100 Best Wrestling Moves EVER
63. Randy Orton | Draping DDT
The spindly, snake-like movements of one Randy Orton added a ton to his core offensive choices once he started coming into his own as a worker in the mid-to-late-2000s. That hanging backbreaker whilst cranking an opponent's neck has always been fabulous, and his scooped power slam is excellent, but there are few better signature picks for Mr. RKO (ahem) than his draping version of the DDT.
It's an inventive update on an old classic for sure.
Naturally, as with many signatures and finishers, Randy's set up relies on enemies putting themselves in harm's way at precisely the right moment. They try to sneak through the ropes and get caught, or somehow end up on the ring apron ripe for a boot to the stomach so they double over and prepare for doom. That's when Orton grabs them by the neck, leaves their feet dangling over the middle rope, and drops poor saps head/face/neck first into the canvas.
This always gets a big pop from live crowds, and TV viewers watching from home delight in Randy's trance-like facial expressions. When he's heel, they're outrageously aggressive. When babyface, Orton either flashes a knowing grin at fans or winks at the camera before executing the move. Both lead-in performances give it some personality.
The fact this draping DDT often leads into a mat-thumping taunt designed to tease his evergreen cutter makes it even better. People typically know they're about to see "the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment" whenever wrestlers drape precariously over the ropes then fall with a meaty thud.