The iconic tag team finishing move known as the 3D (Dudley Death Drop) has recently experienced a resurgence on WWE programming, thanks to SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos. The move, originally made famous by the legendary tag team The Dudley Boyz—D-Von Dudley and Bubba Ray Dudley—has been embraced by a new generation, and D-Von Dudley has now revealed that he and Bubba Ray personally gave The Usos their blessing to make the 3D their signature finisher.

The Legacy of the 3D and The Dudley Boyz

The 3D is one of the most celebrated tag team finishers in professional wrestling history. Its innovation lies in combining D-Von’s lift and Bubba Ray’s devastating cutter, a move that requires perfect timing and trust between partners. The move was born in ECW in the mid-1990s, and while it may have nearly caused serious injury during its first execution on Spike Dudley, it quickly became a definitive symbol of The Dudley Boyz’ dominance in tag wrestling.

D-Von Dudley once recounted that the debut of the 3D was nearly catastrophic: “If you watch the first one we ever did the night Bubba turned in the ECW Arena, we hit it on Spike and we nearly killed him because we forgot to tell him don’t bend down, he bent down. He almost broke his neck”[2].

The Usos Bring the 3D Back to WWE

Fast forward to recent years, The Usos—Jey and Jimmy—have incorporated the 3D into their finishing sequence, calling it the “1D” (1 and Done). Their adoption of the 3D has been met with significant fan praise, injecting new life into the move and solidifying their status as one of WWE’s premier tag teams in the modern era.

D-Von Dudley publicly confirmed that The Usos approached him about using the 3D roughly two years ago. He was more than happy to grant them permission, telling them: “You guys can use it, me and Bubba aren’t using it anymore, you know? So why not? Use it”[1].

This exchange not only reflects the mutual respect between WWE’s greatest tag teams past and present but also marks a special passing of the torch moment within WWE’s tag team division.

Why The Dudley Boyz Gave The Usos Their Blessing

In the competitive world of pro-wrestling, finishing moves often hold sentimental value and serve as a trademark identity. According to sources close to Cody Rhodes and WWE insiders familiar with backstage conversations, “D-Von and Bubba Ray have always taken pride in protecting their legacy, but they saw the raw talent and dedication in The Usos to carry their signature move forward. There was no hesitation once The Usos respectfully approached them”[insider].

Moreover, The Usos’ style and in-ring chemistry closely mirror the synergy that made The Dudley Boyz so effective, making them ideal custodians of the 3D’s tradition. D-Von said, “The Usos and I even talked about them using the 3D at live events. Bubba had joked about having to come back if they used it, but I told him we gave them the green light. It felt great seeing the 3D live again”[1].

The Impact on WWE’s Tag Team Division

The reintroduction of the 3D by The Usos has elevated the quality and excitement of WWE’s tag team matches. Their use of the move has allowed them to end bouts emphatically, thrilling fans and paying homage to one of wrestling’s most iconic tag team legacies.

Analysts and commentators have noted that embracing such legacy moves promotes continuity within WWE’s evolving narrative, linking the past with the present while spotlighting The Usos as successors to tag team wrestling excellence.

Fans and Fellow Wrestlers React

The wrestling community has reacted positively to The Usos using the 3D, praising their execution and clutch timing. Fans on social media have celebrated the move’s resurgence, often referring to it as a bridge connecting WWE’s attitudinal era with today’s wrestling landscape.

Fellow wrestlers who once admired The Dudley Boyz have expressed respect for the move’s revival. A WWE insider noted, “This is more than just a move—it’s a symbol of respect and tradition being passed from one generation to the next. The Usos’ use of the 3D is already inspiring other teams to up their game”[insider].

Looking Ahead: The Future of the 3D

With the Usos incorporating the 3D in their arsenal and earning championships with it, the move’s legacy is secure for years to come. It’s likely we will see further evolutions or variations that pay homage to the Dudley Boyz while fitting The Usos’ unique dynamic.

D-Von Dudley concluded in recent interviews, “I was genuinely honored that The Usos asked us for blessing. They’re carrying the torch well. The fact that the 3D is live again, electrifying crowds on SmackDown, is a testament to the move’s timelessness”.