Kimberly Page: A Trailblazing Wrestling Personality
Kimberly Page is best known for her involvement in professional wrestling, as well as her work as an actress and glamour model. Born Kimberly Lynn Bacon on January 1, 1970, Kimberly gained fame in the 1990s as a valet, manager, and personality in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where she played a key role in her then-husband Diamond Dallas Page’s rise to prominence. Her unique blend of athleticism, charisma, and beauty helped her carve out a niche in the male-dominated world of professional wrestling, making her one of the most recognizable women of the era. This article examines her wrestling career, focusing on her role in WCW and her contributions to the sport.
Early Life and Entry into Wrestling
Before Kimberly Page entered the world of professional wrestling, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations and journalism from Auburn University. Her journey into the wrestling business was closely tied to her relationship with Diamond Dallas Page (DDP), whom she married in 1991. At the time, DDP was already a rising star in WCW, and Kimberly became involved in the wrestling scene as his valet and later as the leader of the Nitro Girls dance troupe.
Involvement in World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
Kimberly Page’s wrestling career is primarily associated with WCW, where she made her debut in 1994. Initially, she appeared as a valet and manager for DDP, supporting him during his matches and engaging in storylines that would elevate both of their careers. However, Kimberly was much more than a passive character on the sidelines—her presence and involvement in key storylines were pivotal in helping DDP become a major star in the late 1990s.
1. The Diamond Doll Persona
Kimberly Page first gained prominence in WCW under the persona of “The Diamond Doll.” As Diamond Dallas Page’s valet, she accompanied him to the ring and became an integral part of his act. The Diamond Doll was portrayed as a glamorous, poised, and somewhat submissive character who played off DDP’s arrogant and brash persona. Despite being cast in a somewhat secondary role, Kimberly’s charisma and stage presence quickly caught the attention of WCW fans.
Her dynamic with DDP, particularly in the mid-1990s, helped create a compelling narrative in which her character sometimes expressed reluctance to endorse DDP’s more villainous actions. This tension between the two characters added depth to their on-screen relationship and made The Diamond Doll more than just eye candy—Kimberly became an important part of the storytelling in WCW.
2. The Nitro Girls
One of Kimberly Page’s most notable contributions to WCW was her creation and leadership of the Nitro Girls, a dance troupe that performed during live broadcasts of WCW’s flagship show, Monday Nitro. The Nitro Girls debuted in 1997 and were introduced as a way to entertain the audience during breaks between matches. Kimberly, who was already an experienced dancer and fitness enthusiast, took charge of the group and was heavily involved in choreographing their routines.
The Nitro Girls became a popular attraction on Monday Nitro, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the show and helping to keep the energy high during commercial breaks. While some critics saw the Nitro Girls as a departure from traditional wrestling, they were undeniably a hit with WCW’s audience and helped to diversify the product.
Kimberly’s role as the leader of the Nitro Girls further elevated her profile within WCW. She was not just a manager or valet; she became a key figure behind the scenes, helping to shape the presentation of WCW’s television product. The Nitro Girls also provided a platform for several women who would go on to have careers in professional wrestling, such as Stacy Keibler and Sharmell.
Key Storylines and Feuds
While Kimberly Page’s involvement in WCW was often linked to her role as a manager or performer with the Nitro Girls, she was also involved in several high-profile storylines and feuds that added depth to her character and helped to advance the narratives of WCW’s male superstars.
1. Feud with Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth
One of Kimberly’s most memorable storylines in WCW was her involvement in the feud between Diamond Dallas Page and “Macho Man” Randy Savage. The feud, which took place in 1997, was a career-defining rivalry for DDP, and Kimberly played a central role in the storyline. Savage and his valet, Miss Elizabeth, targeted Kimberly as a way to get under DDP’s skin, and the tension between the two couples was a focal point of the feud.
In one of the more infamous moments of the feud, Miss Elizabeth allegedly “exposed” compromising photos of Kimberly, which were used to humiliate her and further enrage DDP. This storyline blurred the lines between the on-screen personas and real-life relationships, adding an extra layer of drama to the feud. Kimberly’s involvement made her more than just a background character—she became a key figure in one of WCW’s hottest angles.
2. The New World Order (nWo)
Kimberly Page also found herself entangled in storylines involving the New World Order (nWo), the notorious faction that dominated WCW during the late 1990s. As the nWo sought to take control of WCW, many of the company’s top stars, including DDP, were drawn into conflicts with the group. Kimberly, by extension, was often involved in these storylines, either as a target of the nWo’s antics or as a figure supporting DDP in his battles against the faction.
The nWo storyline was one of the most significant in professional wrestling history, and Kimberly’s involvement further cemented her place in WCW during this critical period. Although she was never an active wrestler, her presence in these major angles demonstrated that she was more than capable of holding her own in the high-stakes drama of professional wrestling.
Departure from WCW and Post-Wrestling Career
Kimberly Page left WCW in 2000, just as the company was beginning its decline. After her departure, she focused on other pursuits, including acting and modeling. In 2004, she appeared in The 40-Year-Old Virgin, a successful romantic comedy in which she had a small role. Kimberly also posed for Playboy magazine multiple times throughout the 1990s, further solidifying her status as a glamour model.
While Kimberly stepped away from the world of professional wrestling, her impact on the industry remained. As one of the most prominent female personalities in WCW during its peak years, she helped pave the way for future generations of women in wrestling. Her ability to balance both beauty and intelligence, while also contributing to the in-ring action as a manager and personality, set her apart from many of her peers.
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