100 Best Wrestling Moves EVER
66. The Dudley Boyz | 3D
If anything, the 3D might be the most underrated tag team finisher ever.
Yes, it is immortalised thanks to the immortalisation of WWE’s Attitude Era and ECW, and the spaces The Dudley Boyz occupied within those periods of time. But the versatility, believability, impact and sheer love for the move from the crowd truly cannot be understated.
Both Dudleyz can take up either role. Strong enough to lift a wrestler and mobile enough to reach the modest height of their opponent’s neck before driving it into the mat, Bubba and D-Von’s positions are a surprise to the other wrestlers but not to the audience. The reaction that bubbles under as it becomes clear that the Dudley Death Drop is on the way is palpable, and the urge to shout “3D!” along with it further speaks to the deep connection it established all those years ago.
As does the successful rebadging of it by The Usos. The 1D developed a similar reputation for wrapping things up, but will have subsequently become property of Jimmy and Jey to the newest generation of WWE fans post-boom. Bubba Ray Dudley’s not the type of person to let anybody forget anything about the past, but this bit of business respectin’ is more than justified.