DDP Explains How Randy Orton Received Permission to Use His Signature Move

DDP became famous during his time in WCW, with his Diamond Cutter finisher making him a star. Eventually, wrestlers like Randy Orton started using the cutter, adding their own style to it. DDP has now revealed whether Orton asked for permission to use the move.

While speaking to Chris Van Vliet, DDP was asked whether Randy Orton asked for permission to use the cutter. DDP explained that Randy Orton wasn’t part of WWE when he left the company. Later, DDP called Randy Orton to encourage him to use the move, but Randy Orton didn’t remember the conversation because he was recovering from surgery at the time.

“You know, Randy wasn’t even there when I left. I called him later about it because I wanted him to use it. But he never remembered the phone call since he was coming out of surgery at the time. It was right around when I called him, and he was all banged up from the surgery the day I called him but he got permission.”

DDP noted that Michael PS Hayes and Johnny Ace, who is credited as the originator of the one-arm kick-out version of the cutter, eventually got involved. DDP noted that while his version of the move was meant to come “out of nowhere,” Randy Orton added a unique flair with his jump, taking the move to a new level.

DDP acknowledged that Randy’s athleticism allowed him to perform aspects of the cutter that DDP couldn’t, and he appreciated how Randy made the move his own.

“Later on, Michael PS Hayes and Johnny Ace—who’s really the originator of the one-arm kick-out version—got involved. For me, it was always ‘out of nowhere.’ Randy took it to another level with the jump, and he did things I couldn’t do. I wasn’t athletic enough to pull off what he did, and I love how he made it his own.”

DDP and Randy Orton’s respect for the cutter shows the creativity in professional wrestling, where moves grow and change with each generation. DDP introduced the foundation of the move, while Orton elevated the RKO, delivering countless iconic moments for fans around the globe and DDP will always be glad to have given Orton permission for the same.

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