diet, nor a quick weight loss scheme. This is a real body transformation plan.
Don't just take my word for it. Listen to Page and then go to DDP's website to find out more about DDP and YRG.

Page Joseph Falkinburg, Jr.

Page Joseph Falkinburg, Jr. first broke into the wrestling business at the age of 32, adopting the ring name Diamond Dallas Page (aka DDP). Page has continually beaten the odds.
Page started out as a manager in the old AWA. It wasn't until about 3 years later in the WCW when Page decided to actually wrestle. Page went to the WCW training facility, determined to work his way up. At the age of 38, Page won his first pro wrestling title, the WCW World Television championship. Page went on to win the World Heavyweight Championship 3 times.
Page moved on to the WWE after it purchased WCW. After a 2 year stint in the WWE, Page resurfaced for a short run in TNA wrestling. Page is currently considered to be retired from the ring.
Page isn't retired from the public eye though. As a motivational speaker, author, fitness guru and actor, Page's future looks bright and busy.
Perhaps because of his work ethic, fans have always taken a special liking to Page and he always makes time for his fans. At the Pillman Memorial event, during the photo sessions, he jumped into the crowd to take more photos after his official slot was over. Page stuck around for another hour or so until everyone who wanted a picture with him got one!

Dallas Page teaching me the Diamond Cutter symbol in Cincinnati, OH-May 2000.