10 Reasons Why DDP Was The Original People’s Champ Of Wrestling
8. Self High Five
For decades, hand signals in wrestling have played a big part in superstars getting over with the fans. From the Four Horsemen’s famous four fingers and the DX crotch chop to Steve Austin's middle finger salute and the “Too Sweet” of the New World Order, hand gestures are an instant way for fans to interact with their favourite stars and show their support for their favourite superstars.
Diamond Dallas Page was no different. With the hands raised high in the air, joining the thumbs and index fingers to those of the opposite hand (creating a diamond shape in the space in between), the “Self High Five” or “Diamond Sign” as it came to be known was instrumental in getting DDP over as a babyface and a key part of his act.
When DDP threw up the hands and everyone in attendance did the same, it was instant recognition for “The Master of the Diamond Cutter”. More importantly, it let everyone watching at home know that DDP was the man of the people and he had their support; a key part of his character that he still uses to this day.
Ironically, the “Self High Five” went on to become a key part of Dallas’ DDP Yoga programme and is a staple move of the DDPY workout as a standing “cobra” back stretch of sorts.