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Theodore Marvin DiBiase Sr. (/diːbiˈʌsi/; born January 18, 1954)[2] is an American retired professional wrestler, manager, and color commentator. He is signed to WWE as of 2024, where he works in their Legends program. DiBiase achieved championship success in a number of wrestling promotions, holding thirty titles during his professional wrestling career. He is best recalled by mainstream audiences for his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he wrestled as "the Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. He has been named as one of the best technical wrestlers,[4][5] and greatest villains[6][7] in pro wrestling history.

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Among other accolades in the WWF/E, DiBiase was the first WWF North American Heavyweight Champion, a three-time WWF Tag Team Champion (with Irwin R. Schyster), a one-time WWE 24/7 Champion, and winner of the 1988 King of the Ring tournament. DiBiase purchased the WWF World Heavyweight Championship from André the Giant. DiBiase also awarded himself the Million Dollar Championship, which was held by various associated wrestlers including DiBiase's onscreen proteges, Stone Cold Steve Austin and LA Knight. DiBiase headlined multiple WWF cards, including WrestleMania IV and the first-ever SummerSlam in 1988. DiBiase is a member of several professional wrestling halls of fame: he was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame upon its inception in 1996, and headlined the 2010 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.

Early life

[edit]

DiBiase was born Theodore Marvin Willis in Omaha, Nebraska. He is the biological son of Ted Wills, an entertainer and singer; and Helen Nevins, a wrestler.[8][9] He is the adopted son of wrestler "Iron" Mike DiBiase,[10][11] who married his mother when he was 4 years old. His adoptive father Mike died of a heart attack in the ring when DiBiase was 15. Seven-time NWA World champion Harley Race rushed to the ring and performed CPR, but was unable to save Iron Mike's life. In response, his mother suffered from depression and alcoholism, so DiBiase was moved to Willcox, Arizona, to live with his grandparents. He attended Creighton Preparatory high school in Omaha, Nebraska and attended West Texas State University on a football scholarship. While there he became a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. However, due to an injury in his senior year, he later dropped out of college to begin a career in professional wrestling.[12]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Mid-South Wrestling (1974–1979)

[edit]

Ted DiBiase was trained by Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk. He made his professional wrestling debut as a referee in June 1974 in the Amarillo territory owned by the Funks. He then went to the Mid-South territory of Bill Watts being promoted as the son of Iron Mike in 1975 where he wrestled for four years. His first match was a loss against Danny Hodge.[3] By February 1978, DiBiase would unseat Dick Slater to become Missouri State champion only to lose to Dick Murdoch after a few weeks on television.[13]

World Wide Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Federation (1979)

[edit]

In the beginning of 1979, DiBiase came to Vince McMahon Sr.'s World Wide Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Federation. On February 13, 1979, the WWWF North American Heavyweight Championship was created, and Ted DiBiase would be awarded the WWWF North American Heavyweight Championship, becoming the first champion.[14][15]

In March 1979, the WWWF was renamed as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). The newly established championship would be renamed the WWF North American Heavyweight Championship shortly after the company's name change. On June 19, 1979, DiBiase would go onto lose the North American Championship to Pat Patterson.

He was Hulk Hogan's opponent in Hogan's first Madison Square Garden match.[16]

DiBiase during a 1981 match against Dusty Rhodes

National Wrestling Alliance and return to MSW / Universal Wrestling Federation (1980–1987)

[edit]

DiBiase also spent time in the Georgia area where he had an early face run. One legendary angle had DiBiase enduring four piledrivers (one on the concrete floor and three in the ring) administered in the WTBS studio arena by The Fabulous Freebirds before his tag team partner, Tommy "Wildfire" Rich, threw in the towel (the angle of DiBiase being badly injured was so real the TBS studio audience could be seen crying). Rich and DiBiase later feuded, leading to a loser leaves town match which DiBiase won, but instead of Rich leaving the area, he donned a mask calling himself "Mister R." The feud culminated in a match between Mister R and DiBiase, Rich appeared from backstage and distracted DiBiase. Mister R then rolled up DiBiase to get the win and unmasked as Brad Armstrong. Both DiBiase and Rich left the territory shortly thereafter.

In the early to mid-1980s, DiBiase participated in angles in various territories feuding with the likes of Ric Flair best known from this point in his Mid South return with the likes of Bob Roop, Paul Orndorff, Dick Murdoch, The Fabulous Freebirds and One Man Gang. DiBiase turned heel against the Junkyard Dog and formed a group called The Rat Pack with Jim Duggan and Matt Borne, ran Mid-south for months. Aligning with Skandor Akbar, Dibiase caused a rift within the group, namely Duggan. The two would feud until DiBiase lost a loser leaves town match.[2] He also held various championships[15] and made frequent trips to All Japan Pro Wrestling until his eventual departure from Mid-South Wrestling (which by this point was now the UWF). Typically, his matches ended with the use of a "loaded" black glove, which he pulled from his tights to "knock out" his opponent when the referee was not looking.

While locked in talks with the National Wrestling Alliance in 1987 after the UWF was acquired by Jim Crockett, DiBiase received an offer from the WWF. DiBiase was eventually convinced by WWF to sign despite the fact that he would not be told his gimmick until after he agreed, under the promise that it was something that would receive a serious push. WWF official Pat Patterson informed DiBiase that if owner Vince McMahon were to go out to wrestle, it would be the gimmick that he would give himself.

All Japan Pro Wrestling (1983–1987, 1993)

[edit]

DiBiase entered All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) in 1983. He won the NWA United National Championship on October 14, 1983, in a tournament defeating Jerry Lawler by forfeit.[17] Three months later, on January 28, 1984, DiBiase lost the title to Michael Hayes.[17] DiBiase's mother Helen Hild died two months later on March 4, 1984.

In August 1985, DiBiase formed a tag team with fellow gaijin Stan Hansen, and the two became the PWF Tag Team Champions when Hansen chose DiBiase to replace Bruiser Brody, who left for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).[18] Later that year, DiBiase and Hansen entered the 1985 World's Strongest Tag Determination League and would emerge victorious, finishing in first place with 7 points.[19]

On July 3, 1987, DiBiase and Hansen would lose the PWF Tag Team Championship to Jumbo Tsuruta and Tiger Mask, ending their two-year reign as champions.[18] Eight days later, on July 11, DiBiase and Hansen regained the title for a second time, but would be stripped of the title shortly after due to DiBiase leaving AJPW for the WWF.[18]

In September 1993, DiBiase returned to AJPW and reformed his team with Hansen. The two immediately saw success as they defeated The Holy Demon Army on September 3, 1993[20] for the World Tag Team Championship. Two months later, on November 13, 1993, DiBiase and Hansen would be stripped of the title so it could be put on the line for the 1993 World's Strongest Tag Determination League. DiBiase would enter the tournament, but would only wrestle one match, on November 14, where he and Hansen defeated Tracey Smothers and Richard Slinger[21] before he suffered neck and back injuries which forced him out of the tournament (Giant Baba ended up replacing him).[21]

Return to the WWF (1987–1993, 1994–1996)

[edit]

WWF Championship pursuits (1987–1988)

[edit]
After failing to win the WWF Championship, DiBiase created his own title, the Million Dollar Championship.

DiBiase made his return to the WWF as a babyface on May 15, 1987, at a house show in Houston, Texas. He came out to the ring to announce to those in attendance that it was only fitting that he was now competing in the WWF.[22] Moments later The One Man Gang and Slick came to the ring for Gang's scheduled match. The referee had to force DiBiase to leave before there was a confrontation. At the next house show on June 7, DiBiase would have his first match and lose to The One Man Gang.[23] He went on to lose two additional house show confrontations to The Gang. DiBiase would tag-team with Sam Houston on June 26 against The One Man Gang and Ron Bass (Houston had run in to assist DiBiase against The Gang at one of the earlier house show matches); towards the end of the match, DiBiase (kayfabe) turned on and attacked Houston after Houston missed a dropkick on Bass, leaving him to get double-teamed and pinned. His actions during the match served to effectively turn DiBiase heel, right before the onscreen debut of his new gimmick.

On a June 27 episode of WWF Superstars, DiBiase had his first vignette. He would now be known as "The Million Dollar Man", a millionaire who wore a gold-studded, dollar-sign-covered suit and, in time, a custom-made, diamond-encrusted and self-awarded "Million Dollar Championship" belt. The Million Dollar Man character was based on the type of wrestler who Vince McMahon would want to be.[24] He was billed as having a spring residence in Palm Beach, Florida, a summer residence in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, an autumn residence in Bel Air, California, and a winter residence in the Netherlands Antilles.[25]

DiBiase had a bodyguard by the name of Virgil, who was by his side during his matches and vignettes. The idea for the name Virgil was based on then-NWA/WCW booker Dusty Rhodes, whose real name was Virgil Runnels, though booker and producer Bruce Prichard disputes this. The name of DiBiase's finishing move, the Million Dollar Dream (a Cobra Clutch), was also supposedly meant to be a rib (inside joke) towards Dusty Rhodes, who was nicknamed "The American Dream".[26] Virgil was often seen performing humiliating tasks, such as rubbing DiBiase's feet. DiBiase claimed "Everybody has a price" demonstrating his "power" through a series of vignettes in which he did things such as bribe the manager of a local swimming pool to close for the day so he could have the pool to himself, or when the honeymoon suite in a hotel was already booked, he bribed the desk clerk to have the couple already in there thrown out. Other skits featured DiBiase traveling in limousines, giving $100 tips to waiters, and using $100 bills in convenience stores for small purchases like chewing gum. In reality, DiBiase's road travel was deliberately booked for first-class airplane flights and five-star hotel accommodations, and he was given a stipend of petty cash from the WWF Offices so that he could "throw money around" in public (i.e. pick up tabs and "overtip", buy drinks for entire bars, actually pay for small items with a $100 bill, etc.) in order to make the character seem more real. Other times, DiBiase invited fans (including a young Rob Van Dam and a then-unknown Linda McMahon[27]) to perform humiliating acts (such as kissing his feet) for money. During one skit, he invited a young boy onto a stage and told him if he bounced a ball 15 times in succession, DiBiase would pay him $500. After the 14th bounce, DiBiase kicked the ball away, sending the boy home without pay; however, according to his autobiography, everybody who wasn't paid on-camera was paid off-camera. He frequently stuffed a $100 bill into the mouth of a wrestler on whom he had used the Million Dollar Dream move. Virgil, however, would more often than not surreptitiously retrieve the discarded bill from the wrestler's mouth.

His first big in-ring angle came in late 1987 on an episode of Superstars of Wrestling, where he announced his plan to buy the WWF World Heavyweight Championship from Hulk Hogan, as Hogan refused and said that DiBiase would have to defeat him in the ring for the championship belt. Hogan got the upper hand in a series of matches, and a frustrated DiBiase approached André the Giant to win the title for him, which did happen on the February 5, 1988, edition of The Main Event I (which aired live on NBC), where André defeated Hogan under questionable circumstances for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. This was the match of the infamous "who is the true Dave Hebner" debacle. Whom the crowd and viewers at home thought was the "real" Dave Hebner (it was actually his real-life twin brother Earl, whom many now mistake as being the original Hebner) counted the match finishing pin for André despite the fact that Hogan's shoulder was up at the count of one. Afterwards the real Dave Hebner came running into the ring to dispute the ruling his "evil twin" had made awarding the WWF world championship to Andre the Giant;[28] André then announced he was surrendering the championship belt and handed it to DiBiase.[29] In the following days, DiBiase was, in fact, billed as the WWF World Heavyweight Champion in three house shows, defending the title one time against Bam Bam Bigelow.[30][31]

However, WWF President Jack Tunney declared DiBiase was not the champion, as he did not win the title by pin or submission, and said that because Andre had surrendered the title, it was therefore vacant.[32] André's world title win was still recognized, though it is still considered the shortest world title reign in WWF history. This angle was an amplification of an angle in the old Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW), when Larry Zbyszko paid Killer Tim Brooks $25,000 for his NWA National Heavyweight Championship in 1983.

A tournament was announced to crown a new WWF World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania IV, where DiBiase defeated Hacksaw Jim Duggan in the first round and Don Muraco in the quarterfinal before receiving a bye in the semi-finals to advance to the finals of the tournament. The reason for the bye was a double-elimination of Hulk Hogan and André the Giant when they both were disqualified in their match, with DiBiase meant to face the winner. In a backstage interview afterwards, André revealed that DiBiase paid him to make sure Hogan didn't advance in the tournament. DiBiase was defeated by "Macho Man" Randy Savage in the finals, helped by Hulk Hogan negating André's repeated interference in the match.[32][33][34] DiBiase continued to feud with Savage over the WWF World Heavyweight Championship throughout the summer of 1988, even headlining in a tag team match pitting DiBiase and André the Giant vs. Hogan and Savage at the inaugural SummerSlam (in a match billed as "Where The Mega Powers Meet The Mega Bucks"). Although pro-heel commentator Jesse "The Body" Ventura served as the guest referee, Hogan pinned DiBiase to win the match. DiBiase then defeated Brutus Beefcake, Ken Patera, Ron Bass, and Randy Savage to win the 1988 King of the Ring tournament, receiving his first WWF success.

Bobby Heenan sold Hercules's contract to Ted DiBiase for his services as his personal slave. DiBiase claimed that Hercules was his slave, but started feuding with him after Hercules turned face. He eliminated Hercules from the main event at Survivor Series.

Million Dollar Champion (1989–1991)

[edit]

At the Royal Rumble in 1989, DiBiase purchased the #30 entrance spot from Akeem to become the final entrant in the match.[35] Big John Studd and DiBiase were the final two participants in the match. DiBiase offered Studd a bribe to eliminate himself, but Studd eliminated him to win the match. DiBiase continued to feud with Hercules; the two had a series of matches including a match that DiBiase won on the February 3 The Main Event II. He defeated The Blue Blazer on the March 11 Saturday Night's Main Event XX. After that match, he introduced the Million Dollar Championship, his own championship belt which was not recognized by the WWF. He created this belt because he was unable to buy or win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship from Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage.

DiBiase fought Brutus Beefcake to a double-count-out at WrestleMania V. DiBiase's next big feud was with Jake "The Snake" Roberts. A few weeks after WrestleMania, DiBiase attacked Roberts on WWF Superstars of Wrestling after Roberts defeated Virgil in a match. DiBiase put Roberts out of action for several months with a neck injury. (The storyline was created so Roberts could get surgery on his back from the guitar attack from The Honky Tonk Man a year earlier.) While Roberts recuperated, DiBiase defeated Jimmy "The Superfly" Snuka at SummerSlam by count-out. On the October 14 Saturday Night's Main Event XXIII, DiBiase faced Hulk Hogan in a match for the WWF Championship where DiBiase had the monster Zeus by his side. DiBiase lost the match when he accidentally hit Zeus and was pinned by Hogan with a small package. At Survivor Series, DiBiase captained a team dubbed the "Million Dollar Team" consisting of himself, The Powers of Pain (The Warlord and The Barbarian), and Zeus against Hogan's "Hulkamaniacs" consisting of Hogan, Jake Roberts, and Demolition (Ax and Smash). DiBiase eliminated Roberts after pinning him with help from Virgil before being pinned himself by Hogan.

DiBiase performing his trademark evil laugh.

In 1990, he was punished for buying #30 in the previous year's Royal Rumble. For his punishment, he was forced to enter as entrant #1.[citation needed] He broke the record at the time by lasting 45 minutes in the Royal Rumble match after entering as the #1 entrant. He eliminated two opponents before he was eliminated by The Ultimate Warrior. This may have foreshadowed Dibiase seeking revenge on Warrior after Warrior became WWF Champion, by facing him several months later at a co-promotional All Japan and New Japan event in the Tokyo Dome. He then continued his feud with Jake Roberts, who stole the Million Dollar Belt, leading to a match at WrestleMania VI where Roberts was counted out. Shortly after WrestleMania, he had a brief feud with Big Bossman which dated back to when DiBiase tried to bribe Bossman into retrieving the Million Dollar Belt. Bossman refused DiBiase's bribe and returned the Million Dollar Belt to Roberts. At SummerSlam, DiBiase bought the services of Sapphire, who was the manager of Dusty Rhodes at the time. This led to Rhodes and DiBiase feuding throughout the end of 1990 into the beginning of 1991. On the October 13 Saturday Night's Main Event XXVIII, he attacked Dusty's son Dustin Rhodes during Dusty's match with Randy Savage. DiBiase and Dusty captained rival teams at Survivor Series, with DiBiase's mystery partner turning out to be the debuting Undertaker.[36] DiBiase wound up eliminating both members of The Hart Foundation and was the sole survivor of the match. He, however, was eliminated in the main event by Hogan. DiBiase said about Undertaker's debut "nobody knew him, at the time if you know how this works they were using my celebrity and me introducing The Undertaker was helping him get over. He wasn't 'The Phenom' then he was just a new kid on the card, this new character The Undertaker and of course he grew in to be one of the greatest attractions the WWE has ever had. At the time it wasn't a big deal to me, I was just doing my job."[37] DiBiase then received a shot at the WWF champion: The Ultimate Warrior on a special Thanksgiving episode of Saturday Night's Main Event, which ended when DiBiase was disqualified after Virgil attacked Warrior, which was seemingly an interlude to Randy Savage further assaulting Warrior. During this time DiBiase started to develop a real-life disdain for the Warrior and would later become very vocal about it both in behind the scenes interviews and in his autobiography.[38]

At the Royal Rumble, Ted DiBiase and Virgil defeated Dusty and Dustin Rhodes in a tag team match. After the match, DiBiase ordered Virgil to put the Million Dollar Championship belt around his waist. Virgil instead hit DiBiase with the belt, turning face. At WrestleMania VII, DiBiase lost by count-out to Virgil, who had help from 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. Sensational Sherri, who earlier in the night had turned on a losing Randy Savage, came down midway through the match to help DiBiase and became his full-time valet. On the April 27 Saturday Night's Main Event XXIX, DiBiase fought Bret Hart to a double count-out.

DiBiase lost the Million Dollar Championship to Virgil at SummerSlam when Virgil smashed his head into an exposed turnbuckle and pinned him to get the victory. DiBiase participated in the 1991 King of the Ring tournament drawing with Ricky Steamboat in the first round. DiBiase and Steamboat would battle to a time-limit draw with neither man advancing in the tournament. DiBiase regained the Million Dollar Championship from Virgil with help from Repo Man on the November 11 edition of Prime Time Wrestling which was dubbed Survivor Series Showdown. At Survivor Series, he was one of the contestants eliminated from his match. At This Tuesday in Texas, DiBiase and Repo Man defeated Virgil and Tito Santana.

Money Inc. and retirement (1992–1993)

[edit]
Main article: Money Inc.
DiBiase in 1995.

Shortly after Royal Rumble 1992, DiBiase quietly dropped Sherri as his valet (so she could manage Shawn Michaels) and officially formed the tag team Money Incorporated with Irwin R. Schyster (IRS). The duo, mostly managed by Jimmy Hart, won the WWF Tag Team Championship three times between February 1992 and June 1993. Their first reign came on February 7, 1992, when they defeated The Legion of Doom for the titles. Money Incorporated then feuded with The Natural Disasters (Earthquake and Typhoon). They defended the title against the Natural Disasters at WrestleMania VIII and lost the match by count-out, thus retaining the title. On July 20, they lost the title to the Natural Disasters.

After losing a match to the Legion of Doom at SummerSlam, DiBiase and IRS regained the belts on the October 13 edition of Wrestling Challenge from the Natural Disasters. This title change led to a feud with The Nasty Boys, who were originally scheduled for the title shot. On the November 14 Saturday Night's Main Event XXXI, they defended their titles against the Ultimate Maniacs (Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage). DiBiase and IRS lost the match by count-out and thus retained the titles once more.

DiBiase participated in the Royal Rumble match, entering at #4 before eventually being eliminated by The Undertaker. Shortly after, DiBiase and IRS became involved in a major angle with the returning Brutus Beefcake. DiBiase faced Beefcake on one of the first episodes of Monday Night Raw. DiBiase and IRS attacked Beefcake after the match and slammed his face (which had been surgically repaired following a wind sailing accident) with a briefcase. Money Inc. also attacked their manager Jimmy Hart, who was disgusted by their actions. Beefcake's best friend Hulk Hogan came to Beefcake's defense and challenged Money Inc. to a tag team title match at WrestleMania IX. DiBiase and IRS retained their titles by disqualification after Hogan used Beefcake's protective face mask as a weapon.

Money Inc. dominated the tag team division of the WWF. They feuded with the Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) and had a series of title exchanges. DiBiase and IRS were defeated by the Steiners for the WWF Tag Team Championship on June 14 in a non-televised match at a Wrestling Challenge taping. They would regain the titles on June 16 at a live event but lost them back to the Steiners three days later on June 19 at another live event, their feud culminated in a tag team steel cage match for the WWF Tag Team Championship at SummerSlam Spectacular. DiBiase last wrestled for the WWF in August, bowing out following an angle which saw Razor Ramon turn face and 1-2-3 Kid debut. The Kid had scored an upset pinfall against a cocky Ramon, causing DiBiase to mock Ramon and tell him he would show him how it was done. He then went on to also lose to the Kid, giving Razor a newfound respect for the Kid thus turning Razor face. This included a match at SummerSlam between DiBiase and Ramon which DiBiase lost. This was DiBiase's last television appearance in the WWF during this run. He revealed in a shoot interview that his decision to leave the WWF at this point was motivated by a desire to resolve his marital problems.

After a few months back in AJPW, where he won the World Tag Team Championship with Hansen, he quietly announced his retirement due to sustaining an injury to two cervical discs in his neck and returned to the USA.[3]

Million Dollar Corporation (1994–1996)

[edit]
DiBiase managed many wrestlers in his Million Dollar Corporation stable, including Sycho Sid.
Main article: The Million Dollar Corporation

DiBiase returned to the WWF at the Royal Rumble as a guest commentator. DiBiase then began working as a commentator and manager for the WWF. Later in 1994, DiBiase purchased the contracts of many wrestlers for his Million Dollar Corporation stable in the WWF, which over time included I.R.S., Bam Bam Bigelow, Nikolai Volkoff, Kama, King Kong Bundy, Sycho Sid, 1-2-3 Kid, and in a swerve, Tatanka. DiBiase also renewed his connection with the Undertaker after the latter's six-month hiatus after the January Royal Rumble. Saying that he had originally brought the Undertaker to the WWF, and he was going to bring him back, DiBiase debuted a new Undertaker under his control. This Undertaker, however, proved to be an impostor played by Brian Lee, and was subsequently defeated by the real Undertaker at SummerSlam.

DiBiase also had a place in the main event of WrestleMania XI as the manager of Bam Bam Bigelow in his match versus Lawrence Taylor. Surrounding the ring were members of DiBiase's corporation to offset Taylor's entourage of NFL All-Pros on the opposite side. After Taylor defeated Bigelow, DiBiase publicly referred to Bigelow as an embarrassment. This culminated in Bigelow quitting The corporation after DiBiase fired him following a loss to Diesel in a WWF Championship match. Bigelow aligned himself with Diesel in a feud versus members of DiBiase's corporation.

As a manager, DiBiase also later introduced "The Ringmaster", who eventually became Stone Cold Steve Austin, to the WWF in January 1996. Austin became the Million Dollar Champion and began wearing DiBiase's gold belt[39] that was introduced in 1989.[40] DiBiase's last appearance with the company was at In Your House: Beware of Dog 2 in 1996, where he was kayfabe forced to leave the WWF after Steve Austin lost to Savio Vega. In reality, he left for rival promotion World Championship Wrestling (WCW). DiBiase said in shoot interviews that the reason he left the company was because Vince McMahon wanted managers to start going on the road to take part at house shows (DiBiase and Jim Cornette were only managing at house shows at Madison Square Garden, Meadowlands Arena and Nassau Coliseum).

World Championship Wrestling (1996–1999)

[edit]

DiBiase debuted in WCW on August 26, 1996, revealing himself as the fourth member of the New World Order, joining Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Hollywood Hogan. DiBiase claimed to be financing the group (seemingly playing on his "Million Dollar Man" WWF persona).[41] He was jokingly referred to by the members of the group as "Trillionaire Ted", satirizing "Billionaire Ted", which was itself a disparaging nickname WWF had given to WCW owner Ted Turner. DiBiase was the spokesperson for the nWo for 3 months until Eric Bischoff joined the nWo and replaced him in that role.

DiBiase quit the nWo shortly after Spring Stampede. A few months later, on the August 4, 1997, episode of Nitro, he made a face turn and began managing The Steiner Brothers, leading them to two World Tag Team Championships. DiBiase managed The Steiners until Scott Steiner turned heel via betraying Rick Steiner at SuperBrawl VIII on February 22 and joined the nWo (DiBiase still remained in Rick's corner thru April 1998). DiBiase also managed one-time WWF rival Ray Traylor for a while until he stopped managing altogether.

In 2013, DiBiase said about his time in WCW: "Eric Bischoff doesn't know that much about wrestling", "Eric took credit for the nWo, but that wasn't his idea, the nWo had already been done in Japan, so they had copied something that had already been done. It was a good idea, but originally I was supposed to be the mouthpiece of the nWo and reality is I think Eric saw how it was getting over and he saw how he could put himself in the role that he had hired me for. As each week went by pretty soon Eric isn't the announcer anymore, he becomes part of the nWo and I just went to him one day and told him I'm not just going to walk out there and be Hulk Hogan's Virgil, you hired me to be the spokesperson for this, so if that's not what I'm going to do you can send me home. The reason I said that was because they had to pay me one way or the other because I had a contract where they had to pay me for three years".[37]

Second return to WWE (2004–2008, 2009–present)

[edit]

Backstage roles (2004–2008)

[edit]

"I said, 'you know, that's not really me'. I'm not Clint Eastwood. I'm not good on both sides of the camera. I'm good in front of it. And they wanted me to come back and at least try, so I did for about a year and a half and I guess it took them that long to figure out I was right".

DiBiase about his job as creative in WWE[42]

In late 2004, WWE offered DiBiase a job as creative. He accepted the job and worked as part of the creative team a year and a half.[43] In April 2005, DiBiase was hired as a creative consultant and road agent for the SmackDown! brand of World Wrestling Entertainment. On October 3, 2005, at WWE Homecoming, DiBiase appeared with other WWE legends in a ceremony. He eventually led the attack on Rob Conway, who had come down to the ring to insult the legends.

DiBiase at a radio program on July 15, 2006, at the International Wrestling Institute and Museum.

DiBiase inducted his former manager Sensational Sherri into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 1, 2006[44] and made an appearance at WrestleMania 22, offering Eugene $1,000 to dribble a basketball 100 times backstage and kicked the ball away at the last second. DiBiase also appeared on the April 17 episode of Raw behind a newspaper doing his famous evil laugh as the camera went off air. DiBiase made an appearance at an IPW show in Newton, Iowa, on July 14, 2006, where he watched his sons' tag team match. The following day, he accepted the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame induction for his father, Mike, at the International Wrestling Institute and Museum. He also appeared at the Raw Family Reunion on October 9, 2006, aiding Ric Flair in his match with the Spirit Squad. On October 26, 2006, Ted DiBiase was released from his WWE contract.

DiBiase made his first in ring appearance in over five years at the Raw 15th Anniversary Special on December 10, 2007, by winning a 15-man battle royal, in which he was not even an active participant. Irwin R. Schyster, DiBiase's former tag team partner of Money Incorporated, had won the battle royal. DiBiase came down to ringside and offered Schyster a bribe to eliminate himself. Schyster accepted and hopped over the top rope, making DiBiase the victor. DiBiase then declared that even after fifteen years, everyone still had a price for the "Million Dollar Man."

On the May 19, 2008, edition of Raw, he was seen alongside Mr. McMahon about to "discuss business", in William Regal's office.[45] On the following Raw, DiBiase introduced his son Ted DiBiase Jr. to WWE as its newest member.

WWE Hall of Fame and sporadic appearances (2009–present)

[edit]
DiBiase making an appearance at a local indy show on August 20, 2011.

On the June 29 episode of Raw, Ted DiBiase Jr. announced in a segment with Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton that DiBiase would appear on Raw the following week as the special guest host, and DiBiase appeared as scheduled on July 6. On the show, DiBiase booked his son to face Randy Orton. After DiBiase Jr. lost the match, he accused his father of setting him up and trying to steal his time, even slapping his father across the face. DiBiase would later come out at the end of the show and sanctioned a triple threat match for Randy Orton's WWE Championship at Night of Champions including John Cena and Triple H in his final act as the guest host. He is also a playable character in WWE Legends of WrestleMania and an unlockable superstar in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 and WWE 2K14. DiBiase was announced as the first inductee of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2010 on the February 8 episode of Raw. DiBiase appeared again on the November 2 edition of NXT, where he was the minister for Aksana and Goldust's wedding. Later in November 2010, DiBiase made an appearance on Raw, accompanied by Irwin R. Schyster, wherein Goldust returned the stolen Million Dollar Championship to him. DiBiase immediately offered to give the newly returned title to his son Ted DiBiase Jr., but was refused.[46] On February 21, 2011, it was announced DiBiase would induct Jim Duggan into the Hall of Fame. He appeared on the Slammy Awards episode of Raw on December 12 alongside fellow legend Mick Foley, and presented the "Holy %&@*# Move of the Year" award, which was won by Mark Henry and Big Show. On April 10, 2012, DiBiase made an appearance on Smackdown: Blast from the Past. He returned on the March 4, 2013 Old School Raw at ringside with The Prime Time Players and agreed to be their manager if they won the match against Team Hell No. DiBiase, again accompanied by IRS, appeared at the 2014 Old School Raw special, encountering Big E Langston on his way to a match and told him everybody's got a price, to which Langston smiled.

On January 22, 2018, DiBiase made an appearance during the 25th Anniversary episode of Raw in which he played Poker with The Acolytes Protection Agency.[47]

On July 22, 2019, DiBiase "bought" the WWE 24/7 Championship from Alundra Blayze. The 26-year space between his last title victory in 1993 is reportedly the longest in WWE history. He later lost the title to Drake Maverick in a limousine on the same night.

DiBiase at the 2024 Game On Expo in Phoenix, Arizona.

On the April 27, 2021, episode of NXT, DiBiase "was inside the jewelry store showing his Silver and Gold diamond watch in front of Cameron Grimes and his gold watch and made Grimes jealous.[48][49] Throughout May 2021, DiBiase would continue to cost Grimes matches and outdo him during skits such as outbidding him during a house auction on May 11, and costing him a victory on May 18th, following this incident it was announced the pair would have a 'Million Dollar Faceoff' on the May 25 episode of NXT.[50] During the showdown, Grimes was attacked by L. A. Knight, with DiBiase yelling him he's "never gonna get it" before laughing and leaving with Knight.[51] DiBiase put the Million Dollar Championship on the line in a ladder match between Knight and Grimes at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, in which Knight was victorious. On June 15, 2021, episode of NXT, Knight turned on DiBiase and attacked him. Grimes saved DiBiase from Knight. At NXT Takeover 36 Knight would face Grimes again, If Grimes lost, DiBiase would have had to become Knight's butler.[52] At the event, Grimes defeated Knight to become the Million Dollar Champion with the help of DiBiase.[53] On August 24, the storyline came to a conclusion on NXT, as they talked about Grimes' journey to the title and how he was now headed "Straight to the moon!". The celebration ended with fake $100 bills with Grimes' face raining down over the Capitol Wrestling Center.[54]

Grimes later escorted DiBiase to his limousine and handed him the Million Dollar Championship. DiBiase handed the belt back, however upon checking it, Grimes realizes he has been handed a cheap replica. DiBiase leaves after giving his signature laugh.[55]

On January 23, 2023, Dibiase made a backstage appearance at Raw is XXX alongside Irwin R. Schyster.[56]

Christian ministry

[edit]

DiBiase is now a Christian minister. In 1999, he founded Heart of David Ministry and travels the world ministering to churches, camps and conferences including Promise Keepers and Youth of the Nation. Ted is also the author of Every Man Has His Price, a part-autobiography and part-Christian testimony.

Welfare fraud accusations

[edit]
Main article: Mississippi welfare funds scandal

In February 2020, it was reported that DiBiase's ministry received more than $2.1 million in welfare funds from the state of Mississippi after his son, Brett, was hired as deputy administrator of the state's Department of Human Services.[57] His son, Brett, pleaded guilty to creating fraudulent statements in what has been labeled as Mississippi's largest public embezzlement case in state history.[58] In October 2021, a court ordered Ted DiBiase Sr. to pay $722,299 of the misappropriated funds given to his Heart of David Ministries.[59] In May 2022, the Mississippi Department of Human Services sued DiBiase, his sons, and retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre, and several others to recover more than $20 million in money "squandered" from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families anti-poverty program.[60]

In April 2022, the Mississippi Office of State Auditor reported that DiBiase personally received a $250,000 check from the Family Resource Center, a Mississippi welfare grantee, to "provide services as a Motivational Speaker." DiBiase forwarded an email from the welfare grantee to his sons, Ted DiBiase Jr. and Brett DiBiase, stating: "Look what I got today!".[61] DiBiase says his famous name made his family a target for federal investigators. “We’re caught in the middle of it. If I didn’t have a celebrity name they wouldn’t even be looking at me.”[62]

On February 22, 2024, Ted's ex-agent opened up in an exclusive interview to discuss his thoughts on Ted's involvement where eWrestlingNews quoted him as saying, "it just doesn’t match the man that I’ve known. Ted, is careful in the sense that he wouldn’t do that, he has a real love for God and his wife. He just wouldn’t do that in my honest opinion."[63]

Books

[edit]
  • DiBiase, Ted. Every Man Has His Price. Multnomah Publishers. 1997. ISBN 1-57673-175-8
  • DiBiase, Ted. The Million Dollar Man. Pocket Books. 2008. ISBN 978-1-4165-5890-3
  • DiBiase, Ted (Foreword). Bruce, William J., III. Penholder. Queensbridge Publishing. 2010. ISBN 978-0-9813183-1-8[64]

Documentaries

[edit]
  • Wrestling with Faith is a documentary film about Ted DiBiase. It went into production in February 2010.
  • The Price of Fame is a documentary film directed by Peter Ferriero and executive produced by Ferriero, Ted DiBiase Jr. & Engage Media Partners. The film features Ted DiBiase Jr. following his father's story of redemption and faith. It was released on November 7, 2017, in 650 theaters through Fathom Events. The film was released on DVD and digitally on April 10, 2018.
  • Nine Legends is a documentary in which Ted DiBiase is profiled as one of the nine wrestling or boxing legends.

Personal life

[edit]

DiBiase's sons, Mike, Ted Jr. and Brett were formerly professional wrestlers.[65]

DiBiase went to West Texas State University, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega.[66] Junkyard Dog was the best man at Ted DiBiase's wedding[67]

In a 2016 interview with ESPN.com, DiBiase revealed that he and Virgil had a falling out over Virgil trying to book himself and DiBiase on independent wrestling shows without DiBiase's knowledge. DiBiase stated that Virgil does not represent him for bookings.[68]

In June 2023, DiBiase admitted that he is suffering from a severe brain trauma in his Everybody's Got A Pod podcast.[69]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]
DiBiase is a four-time Mid-South North American Heavyweight Champion
DiBiase (left) and Steve Williams as Mid-South Tag Team champions, c. 1986

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ted DiBiase

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Theodore Marvin DiBiase Sr. (born January 18, 1954) is an American retired professional wrestler, manager, and ordained Christian minister, best known for his "Million Dollar Man" character in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), where he depicted a smug millionaire convinced that "everybody has a price." DiBiase's wrestling career spanned from 1974 to 2006 across multiple promotions, including Mid-South Wrestling, National Wrestling Alliance territories, and WWF, during which he secured over 30 championships, such as the NWA North American Heavyweight Championship, Mid-South North American Heavyweight Championship, and WWF World Tag Team Championship (with multiple partners). Despite his success as a top heel and his creation of the self-proclaimed Million Dollar Championship belt, DiBiase never won the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, a notable omission often attributed to booking decisions in the promotion's steroid trial era. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010, DiBiase transitioned post-retirement to evangelism, founding Heart of David Ministry around 2000 to share his testimony of overcoming substance abuse through faith. However, the ministry received over $2 million in Mississippi welfare funds intended for anti-poverty programs, leading to a 2021 court order for DiBiase to repay $722,299 amid allegations of unperformed services in a broader embezzlement scandal involving state TANF grants.

Early life and background

Family heritage and childhood

Theodore Marvin Willis, who later took the surname DiBiase, was born on January 18, 1954, in , , to Helen Nevins Hild, a professional wrestler, and Ted Wills, an entertainer and singer. Following the separation of his biological parents, his mother married wrestler Michael in 1958, when Theodore was four years old; DiBiase subsequently adopted him and raised him as his own son. "Iron" Mike DiBiase, born in 1923, had a background in at the University of before transitioning to and promotion, including owning territories in , and other regions. The family's involvement in the wrestling industry led to an upbringing immersed in the profession, with Theodore exposed from a young age to matches, performers, and the nomadic lifestyle of territorial promotions, though they eventually settled in Wilcox, . This wrestling heritage profoundly influenced his early worldview, as both his mother and adoptive father competed in the ring, embedding the industry's culture and risks into family life. Tragedy struck on July 2, 1969, when , aged 45, suffered a fatal heart attack during a match in , leaving 15-year-old Theodore to grapple with the sudden loss and the emotional toll it exacted on his mother.

Education and amateur pursuits

DiBiase received early training in amateur wrestling from his stepfather, "Iron" Mike DiBiase, a 1946 AAU national champion in the unlimited heavyweight division who emphasized technical fundamentals and conditioning. This guidance instilled a strong foundation in mat-based grappling and endurance, drawing from Iron Mike's own background as a college letterman and Navy representative. After graduating from Wilcox High School in 1972, DiBiase enrolled at West Texas State University on a football scholarship, initially pursuing gridiron success as a linebacker. However, his passion for wrestling—fueled by family legacy and personal drive—led him to prioritize mat training over football, forgoing a potential athletic future in the sport amid the era's limited opportunities for collegiate players. He did not complete a degree at the institution, instead leveraging his athletic base to transition toward professional endeavors by 1974.

Professional wrestling career

Early professional beginnings (1974–1980)

Following his amateur wrestling achievements at West Texas State University, Ted DiBiase transitioned to professional wrestling, training under Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk in Amarillo, Texas. He debuted in the ring in June 1974 within the Western States Sports promotion, the Amarillo territory operated by the Funks, initially serving as a referee before taking on competitive matches. DiBiase competed primarily as a babyface in these early outings, focusing on technical fundamentals against seasoned opponents to hone his skills. His first documented match occurred on June 7, 1974, at the Taylor County Coliseum in , where he teamed with and in a six-man victory over the Patriots and Jim Dillon. By August 18, 1974, he participated in a draw against and alongside partner Ervin Smith in Amarillo, showcasing his emerging ring awareness in territorial bouts. These foundational experiences in Texas-based regional promotions, including , emphasized mat-based wrestling and stamina-building against veterans, laying the groundwork for DiBiase's professional development without immediate title pursuits. Through consistent performances in house shows and smaller cards, he gained practical exposure to the territorial system's demands, transitioning by 1975 toward broader NWA-affiliated circuits.

Mid-South Wrestling and territorial rise (1974–1979, 1980–1987)

DiBiase joined Bill Watts' Mid-South Wrestling promotion shortly after his professional debut in 1974, initially working as a babyface competitor in the Tri-States territory. On April 28, 1976, he partnered with Dick Murdoch to capture the NWA United States Tag Team Championship (Tri-State version), holding the titles until losing them later that year. In December 1976, DiBiase defeated The Spoiler to win Mid-South's North American Heavyweight Championship, marking his first singles title in the promotion and establishing him as a rising star under Watts' hard-hitting, athletic style. After departing Mid-South in 1979 for a brief WWF stint, DiBiase returned to the territory in 1980, continuing to compete prominently while refining his in-ring technical prowess. Recognizing a shortage of effective , DiBiase approached Watts and about a character shift, leading to his pivotal heel turn on June 25, 1982, during a match against longtime ally and champion (JYD). By exploiting JYD's vulnerability with a loaded glove, DiBiase secured the title, igniting a bitter that included no-disqualification stipulations and a high-profile "loser leaves town" match on October 27, 1982, where JYD and partner defeated DiBiase and Matt Borne. This betrayal solidified DiBiase as Mid-South's premier antagonist, honing his articulate promo delivery emphasizing arrogance and opportunism. Throughout the early 1980s, DiBiase amassed four Mid-South North American Heavyweight Championship reigns, defending against challengers like Magnum T.A. and feuding intensely with JYD, whose popularity drew massive crowds to Watts' events. In 1986, as Mid-South transitioned toward the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF) rebranding, DiBiase teamed with Steve Williams to win the Mid-South Tag Team Championship, showcasing his versatility in tag division dominance amid the promotion's emphasis on legitimate toughness. In the UWF era of , DiBiase positioned himself as a top contender for the , challenging champion in multiple high-stakes bouts, including a no-disqualification match on February 6, , in , though he fell short of victory. His final Mid-South/UWF run culminated in a heel turn against protégé on June 26, , paving the way for his departure to the WWF and underscoring his evolution into a cunning, promo-driven through territorial grind.

Initial WWF stint and international excursions (1979, 1983–1987)

DiBiase signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in February 1979, where he was awarded the newly created WWF North American Heavyweight Championship on February 13 without a match, positioning him as an upper-midcard babyface contender. He defended the title in house shows and television tapings, including victories over opponents such as Tony Garea and Larry Sharpe, before losing it to Pat Patterson on June 19, 1979, at Madison Square Garden in New York City; the championship was subsequently renamed the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship. His WWF run featured competitive matches against established stars, such as a loss to Hulk Hogan on December 17, 1979, at Madison Square Garden, but yielded no major title pursuits or prolonged success, leading him to depart for regional territories later that year. Following his territorial work in promotions like Mid-South Wrestling, DiBiase began periodic excursions to (AJPW) starting in 1983, conducting multiple tours through 1987 to supplement his U.S. bookings and adapt to the promotion's stiff, hard-hitting strong style under . His debut AJPW tour commenced on May 22, 1983, in , where he competed in singles and tag matches against top talent, including a loss to ; subsequent appearances saw him teaming with foreign heels like and to challenge native stars such as Tsuruta and . During these tours, DiBiase achieved notable success, capturing the NWA United National Heavyweight Championship on October 14, 1983, by defeating in a match that highlighted his technical prowess against AJPW's karate-influenced strikers. He later formed a prominent with Hansen, challenging for the PWF World Tag Team Championship, including a July 4, 1987, television main event against Tiger Mask II () and Tsuruta; the partnership emphasized power-based offense suited to Japan's endurance-focused matches, with tours typically lasting weeks and involving 10-15 dates per visit. These excursions enhanced DiBiase's international reputation for reliability and versatility, though they remained secondary to his primary U.S. commitments until his full-time WWF return in 1987.

WWF prime era and character evolution (1987–1993)

Ted DiBiase joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) full-time in 1987, adopting the persona of "The Million Dollar Man," an arrogant millionaire who bribed wrestlers, referees, and fans to influence outcomes, embodying the belief that "everybody has a price." The character's debut vignette aired in June 1987, depicting DiBiase demanding preferential treatment for a minor injury by offering bribes, while his in-ring turn occurred on June 26, 1987, during a house show match against in . As part of the gimmick, DiBiase employed the Million Dollar Dream, a cobra clutch submission hold he devised as an insult toward rival , using it to force opponents to "sleep" in defeat. DiBiase positioned himself as a top contender for the WWF Championship, held by , through schemes like attempting to purchase the title outright following the Giant's controversial victory over Hogan on The Main Event on February 5, 1988, though the win was later vacated by WWF President . His closest pursuit came at on March 27, 1988, where he advanced through the 14-man for the vacant championship by defeating Hacksaw in the first round and other competitors, only to lose the final to via pinfall after interference from Hogan. Later that year, on October 16, 1988, at a house show in , DiBiase won the inaugural , defeating via count-out in the finals after Savage pursued an interfering outside the ring. To further entrench his wealth-obsessed character, DiBiase commissioned a custom gold belt on February 15, 1989, during an episode of WWF Superstars of Wrestling hosted by Brother Love, declaring himself the "Million Dollar Champion" since he could neither win nor buy the WWF Championship. This self-proclaimed title, adorned with dollar signs and encrusted jewels, symbolized his persona's disdain for official accolades, allowing him to parade as a champion while continuing mid-card feuds with babyfaces like Dusty Rhodes and Brutus Beefcake, often hiring Virgil as muscle and using cash payoffs to "buy" advantages. Through these elements, DiBiase evolved from a territorial technician into WWF's premier smug heel, generating heat via vignettes of corruption, such as bribing a child in a basketball contest to throw free throws, reinforcing his manipulative archetype until physical decline prompted shifts by 1993.

WWF tag team success and initial retirement (1992–1993)

In early 1992, DiBiase partnered with Irwin R. Schyster (IRS), portrayed as a tax-obsessed IRS agent, to form the , emphasizing themes of corporate greed and financial manipulation under the management of . The duo debuted by capitalizing on a title opportunity, defeating the ( and ) on February 7, 1992, at a house show in Denver, Colorado, to capture the WWF in a substitution match originally scheduled for . This victory initiated 's heel dominance in the tag division, marked by underhanded tactics such as using briefcases as weapons and Hart's interference. Money Inc. defended the titles against various challengers, including intense feuds with the , whom they had dethroned, and the ( and ). Their first reign ended on July 14, 1992, when the claimed the belts in a house show match. Regaining momentum, DiBiase and IRS recaptured the championship on October 13, 1992, defeating the in , initiating a second reign that extended into 1993. Throughout this period, the team engaged in high-profile rivalries, including clashes with the (Rick and Scott), culminating in the Steiners defeating for the titles on June 14, 1993, at a house show in . These encounters highlighted DiBiase's technical prowess complemented by IRS's brawling style, often ending in disqualifications or countouts to prolong their villainous reign. By mid-1993, DiBiase's accumulating injuries, including a herniated disc in his back sustained from years of wear, prompted his initial retirement from in-ring competition. He announced his departure amid Money Inc.'s ongoing activities, with his final WWF television match occurring at on August 29, 1993, where he lost to Razor Ramon in a singles bout tied to broader feuds involving IRS against the 1-2-3 Kid. This marked the effective end of DiBiase's full-time wrestling career at age 39, shifting focus from active participation to advisory roles, though he briefly returned as a manager in before a permanent transition.

Brief returns and faction involvement (1994–1996)

Following his in-ring retirement due to a back injury sustained in late 1993 during a match in , Ted DiBiase returned to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in early 1994 primarily in a managerial capacity. He assembled the , a stable emphasizing wealth and corruption, with initial recruits including —purchased amid Volkoff's financial struggles post-Soviet Union collapse—and . DiBiase's former tag team partner, Irwin R. Schyster (IRS), soon joined, leveraging their prior association to bolster the group's tax-evading, money-centric theme. The Corporation expanded through 1994–1995, incorporating wrestlers like Tatanka, who turned heel by aligning with DiBiase to frame , and , tasked with antagonizing [The Undertaker](/page/The Undertaker). DiBiase fueled a prominent feud with [The Undertaker](/page/The Undertaker) by claiming to resurrect him, debuting a fake Undertaker (portrayed by Brian Lee) in June 1994 before shifting to proxy battles; stole and melted [The Undertaker](/page/The Undertaker)'s urn into a necklace, leading to a casket match at on April 2, 1995, where [The Undertaker](/page/The Undertaker) defeated . DiBiase managed to a loss against at on March 20, 1994, highlighting his shift from competitor to strategist. DiBiase's involvement remained managerial, with rare in-ring appearances limited by his injury, as he guided additional members like , The Ringmaster (early Steve Austin), and Sycho Sid through various storylines. The stable dissolved by May 1996, coinciding with DiBiase's departure from WWF in the fall of that year to join (WCW), marking the end of his primary on-screen role in the promotion.

WCW tenure (1996–1999)

DiBiase signed with (WCW) in the fall of 1996, debuting on the August 26 episode of Monday Nitro as the financial backer and fourth official member of the New World Order (nWo), funding the faction's operations alongside , , and . In this non-wrestling managerial capacity, he emphasized his wealth to portray the nWo as an unstoppable corporate takeover, participating in promos that highlighted his "trillionaire" status and logistical support for the group's dominance. His involvement aligned with WCW's storyline positioning of the nWo as invaders backed by external resources, though he wrestled sparingly due to prior back injuries limiting his in-ring activity. By April 1997, DiBiase was removed from the nWo following Bischoff's on-screen alignment with the group, which supplanted his spokesperson and financier roles, leading to a shift where he managed the as a face character—a departure from his established . This brief alliance culminated in the Steiners capturing the , but tensions arose when betrayed his brother Rick to join the nWo at on February 22, 1998, leaving DiBiase's management role diminished. He formed a short-lived dubbed with select allies, attempting to revive his wealth-themed gimmick amid WCW's creative disarray, though it failed to gain traction. DiBiase's WCW tenure increasingly involved backstage duties as a road agent, with frustrations mounting over underutilization and lack of defined storylines, as he later recounted in interviews citing WCW's booking inconsistencies post-nWo peak. His contract was not renewed in the fall of 1999 after limited on-screen impact, marking the end of his full-time wrestling involvement and transition to full from active competition. During this period, he participated in occasional non-televised or matches, but none served as major events, underscoring his shift to advisory roles amid WCW's internal turmoil.

WWE ambassador roles and legacy appearances (2004–2008, 2009–present)

In April 2005, DiBiase joined WWE as a creative consultant and road agent for the SmackDown brand, roles that involved producing matches, providing backstage guidance to performers, and contributing to storylines. He continued in these capacities through 2008, leveraging his in-ring experience to mentor younger talent and ensure smooth event execution. Following his departure from full-time backstage duties, DiBiase maintained ties with through sporadic legacy appearances. He was inducted into the on March 27, 2010, as the inaugural member of that year's class, recognized for his contributions as the "Million Dollar Man" character and multiple reigns. In subsequent years, he participated in ceremonial roles at premium live events, including guest spots and promotional activities tied to 's Legends program. As of 2024, DiBiase remains signed to in an ambassador capacity, representing the organization at select functions without regular on-screen involvement. In September 2025, DiBiase sustained bruises and a from an accidental fall at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, an incident he publicly clarified as non-injurious beyond minor contusions with no fractures or long-term effects. This event did not interrupt his ambassadorial commitments or association.

Wrestling gimmick and in-ring style

The Million Dollar Man persona

The Million Dollar Man persona, debuted by Ted DiBiase in the World Wrestling Federation in 1987, embodied an ultra-wealthy, elitist heel who wielded financial power to manipulate outcomes and demean opponents. Crafted primarily by WWF owner Vince McMahon, the character was pitched directly to DiBiase as a vehicle for exploring corruption through ostentatious displays of cash, custom attire, and hired lackeys like Virgil. McMahon envisioned DiBiase as a symbol of unchecked avarice, complete with a signature guttural laugh that underscored his contempt for the less fortunate. At its core, the advanced the cynical proposition that money universally corrupts, encapsulated in the recurring "Everybody has a price," which DiBiase delivered to justify bribes of referees, wrestlers, and even fans. This narrative critiqued by staging vignettes where ostensible integrity crumbled under monetary temptation, portraying as inherently susceptible to self-interested incentives over moral steadfastness. The persona's realism stemmed from wrestling's own pay-driven dynamics, where territorial allegiances often shifted with better offers, lending the character's worldview a grounded edge absent in more fantastical heels. DiBiase's mastery of promos and psychological work propelled the gimmick's empirical impact, elevating him to consistent main-event status through audience generation rather than athletic feats alone. By 1988, the character's props—like the self-commissioned belt—reinforced its theme of self-aggrandizing elitism, influencing subsequent money-themed antagonists in wrestling. Wrestling observers have noted the gimmick's basis in McMahon's own persona, adding ironic depth to its of power brokers who equate wealth with moral license.

Technical style, feuds, and memorable moments

Ted DiBiase employed a technical wrestling style rooted in his amateur background, emphasizing mat work, submissions, and precise execution as an allrounder and technician. Trained by and , he showcased smooth grappling proficiency, with signature maneuvers including the Million Dollar Dream—a rear chinlock variation designed to wear down opponents—and the Million Dollar Fist Drop, a running jumping fist drop from the . His athleticism allowed for reliable powerslams and elbow drops, though he avoided high-flying risks, prioritizing ground control over aerial spectacle. DiBiase's major feuds highlighted his role as a cunning heel challenger. In WWF, he repeatedly pursued the WWF Championship against Hulk Hogan, culminating in proxy efforts like aligning with Andre the Giant for a controversial fast count victory over Hogan on February 5, 1988, at The Main Event, briefly positioning DiBiase as champion before reversal. His regional rivalry with Dusty Rhodes spanned Mid-South Wrestling in the late 1970s, featuring intense brawls over the North American Heavyweight Championship, and extended into WWF house shows in 1989-1990. Against Randy Savage, tensions peaked post-1988 Royal Rumble implications, with DiBiase taunting Savage's title defenses and escalating to tag matches at SummerSlam 1988 alongside Andre against Savage and Hogan. Memorable moments often intertwined DiBiase's bribery tactics with in-ring drama, such as the 1988 referee scandal where he allegedly paid off —disguised via surgery to resemble twin —to enable Andre's pin on , only for to reclaim the belt via rematch stipulation. DiBiase's attempts to purchase officials or celebrities for advantages, like influencing match outcomes against , underscored his psychology, though athletic limitations occasionally led to critiques of predictability in prolonged bouts against powerhouses. These spots, blending narratives with solid technical execution, cemented his reputation for over pure athletic feats.

Championships and career highlights

Major title reigns

Ted DiBiase captured the NWA Tri-State North American Heavyweight Championship on December 15, 1976, by defeating The Brute in Loranger, . He regained the title on February 1, 1980, defeating Mike George in . DiBiase held the four times, including a reign starting December 5, 1984, in , which ended on January 16, 1985. As part of with Irwin R. Schyster, DiBiase won the WWF Tag Team Championship three times: first on February 7, 1992, defeating ; second on June 15, 1992, after regaining the titles; and third on April 12, 1993, defeating The Mega-Maniacs. Their reigns totaled periods from February to October 1992, June to October 1992, and April to June 1993. DiBiase introduced and declared himself the inaugural Million Dollar Champion on February 15, 1989, during an episode of , holding the self-created title through 1991 as part of his "Million Dollar Man" . In , DiBiase teamed with to win the PWF World Tag Team Championship in 1985, contributing to their success in the . Across promotions, DiBiase accumulated over 20 championship reigns, primarily in regional NWA territories and WWF.

Awards and recognitions

DiBiase was inducted into the on March 27, 2010, as part of the class that included , Mad Dog Vachon, , , and , with his sons Ted Jr. and Brett delivering the induction speech. He won the inaugural on October 16, 1988, at a house show in , defeating via count-out in the finals after advancing through matches against opponents including Ron Bass, whom he paid off to forfeit. In 2007, DiBiase received the Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, recognizing his positive contributions to through extracurricular efforts such as ministry and . ranked him No. 17 among the top 500 singles wrestlers in its 1991 PWI 500 list and No. 22 in 1992, reflecting peer and editorial assessments of his in-ring performance and drawing power during his WWF tenure.

Post-wrestling career

Transition to ministry and Heart of David

Following his retirement from active professional wrestling in 1999, Ted DiBiase transitioned to full-time Christian ministry, leveraging his public persona to share personal testimonies of redemption from the excesses of his wrestling career, including struggles with alcohol and infidelity. He became an ordained minister and founded Heart of David Ministries around that time, a nonprofit organization dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and encouraging spiritual growth through evangelism and outreach. The ministry's core activities centered on speaking engagements at churches, youth conferences, schools, and camps, where DiBiase recounted his wrestling experiences alongside his Christian conversion narrative, emphasizing themes of , moral failure, and reliance on for personal transformation. These presentations often highlighted how his "Million Dollar Man" —portraying and corruption—mirrored real-life temptations he later overcame through religious commitment. Heart of David also incorporated practical , such as anti-substance abuse initiatives tied to DiBiase's observations of addiction's toll on fellow wrestlers, aiming to prevent youth from similar pitfalls by promoting biblical principles of and . While DiBiase continued sporadic affiliations as a road agent until 2006, his release allowed expanded ministry travel, during which he described his involvement as an opportunity for subtle Christian witness amid the organization's culture.

Speaking engagements and media projects

Following his retirement from active wrestling, DiBiase engaged in public speaking appearances focused on his professional career and personal experiences in the industry, including events such as comic conventions where he interacts with fans and shares anecdotes from his time as a performer. These engagements often emphasize reflections on wrestling's evolution and behind-the-scenes stories rather than doctrinal topics. Under a Legends contract, which he confirmed holding as of May 2023, DiBiase participates in company-sanctioned appearances, signings, and promotional events tied to his legacy. In media projects, DiBiase co-hosts the Everybody's Got a Pod with Marcus DeAngelo, launched in 2023, where episodes revisit his Hall of Fame career across promotions like Mid-South, WWF, and WCW, highlighting career milestones and interpersonal dynamics without overt evangelizing. He has appeared in television profiles, including an feature in September 2016 detailing his transition from wrestling to , and the July 2024 A&E : WWE Legends episode centered on his "Million Dollar Man" persona and industry impact. DiBiase has conducted shoot interviews and guest spots on wrestling-focused podcasts, such as the October 2023 Going Ringside episode discussing his feuds and style, providing unscripted insights into his technical approach and memorable rivalries. In 2025, following the death of Hulk Hogan on July 24, he publicly reflected on their long-standing professional and personal friendship in tributes, noting Hogan's pivotal role in WWF's success and their mutual respect despite on-screen antagonism. DiBiase authored Every Man Has His Price: The True Story of Wrestling's Million-Dollar Man in 1997, a part-autobiography that details his wrestling career highs, the corrupting influence of fame and wealth embodied in his persona, and his eventual Christian conversion amid personal crises including and . The narrative underscores causal links between unchecked ambition and moral downfall, portraying redemption as rooted in faith rather than secular therapy. In 2008, he published Ted DiBiase: The Million Dollar Man, co-written with WWE, which expands on his ring exploits, character development, and post-career ministry transition while reinforcing themes of ethical compromise in entertainment. DiBiase appears in the 2017 faith-oriented documentary The Price of Fame, produced by his son Ted DiBiase Jr., which traces wrestling's physical and ethical toll on performers through his biography, highlighting steroid use, painkiller dependency, and family disruptions as direct consequences of the industry's demands. The film frames these as cautionary tales of hubris leading to isolation, resolved via religious awakening. He is the central figure in the July 28, 2024, episode of A&E's Biography: WWE Legends series, where archival footage and interviews reveal the persona's origins in real-life , alongside admissions of addiction's grip during his peak years and its exacerbation by travel and performance pressures. The episode connects his on-screen arrogance to off-screen vulnerabilities, emphasizing empirical patterns of wrestler burnout without romanticizing the .

Welfare fraud scandal involvement

In the Mississippi Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) scandal, which involved the misallocation of over $77 million in federal welfare funds intended for low-income families between approximately 2016 and 2019, Ted DiBiase Sr.'s Heart of David Ministries received about $2.1 million through contracts with the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) for anti-drug and anti-gang motivational speaking services from 2012 to 2017. These contracts, facilitated by lobbyist Nancy New and her nonprofit at the direction of MDHS director John Davis, were later scrutinized as lacking deliverables, with funds allegedly diverted via sham arrangements lacking proper oversight or performance verification. DiBiase maintained that he provided the requested services, including speeches at schools and events, but was unaware the payments originated from TANF welfare allocations rather than general state anti-drug budgets. State Auditor Shad White issued a demand in October 2021 for Heart of David to repay $722,299, citing insufficient documentation for services rendered and improper use of funds lacking competitive bidding or measurable outcomes. DiBiase cooperated with investigators, repaying the demanded amount by early 2023, and no federal criminal charges were filed against him, unlike several co-conspirators including his sons Brett and Ted Jr., who faced indictments for wire fraud and theft of federal funds. Federal prosecutors noted DiBiase Sr.'s lack of knowledge regarding the illicit sourcing of funds as a distinguishing factor, emphasizing that the scheme's core involved state officials' unauthorized diversions rather than direct recipient complicity in all cases. Critics, including investigative reports from outlets like Today, highlighted perceived hypocrisy in a profiting from welfare dollars amid DiBiase's public emphasis on personal responsibility and faith-based redemption, arguing it exemplified how connected insiders exploited lax TANF rules allowing up to 15% for administrative costs without stringent federal audits. Defenders, including DiBiase himself in statements to auditors, countered that systemic failures in MDHS—such as under Davis and New, who pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges—enabled the , with recipients like ministries relying on officials' representations of fund legitimacy; this view aligns with broader audits revealing $12.5 million in waste due to conflicts of interest and favoritism rather than universal recipient malfeasance. The scandal prompted U.S. demands for to repay $101 million in misspent TANF, underscoring state-level oversight lapses over individual grantee intent. In April 2023, , son of Ted DiBiase, was federally indicted in on charges stemming from the state's (TANF) welfare scheme, including one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and of federal funds, six counts of wire fraud, four counts of , and two counts of concerning programs receiving federal funds. Prosecutors alleged that DiBiase Jr. and co-conspirators used sham nonprofit contracts to divert over $1.1 million in welfare funds intended for low-income families toward personal luxuries, such as luxury travel and real estate. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of 45 years in and fines up to $1 million; his , initially slated for 2023 and delayed multiple times, was postponed to early 2026 following disputes over the admissibility of evidence, including claims of newly discovered materials that could alter the case. DiBiase's brother, , another son of Ted DiBiase who pursued a professional wrestling career, faced related federal charges in the same scandal and pleaded guilty on March 2, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to defraud the . Court documents indicated Brett received approximately $48,000 in TANF funds for unperformed work through a nonprofit, including payments for drug abuse classes while he was in rehabilitation. A third brother, Mike DiBiase, also a wrestler, has been linked to the family business dealings under scrutiny but has not faced federal criminal charges in this matter. Ted DiBiase publicly addressed his sons' legal troubles in a statement shortly after Ted Jr.'s indictment, describing the family as "navigating a difficult season" while expressing support, though he later deleted the post. In a June 2023 interview on the Going Ringside podcast, DiBiase dismissed the charges against Ted Jr. as "a bunch of garbage" and suggested prosecutors were seeking a scapegoat amid broader investigations, emphasizing his belief in his son's innocence without conceding personal responsibility for familial involvement. He has maintained family solidarity, avoiding direct commentary on systemic welfare vulnerabilities or accountability in public statements tied to his sons' cases, while not facing charges himself in Ted Jr.'s proceedings.

Personal life

Marriage, family, and children

DiBiase married his first wife around age 20, resulting in the birth of their son, Michael "Mike" DiBiase II, in 1977; Mike later pursued a professional wrestling career, debuting in independent promotions after training in Amarillo, Texas. DiBiase wed Melanie Neville on December 31, 1981, in a modest ceremony officiated while he wrestled in Atlanta, Georgia, with fellow wrestler Sylvester Ritter (Junkyard Dog) as best man. With Melanie, DiBiase fathered two sons: Theodore Marvin "Ted" DiBiase Jr., born November 8, 1982, who competed in WWE from 2007 to 2013; and Brett DiBiase, born in 1988, who wrestled in independent circuits and WWE developmental territories. The couple's marriage endured strains in the early 1990s, including DiBiase's adultery exposed in March 1992 following , which prompted Melanie to evict him temporarily and contemplate divorce. occurred via , Melanie's rooted in Christian principles, and DiBiase's recommitment to , fostering a renewed partnership described by both as closer and more resilient than before. This stability supported DiBiase's shift from wrestling to ministry, with family members backing his Heart of initiatives and the sons extending the DiBiase wrestling lineage across generations.

Health challenges and faith journey

DiBiase's in-ring career concluded in 1993 after chronic back injuries, particularly a disc issue exacerbated by years of physical demands in promotions like WWF and WCW, rendered further competition untenable. These ailments stemmed from accumulated wear, including a manifestation during international tours, forcing his transition away from active wrestling. In March 1992, during a period of career prominence yet personal turmoil marked by and marital strain, DiBiase underwent a profound conversion to evangelical after his wife confronted him, prompting a reevaluation of his life. He described this as shifting from nominal faith—rooted in his Catholic upbringing—to an authentic relationship with , which he credits with fostering resilience amid subsequent adversities, including health setbacks and family challenges. DiBiase revealed in June 2023 that he contends with severe brain trauma, a consequence of repeated concussions sustained over decades in , compounding earlier spinal issues. In early September 2025, DiBiase fell at , incurring a and bruised ribs without fractures; he described the incident as painful and embarrassing but emphasized his quick recovery, underscoring age-related vulnerabilities at 71 while maintaining activity through faith-sustained fortitude.

Legacy and influence

Impact on professional wrestling

Ted DiBiase's portrayal of the affluent, arrogant as the "Million Dollar Man" in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during the established a template for villainous characters emphasizing wealth and entitlement, which became a staple for subsequent performers requiring crowd antagonism in an era dominated by heroic babyfaces like . This archetype filled a critical gap in WWF's roster for credible antagonists, enhancing storyline depth and match psychology by contrasting socioeconomic superiority against underdog protagonists. DiBiase's microphone skills raised the bar for heel promos, blending charisma, condescension, and narrative buildup to provoke authentic audience heat, a technique that influenced standards for verbal storytelling in the industry. His in-ring proficiency, honed under trainers like Dory Funk Jr., allowed seamless integration of technical wrestling with character-driven antics, enabling strong performances against diverse opponents across territories. Career longevity spanned from 1974 to 1999, with success in promotions including Mid-South Wrestling—where he captured the North American Heavyweight Championship in 1982—and WWF, amassing over 30 regional and tag team titles while adapting to evolving styles from territorial to national television eras. A notable limitation was DiBiase's failure to secure the WWF World Heavyweight Championship despite positioning as a top contender, including a controversial 1988 "reign" via title transfer from that WWF officials retroactively nullified, citing rules against non-pin/submission victories; this reflected broader booking preferences against prolonged champions during the Hulkamania period, potentially curtailing his status as an undisputed main event draw. DiBiase himself prioritized character heat over belt acquisition, viewing his consistent drawing power as sufficient validation. Post-retirement, DiBiase served as a ambassador, contributing to talent development by mentoring younger wrestlers and bridging the post-Hogan transition through appearances and advisory roles that preserved institutional knowledge. This extended his influence beyond active competition, aiding the evolution of heel personas into the and beyond.

Cultural commentary through persona

Ted DiBiase's portrayal of the Million Dollar Man served as a pointed critique of human incentives, asserting through the "everybody has a price" that monetary rewards could reliably corrupt and sway decisions, reflecting observable patterns where financial disparities incentivize self-interested behavior over abstract ideals of equality. This gimmick, involving bribes to referees, opponents, and even fans, underscored causal realism by demonstrating how wealth enables exploitation, a dynamic that resonated with audiences' innate aversion to unearned privilege and systemic favoritism, predating broader cultural recognitions of incentive-driven in institutions. The character's cynicism toward egalitarian presumptions—that outcomes stem from equal motivations absent material influences—proved prescient, as empirical observations of and validate the persona's premise that economic hierarchies shape conduct more than purported moral universals. DiBiase's execution amplified this by tying success to personal "price-paying" through , mirroring real-world ambition's demands and debunking narratives that downplay individual agency in favor of collective blame. In subsequent reflections, DiBiase framed the gimmick's worldview as a manifestation of "total worldliness," with money as the ultimate motivator, contrasting it against paths of that prioritize internal over external indictments of disparity. This evolution highlighted redemption as attainable through confronting one's incentives, rather than excusing flaws via societal constructs.

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  127. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aMAWZWURag
  128. https://411mania.com/wrestling/ted-dibiase-explains-how-vince-mcmahon-pitched-him-the-million-dollar-man-gimmick/
  129. https://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/news/everymanhashisprice
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