As wrestling fans mourn the loss of 2-time WWE hall of famer Scott Hall, it’s difficult not to think about the fact we easily could’ve lost the 63-year-old star years go. He famously went to rehab 12 times and cheated death throughout his life. At one point a few years ago, it felt like a tragic death was inevitable — until he reconnected with Diamond Dallas Page.

To some people, DDP will be remembered as an accomplished wrestler. A world champion. The master of the Diamond Cutter. However, I’d argue that’s only a small portion of his legacy. In the years following his in-ring career, he’s saved the lives of former wrestlers battling addiction and inspired hundreds of other people to create healthier versions of themselves.

Scott Hall was one of those people he saved.

In 2013, DDP reached out to Hall after hearing his old wrestling buddy was in a dark spot and “talking about getting a gun.” In an emotional conversation that’s difficult to watch (embedded below), DDP and Jake “The Snake” Roberts, another former wrestler Page helped battle his demons, reached out to Hall who repeatedly stated he was in the process of dying. The pair urged Hall to come to Atlanta, live with them, and get his life back on track.

“I knew something had to change,” Hall said recalling that period of his life. “I’ve never been in denial about my demons.”

In the years that followed, DDP worked with Hall to manage his addictions. While the road wasn’t without its speed bumps, Hall got into a much better spot and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014 for his portrayal of “The Bad Guy” Razor Ramon.

I was fortunate enough to be in attendance that night at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Hall stole the show. Not only because he looked fantastic, but because of a succinct and powerful speech that ended with the lines: “Hard work pays off, dreams come true. Bad times don’t last, but bad guys do.”

That moment wouldn’t be possible without DDP. Neither would his second hall of fame induction that would come in 2020/2021. Neither would reconnecting his with son who was largely estranged from.

“I’m so thankful for Dallas for reintroducing me to myself,” Hall said.

I think the loss of Scott Hall is a moment to pause and thank DDP for what he’s done for Hall and so many others. The last 9 years of Hall’s life likely wouldn’t have happened without the intervention of Dallas Page.

Hall reflected on his journey in a 2013 interview with Bleacher Report. The words are somewhat haunting.

“Look at my life,” he said  “I almost died.  I almost died several times.  My shoulders were down, man.  But I kicked out.  I kicked out again.  Someone upstairs obviously likes me.  So maybe I should, too.”    

DDP taught Hall to like himself again.

He taught Hall how to live again, and we’re so thankful for that.