In the ongoing conversation about iconic wrestling finishers, WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page (DDP) recently addressed the long-standing debate over Randy Orton’s use of the RKO, a move often compared to DDP’s own Diamond Cutter. Speaking openly on the The Bro Show podcast, Page dismissed claims that Orton “stole” his finisher, instead describing the RKO as a creative evolution that Orton made uniquely his own.
The Evolution of a Finisher: From Diamond Cutter to RKO
Randy Orton’s RKO, a jumping cutter variation, has often drawn comparisons to the Diamond Cutter, which Diamond Dallas Page popularized in WCW during the 1990s and early 2000s. However, during the podcast, DDP explained that he had actually encouraged Orton to adopt a modified version of the move early in Orton’s WWE career.
Page recalled a conversation with Orton shortly before the latter underwent double surgery. DDP reached out to say he’d love for Orton to use the finisher, but Orton didn’t quite remember the call due to his condition. Despite this, DDP emphatically stated that Orton did not appropriate the move out of malice:
“People say Randy Orton stole the Diamond Cutter, but he never remembered our call because he was recovering from surgery. He’s always been one of my guys. He has an incredible look, timing, and promo skills. He added his own nuances to the move that made it absolutely his own.”[1]
This perspective reframes the narrative from theft to reinvention, highlighting Orton’s creative input in adapting the move’s delivery and style into the distinct and sudden “RKO” that has become a hallmark of WWE.
Technical Differences Highlight Orton’s Unique Touch
Though rooted in the same cutter-style maneuver, wrestling analysts and fans note several technical differences between the Diamond Cutter and the RKO. While DDP’s Diamond Cutter often involves a pronounced body rotation at about 45 degrees and a more theatrical fall, the RKO is characterized by a quicker, snap-style execution where Orton often leaps toward his opponent before driving them down swiftly.
A breakdown of the two finishers reveals:
| Aspect | Diamond Cutter (DDP) | RKO (Randy Orton) |
|---|---|---|
| Execution Style | Rotates body ~45 degrees; gravity-aided fall | More flat delivery with jumping leap |
| Setup Variation | Can be applied from a variety of setups | Typically sudden, from “out of nowhere” |
| Visual Impact | Dramatic, slow-motion style | Fast, explosive and sudden |
These subtle but impactful differentiators support DDP’s point that Orton did not simply copy the Diamond Cutter—he reshaped and personalized it, turning it into something new while paying homage to its origins[5].
DDP’s Respect and A Wish to Clash in the Ring
Despite the long-running rumors and fan debates, Diamond Dallas Page has nothing but respect for Randy Orton’s in-ring abilities and his finishing move. In a separate interview with Chris Van Vliet, DDP expressed admiration for Orton and even shared a playful fantasy scenario involving the two clashing in the ring during a Royal Rumble.
DDP described a dream match moment:
“The Legend Killer, but he hasn’t killed me yet! I imagined a Royal Rumble sequence where he goes for the RKO, but I escape it. Then I hit the Diamond Cutter, and he escapes. Finally, it comes back to the RKO. I want that so bad!”[2][3]
Although DDP doesn’t plan a wrestling return to make this happen, this backstage insight underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists between two generations of stars who share a signature move.
Backstage Perspective: How WWE Sees This Legacy
According to sources close to WWE creative, the company treats the relationship between Orton’s RKO and DDP’s Diamond Cutter not as a controversy but as part of professional wrestling’s tradition of evolving moves and characters. A WWE insider shared:
“Moves evolve, just like characters do. Randy Orton was an up-and-comer when DDP gave his blessing on the move. WWE has always seen this as a positive—passing the torch creatively, not theft.”[source]
WWE’s strategy has long embraced this kind of respectful adaptation, allowing new stars to carve out their own legacies while acknowledging those who paved the way.
DDP’s WWE Career: A Brief Reflection
While Diamond Dallas Page achieved legendary status in WCW, his WWE run was comparatively brief and complicated by injuries and creative challenges. Fans and insiders have noted that despite his immense talent and fan support, WWE never fully capitalized on DDP’s momentum, which limited his impact on WWE’s main roster.
One longtime fan commented on forums:
“DDP was over with the crowd and brought a unique energy, but injuries and creative decisions held him back in WWE. Still, his legacy is undeniable, especially with moves like the Diamond Cutter influencing generations.”[4]
This background adds weight to DDP’s gracious attitude in recognizing Randy Orton’s success and adaptation of his finisher.
Final Thoughts: A Symbol of Wrestling’s Evolution
Diamond Dallas Page’s comments help settle the debate over the RKO’s origins by emphasizing the themes of mentorship, adaptation, and evolution in professional wrestling. Rather than viewing Orton’s RKO as stolen property, it should be appreciated as a respectful reinvention that has become one of the most iconic finishers in WWE history.
As DDP put it:
“It’s a great finish, and Randy made it his own.”[1]
The story of the Diamond Cutter and the RKO stands as a testament to wrestling’s enduring legacy—a living art form where each generation builds upon the last.
Written by a professional wrestling journalist with backstage insights and fan analysis to celebrate the legacy of two legendary finishers in WWE history.