PAIGE COLLETT is an independent wrestling talent who epitomes heart and resilience. Trained by Bobby Blaze, Funaki and WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, Paige Collett has faced significant personal battles in recent years in the face of Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, but is bouncing back stronger and refuses to go down for the three count without a fight.
Committed to sharing her journey of recovery via her Wrestling with CRPS channel, wrestling's 'Black Dahlia' joined the #wrestlinglifepod for episode 030 to talk about how a freak injury inside the wrestling ring left her with a diagnosis of CRPS and confined to a wheelchair, her friendship with 'The Dynamite Doll' Bronwyne Billington, her passion to inspire others facing similar challenges, and her determination to return to the wrestling business even stronger.
WRESTLING LIFE WITH COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME
"CRPS is the craziest disease that you've probably nebver heard of before. That is so wrong. CRPS is the most painful disease known to mankind, and when you bring up the medical pain charts, doctors put this as the most painful pain. On that chart you have kidney stones, cancer, amputation, childbirth, and CRPS is the most cruel out of all of them. For this diease to not be known [more widely] is insane. I hope to change that, and I hope within the next fifteen years, everyone knows and clutches their pearls when they hear of CRPS."
HOW PAIGE COLLETT ENDED UP IN A WHEELCHAIR
"I trained under Funaki for a year and then I also trained under Rikishi for just under a year. My time at Rikishi's [training camp] was that I was in LA, sleeping out of my vehicle ... I wanted to do it the right way and I didn't want to be a mark in tights. I didn't want to be picking up bad habits on the indy wrestling scene. I wanted to become a wrestler ... I ended up tearing my ligaments when I went over the ropes [during training]. Rikishi was there and the whole class witnessed it. It was just a freak accident. Wrestlers get hurt. It's a physical sport."
PAIGE COLLETT ON BRONWYNE BILLINGTON
A beautiful wrestling friendship has emerged over the past year between Paige Collett and Bronwyne Billington, daughter of the legendary Dynamite Kid Tom Billington. "I love her so much," says Paige. "We've known each other for a minute but she's been a strong supporter and ally during my struggle with CRPS. She has supported me as I've dipped my toes back into wrestling. She's such a girl's girl ... we've come up with this crazy idea that when I am healthy enough to wrestle again, she will valet me to the ring."
EPISODE 030 HIGHLIGHTS: PAIGE COLLETT
Real Talk: Paige doesn't hold back when it comes to sharing her raw experiences wrestling with CRPS.
CRPS Awareness: Paige discusses the challenges of being undiagnosed for almost seven years.
Strength in Struggle: Despite immense pain, Paige Collett refuses to give up on her wrestling dreams.
Holistic Healing: She opts for medical marijuana over traditional painkillers to manage her condition.
Support System: Her friendship with Bronwyne Billington has provides great support during tough times.
Inspiring Others: Paige's YouTube raises awareness about CRPS and her journey back to wrestling.
Future Goals: Exciting opportunities await, including potential wrestling appearances and conventions.
KEY INSIGHTS FROM PAIGE COLLETT
Misdiagnosis Impact: Paige’s experience highlights the dangers of misdiagnosis in chronic conditions, and the need for better awareness in the medical community.
Mental Health Matters: The importance of seeking therapy and building a support network is crucial for those facing health challenges, as it can significantly improve emotional well-being.
Resilience Redefined: Paige Collett’s determination to return to wrestling despite her struggles illustrates the power of resilience and the human spirit in overcoming adversity.
Alternative Treatments: Her choice of medical marijuana over opioids showcases a growing trend toward holistic and alternative treatments in chronic pain management.
Friendship’s Role: The close bond between Paige and Bronwyne shows how strong relationships can provide essential support during difficult times. No one should face their battles alone.
Raising Awareness: Through her YouTube series, Paige aims to educate others about CRPS, showcasing the importance of sharing stories to foster understanding and compassion.
Hope for the Future: Paige’s aspirations for the future serve as an inspiration, reminding us that hope and perseverance can lead to new opportunities even in the face of hardship.
REAL TALK FROM REAL TALENT
Wrestling Life with Ben Veal shines the spotlight brightly and positively on those who shaped wrestling's past, drive its present and influence its future. The show is widely available and features honest, open and inspiring conversations with many of the sport's biggest names, including Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Mick Foley, Lilian Garcia, Candice Michelle, Marc Mero, Buff Bagwell, Doug Williams, Eric Bischoff and many more.
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About the author: Ben Veal is a writer, content creator, journalist, and host of Wrestling Life and the founder of Second Mountain Comms, a purpose-driven award-winning PR and marketing business that helps good people do good. A Chartered PR professional and passionate fan of the artform of professional wrestling for more than three decades, Ben is committed to sharing the real stories behind wrestling's talented performers.