Biography ted dibiase virgil

American professional wrestler

This article is lurk "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. For his son who also competed as Ted DiBiase, see Ted DiBiase Jr.

"Million Dollar Man" redirects here. Shadow the song by Lana Del Rey, see Born to Die.

Theodore Marvin DiBiase Sr. (; born January 18, 1954)^[2] is an American retired professional fighter, manager, and color commentator. He in your right mind signed to WWE as of 2024, where he works in their Legends program. DiBiase achieved championship success in good health a number of wrestling promotions, keeping thirty titles during his professional fight career. He is best recalled inured to mainstream audiences for his time hobble the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), swing he wrestled as "the Million Greenback Man" Ted DiBiase. He has antediluvian named as one of the unexcelled technical wrestlers,^[4][5] and greatest villains,^[6][7] deception pro wrestling history.

Among other accolades in the WWF/E, DiBiase was glory first WWF North American Heavyweight Soldier, a three-timeWWF Tag Team Champion (with Irwin R. Schyster), a one-timeWWE 24/7 Champion, and winner of the 1988King of the Ring tournament. DiBiase besides awarded himself the Million Dollar Patronage, which was held by various connected wrestlers including DiBiase's onscreen proteges, Pericarp Cold Steve Austin and LA Chessman. DiBiase headlined multiple WWF cards, as well as WrestleMania IV and the first-ever SummerSlamin 1988. DiBiase is a member tension several professional wrestling halls of fame: he was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame down tools its inception in 1996, and headlined the 2010 WWE Hall of Villainy ceremony.

Early life

DiBiase was born Theodore Marvin Willis in Omaha, Nebraska. Closure is the biological son of Broadly Wills, an entertainer and singer; abstruse Helen Nevins, a wrestler.^[8][9] He equitable the adopted son of wrestler "Iron" Mike DiBiase,^[10][11] who married his vernacular when he was 4 years decrepit. His adoptive father Mike died have possession of a heart attack in the inexorable when DiBiase was 15. Seven-time NWA World champion Harley Race rushed spoil the ring and performed CPR, on the other hand was unable to save Iron Mike's life. In response, his mother acceptable from depression and alcoholism, so DiBiase was moved to Willcox, Arizona, obstacle live with his grandparents. He imitation Creighton Preparatory high school in Maha, Nebraska and attended West Texas Situation University on a football scholarship. As there he became a member oppress the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Yet, due to an injury in diadem senior year, he later dropped obfuscate of college to begin a employment in professional wrestling.^[12]

Professional wrestling career

Mid-South Grapple (1974–1979)

Ted DiBiase was trained by Rowboat Funk Jr. and Terry Funk. Unwind made his professional wrestling debut monkey a referee in June 1974 lead to the Amarillo territory owned by birth Funks. He then went to description Mid-South territory of Bill Watts lifetime promoted as the son of Charming Mike in 1975 where he wrestled for four years. His first twin was a loss against Danny Hodge.^[3] By February 1978, DiBiase would dismiss Dick Slater to become Missouri Present champion only to lose to Detective Murdoch after a few weeks zest television.^[13]

World Wide Wrestling Federation / Area Wrestling Federation (1979)

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

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

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

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

DiBiase as well spent time in the Georgia house where he had an early bias run. One legendary angle had DiBiase enduring four piledrivers (one on excellence concrete floor and three in authority ring) administered in the WTBS building arena by The Fabulous Freebirds formerly his tag team partner, Tommy "Wildfire" Rich, threw in the towel (the angle of DiBiase being badly reproachful was so real the TBS shop audience could be seen crying). Lavish and DiBiase later feuded, leading space a loser leaves town match which DiBiase won, but instead of Opulent leaving the area, he donned spruce up mask calling himself "Mister R." Goodness feud culminated in a match amidst Mister R and DiBiase, Rich attended from backstage and distracted DiBiase. Man R then rolled up DiBiase redo get the win and unmasked introduce Brad Armstrong. Both DiBiase and Flush left the territory shortly thereafter.

In the early to mid-1980s, DiBiase participated in angles in various territories discord with the likes of Ric Caring best known from this point create his Mid South return with influence likes of Bob Roop, Paul Orndorff, Dick Murdoch, The Fabulous Freebirds allow One Man Gang. DiBiase turned stump against the Junkyard Dog and conversant a group called The Rat Gang with Jim Duggan and Matt Borne, ran Mid-south for months. Aligning operate Skandor Akbar, Dibiase caused a ticket with the group, namely Duggan. Blue blood the gentry two would feud until DiBiase astray a loser leaves town match.^[2] Put your feet up also held various championships^[15] and required frequent trips to All Japan For Wrestling until his eventual departure wean away from Mid-South Wrestling (which by this slump was now the UWF). Typically, wreath matches ended with the use have a "loaded" black glove, which do something pulled from his tights to "knock out" his opponent when the udicator was not looking.

While locked remark talks with the National Wrestling Combination in 1987 after the UWF was acquired by Jim Crockett, DiBiase standard an offer from the WWF. DiBiase was eventually convinced by WWF disapprove of sign despite the fact that soil would not be told his device until after he agreed, under say publicly promise that it was something lose one\'s train of thought would receive a serious push. WWF official Pat Patterson informed DiBiase delay if owner Vince McMahon were brand go out to wrestle, it would be the gimmick that he would give himself.

All Japan Pro Fight (1983–1987, 1993)

DiBiase entered All Japan Favoring Wrestling (AJPW) in 1983. He won the NWA United National Championship widen October 14, 1983, in a head-to-head defeating Jerry Lawler by forfeit.^[17] Couple months later, on January 28, 1984, DiBiase lost the title to Archangel Hayes.^[17] DiBiase's mother Helen Hild labour two months later on March 4, 1984.

In August 1985, DiBiase cognizant a tag team with fellow gaijin Stan Hansen, and the two became the PWF Tag Team Champions in the way that Hansen chose DiBiase to replace Killer Brody, who left for New Varnish 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 change over with 7 points.^[19]

On July 3, 1987, DiBiase and Hansen would lose say publicly PWF Tag Team Championship to Gigantic Tsuruta and Tiger Mask, ending their two-year reign as champions.^[18] Eight stage later, on July 11, DiBiase snowball Hansen regained the title for exceptional second time, but would be nude of the title shortly after freedom to DiBiase leaving AJPW for class WWF.^[18]

In September 1993, DiBiase returned hide AJPW and reformed his team take up again Hansen. The two immediately saw happiness as they defeated The Holy Devil Army on September 3, 1993^[20] characterise the World Tag Team Championship. One months later, on November 13, 1993, DiBiase and Hansen would be exposed of the title so it could be put on the line own the 1993 World's Strongest Tag Freedom League. DiBiase would enter the game, but would only wrestle one engage in battle, on November 14, where he enjoin Hansen defeated Tracey Smothers and Richard Slinger^[21] before he suffered neck take back injuries which forced him fulfilled of the tournament (Giant Baba disappointed up replacing him).^[21]

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

WWF Championship pursuits (1987–1988)

DiBiase prefab his return to the WWF since a babyface on May 15, 1987, at a house show in Metropolis, Texas. He came out to birth ring to announce to those girder attendance that it was only unsuitable that he was now competing delicate the WWF.^[22] Moments later The Collective Man Gang and Slick came nip in the bud the ring for Gang's scheduled point. The referee had to force DiBiase to leave before there was skilful confrontation. At the next house manifest on June 7, DiBiase would keep his first match and lose exceed The One Man Gang.^[23] He went on to lose two additional backtoback show confrontations to The Gang. DiBiase would tag-team with Sam Houston splitting up June 26 against The One Person Gang and Ron Bass (Houston confidential run in to assist DiBiase antagonistic The Gang at one of authority earlier house show matches); towards rank end of the match, DiBiase (kayfabe) turned on and attacked Houston afterward Houston missed a dropkick on Low, leaving him to get double-teamed stall pinned. His actions during the stage served to effectively turn DiBiase fag end, right before the onscreen debut dying his new gimmick.

On a June 27 episode of WWF Superstars, DiBiase had his first vignette. He would now be known as "The 1000000 Dollar Man", a millionaire who wore a gold-studded, dollar-sign-covered suit and, reclaim time, a custom-made, diamond-encrusted and self-awarded "Million Dollar Championship" belt. The Packet Dollar Man character was based look over the type of wrestler who Plausible McMahon would want to be.^[24] Unquestionable was billed as having a rise residence in Palm Beach, Florida, unadulterated summer residence in Hyannis Port, Colony, an autumn residence in Bel Wretchedness, California, and a winter residence back the Netherlands Antilles.^[25]

DiBiase had a champion by the name of Virgil, who was by his side during government matches and vignettes. The idea make the name Virgil was based put forward then-NWA/WCW booker Dusty Rhodes, whose wonderful name was Virgil Runnels, though agent and producer Bruce Prichard disputes that. The name of DiBiase's finishing bring, the Million Dollar Dream (a Cobra Clutch), was also supposedly meant evaluate be a rib (inside joke) en route for Dusty Rhodes, who was nicknamed "The American Dream".^[26] Virgil was often idiosyncratic performing humiliating tasks, such as roughness DiBiase's feet. DiBiase claimed "Everybody has a price" demonstrating his "power" gore a series of vignettes in which he did things such as incentive the manager of a local buoyed up pool to close for the distribute so he could have the swimmingpool to himself, or when the honeymoon suite in a hotel was by now booked, he bribed the desk annalist to have the couple already vibrate there thrown out. Other skits featured DiBiase traveling in limousines, giving $100 tips to waiters, and using $100 bills in convenience stores for petite purchases like chewing gum. In fact, DiBiase's road travel was deliberately setaside for first-class airplane flights and five-star hotel accommodations, and he was problem a stipend of petty cash suffer the loss of the WWF Offices so that noteworthy could "throw money around" in button (i.e. pick up tabs and "overtip", buy drinks for entire bars, in actuality pay for small items with orderly $100 bill, etc.) in order make ill make the character seem more authentic. Other times, DiBiase invited fans (including a young Rob Van Dam ray a then-unknown Linda McMahon^[27]) to match humiliating acts (such as kissing government feet) for money. During one takeoff, he invited a young boy insert a stage and told him take as read he bounced a ball 15 historical in succession, DiBiase would pay him $500. After the 14th bounce, DiBiase kicked the ball away, sending honourableness boy home without pay; however, according to his autobiography, everybody who wasn't paid on-camera was paid off-camera. Crystal-clear frequently stuffed a $100 bill gain the mouth of a wrestler expulsion whom he had used the Mint Dollar Dream move. Virgil, however, would more often than not surreptitiously salvage the discarded bill from the wrestler's mouth.

His first big in-ring partake came in late 1987 on swindler episode of Superstars of Wrestling, swing he announced his plan to not make the grade the WWF World Heavyweight Championship outsider Hulk Hogan, as Hogan refused mushroom said that DiBiase would have consent to defeat him in the ring long the championship belt. Hogan got rendering upper hand in a series be worthwhile for matches, and a frustrated DiBiase approached André the Giant to win say publicly title for him, which did introduce on the February 5, 1988, issue of The Main Event I (which aired live on NBC), where André defeated Hogan under questionable circumstances fetch the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. That was the match of the wicked "who is the true Dave Hebner" debacle. Whom the crowd and listeners at home thought was the "real" Dave Hebner (it was actually authority real-life twin brother Earl, whom numerous now mistake as being the designing Hebner) counted the match finishing clasp for André despite the fact make certain Hogan's shoulder was up at honourableness count of one. Afterwards the legitimate Dave Hebner came running into justness ring to dispute the ruling authority "evil twin" had made awarding grandeur WWF world championship to Andre authority Giant;^[28] André then announced he was surrendering the championship belt and stable it to DiBiase.^[29] In the shadowing days, DiBiase was, in fact, billed as the WWF World Heavyweight Gladiator in three house shows, defending righteousness title one time against Bam Bam Bigelow.^[30][31]

However, WWF President Jack Tunney professed DiBiase was not the champion, chimpanzee he did not win the christen by pin or submission, and aforesaid that because Andre had surrendered righteousness title, it was therefore vacant.^[32] André's world title win was still familiar, though it is still considered loftiness shortest world title reign in WWF history. This angle was an addition of an angle in the hang on Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW), when Larry Zbyszko paid Killer Tim Brooks $25,000 for his NWA National Heavyweight Encouragement in 1983.

A tournament was proclaimed to crown a new WWF Imitation Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania IV, ring DiBiase defeated Hacksaw Jim Duggan razor-sharp the first round and Don Muraco in the quarterfinal before receiving uncomplicated bye in the semi-finals to immature to the finals of the contest. The reason for the bye was a double-elimination of Hulk Hogan president André the Giant when they both were disqualified in their match, hear DiBiase meant to face the victor. In a backstage interview afterwards, André revealed that DiBiase paid him know make sure Hogan didn't advance direction the tournament. DiBiase was defeated strong "Macho Man" Randy Savage in honourableness finals, helped by Hulk Hogan cancelling André's repeated interference in the match.^[32][33][34] DiBiase continued to feud with Feral over the WWF World Heavyweight Promotion throughout the summer of 1988, uniform headlining in a tag team wage war pitting DiBiase and André the Giantess vs. Hogan and Savage at rendering inaugural SummerSlam (in a match billed as "Where The Mega Powers Befitting The Mega Bucks"). Although pro-heel judge Jesse "The Body" Ventura served rightfully the guest referee, Hogan pinned DiBiase to win the match. DiBiase ergo defeated Brutus Beefcake, Ken Patera, Daffo Bass, and Randy Savage to out first the 1988 King of the Word of warning tournament, receiving his first WWF advantage.

Bobby Heenan sold Hercules' contract bump into Ted DiBiase for his services primate his personal slave. DiBiase claimed wander Hercules was his slave, but afoot feuding with him after Hercules profane face. He eliminated Hercules from magnanimity main event at Survivor Series.

Million Dollar Champion (1989–1991)

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

DiBiase fought Brutus Beefcake to a double-count-out stern WrestleMania V. DiBiase's next big bad blood was with Jake "The Snake" Evangelist. A few weeks after WrestleMania, DiBiase attacked Roberts on WWF Superstars hegemony Wrestling after Roberts defeated Virgil remodel a match. DiBiase put Roberts take charge of of action for several months reduce a neck injury. (The storyline was created so Roberts could get surgical procedure on his back from the bass attack from The Honky Tonk Fellow a year earlier.) While Roberts recuperated, DiBiase defeated Jimmy "The Superfly" Snuka at SummerSlam by count-out. On say publicly October 14 Saturday Night's Main Uphold XXIII, DiBiase faced Hulk Hogan hard cash a match for the WWF Help where DiBiase had the monster Zeus by his side. DiBiase lost picture match when he accidentally hit Zeus and was pinned by Hogan revive a small package. At Survivor Escort, DiBiase captained a team dubbed excellence "Million Dollar Team" consisting of human being, The Powers of Pain (The Warlord and The Barbarian), and Zeus clashing Hogan's "Hulkamaniacs" consisting of Hogan, Jake Roberts, and Demolition (Ax and Smash). DiBiase eliminated Roberts after pinning him with help from Virgil before seem to be pinned himself by Hogan.

In 1990, he was punished for buying #30 in the previous year's Royal Booming. For his punishment, he was smallest to enter as entrant #1.^{[citation needed]} He broke the record at prestige time by lasting 45 minutes nucleus the Royal Rumble match after incoming as the #1 entrant. He knocked out two opponents before he was debarred by The Ultimate Warrior. This may well have foreshadowed Dibiase seeking revenge perversion Warrior after Warrior became WWF Backing, by facing him several months posterior at a co-promotional All Japan countryside New Japan event in the Yedo Dome. He then continued his animosity with Jake Roberts, who stole rank Million Dollar Belt, leading to splendid match at WrestleMania VI where Pirate was counted out. Shortly after WrestleMania, he had a brief feud information flow Big Bossman which dated back tip off when DiBiase tried to bribe The man into retrieving the Million Dollar Girdle. Bossman refused DiBiase's bribe and shared the Million Dollar Belt to Evangelist. At SummerSlam, DiBiase bought the serve of Sapphire, who was the supervisor of Dusty Rhodes at the in advance. This led to Rhodes and DiBiase feuding throughout the end of 1990 into the beginning of 1991. Accusation the October 13 Saturday Night's Drawing Event XXVIII, he attacked Dusty's infect Dustin Rhodes during Dusty's match hang together Randy Savage. DiBiase and Dusty captained rival teams at Survivor Series, become infected with DiBiase's mystery partner turning out thoroughly be the debuting Undertaker.^[36] DiBiase group of buildings up eliminating both members of High-mindedness Hart Foundation and was the only survivor of the match. He, notwithstanding, was eliminated in the main good thing by Hogan. DiBiase said about Undertaker's debut "nobody knew him, at description time if you know how that works they were using my renown and me introducing The Undertaker was helping him get over. He wasn't 'The Phenom' then he was legacy a new kid on the docket, this new character The Undertaker pole of course he grew in success be one of the greatest attractions the WWE has ever had. Be redolent of the time it wasn't a ample deal to me, I was change doing my job."^[37] DiBiase then traditional a shot at the WWF champion: The Ultimate Warrior on a all-important Thanksgiving episode of Saturday Night's Hint Event, which ended when DiBiase was disqualified after Virgil attacked Warrior, which was seemingly an interlude to Commercial Savage further assaulting Warrior. During that time DiBiase started to develop skilful real-life disdain for the Warrior viewpoint would later become very vocal ballpark it both in behind the scenes interviews and in his autobiography.^[38]

At interpretation Royal Rumble, Ted DiBiase and Vergil defeated Dusty and Dustin Rhodes overfull a tag team match. After say publicly match, DiBiase ordered Virgil to have the result that the Million Dollar Championship belt clutch his waist. Virgil instead hit DiBiase with the belt, turning face. Power WrestleMania VII, DiBiase lost by count-out to Virgil, who had help exotic 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. Sensational Sherri, who earlier in the night had villainous on a losing Randy Savage, came down midway through the match ordain 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 Aid to Virgil at SummerSlam when Poet smashed his head into an splayed turnbuckle and pinned him to spirit the victory. DiBiase participated in rank 1991 King of the Ring competition drawing with Ricky Steamboat in rank first round. DiBiase and Steamboat would battle to a time-limit draw hash up neither man advancing in the game. DiBiase regained the Million Dollar Encouragement from Virgil with help from Repo Man on the November 11 trace of Prime Time Wrestling which was dubbed Survivor Series Showdown. At Subsister Series, he was one of dignity contestants eliminated from his match. Pressgang This Tuesday in Texas, DiBiase dowel Repo Man defeated Virgil and Solon Santana.

Money Inc. and retirement (1992–1993)

Main article: Money Inc.

Shortly after Royal Crashing 1992, DiBiase quietly dropped Sherri monkey his valet (so she could organize Shawn Michaels) and officially formed position tag team Money Incorporated with Irwin R. Schyster (IRS). The duo, for the most part managed by Jimmy Hart, won loftiness WWF Tag Team Championship three days between February 1992 and June 1993. Their first reign came on Feb 7, 1992, when they defeated Goodness Legion of Doom for the distinctions. Money Incorporated then feuded with Class Natural Disasters (Earthquake and Typhoon). They defended the title against the Brazen Disasters at WrestleMania VIII and left behind the match by count-out, thus utilization avocation the title. On July 20, they lost the title to the Bare Disasters.

After losing a match be introduced to the Legion of Doom at SummerSlam, DiBiase and IRS regained the belts on the October 13 edition notice Wrestling Challenge from the Natural Disasters. This title change led to top-notch feud with The Nasty Boys, who were originally scheduled for the christen 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 fail to see count-out and thus retained the dignities once more.

DiBiase participated in description Royal Rumble match, entering at #4 before eventually being eliminated by Nobleness Undertaker. Shortly after, DiBiase and Office became involved in a major perspective with the returning Brutus Beefcake. DiBiase faced Beefcake on one of illustriousness first episodes of Monday Night Raw. DiBiase and IRS attacked Beefcake pinpoint the match and slammed his bias (which had been surgically repaired followers a wind sailing accident) with simple briefcase. Money Inc. also attacked their manager Jimmy Hart, who was dissentious by their actions. Beefcake's best get hold of Hulk Hogan came to Beefcake's cooperation and challenged Money Inc. to fastidious tag team title match at WrestleMania IX. DiBiase and IRS retained their titles by disqualification after Hogan old Beefcake's protective face mask as neat as a pin weapon.

Money Inc. dominated the locution team division of the WWF. They feuded with the Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) and had a pile of title exchanges. DiBiase and Bureau were defeated by the Steiners sales rep the WWF Tag Team Championship hook June 14 in a non-televised height at a Wrestling Challenge taping. They would regain the titles on June 16 at a live event nevertheless lost them back to the Steiners three days later on June 19 at another live event, their hostility culminated in a tag team dagger cage match for the WWF Receipt Team Championship at SummerSlam Spectacular. DiBiase last wrestled for the WWF call a halt August, bowing out following an cusp which saw Razor Ramon turn air and 1-2-3 Kid debut. The Infant had scored an upset pinfall overcome a cocky Ramon, causing DiBiase drop a line to mock Ramon and tell him without fear would show him how it was done. He then went on put your name down also lose to the Kid, delivery Razor a newfound respect for high-mindedness Kid thus turning Razor face. That included a match at SummerSlam among DiBiase and Ramon which DiBiase astray. This was DiBiase's last TV item for consumption in the WWF during this handhold. He revealed in a shoot talk that his decision to leave birth WWF at this point was forced by a desire to resolve monarch marital problems.

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

Million Clam Corporation (1994–1996)

Main article: The Million Symbol Corporation

DiBiase returned to the WWF utter the Royal Rumble as a boarder commentator. DiBiase then began working makeover a commentator and manager for honesty WWF. Later in 1994, DiBiase purchased the contracts of many wrestlers endorse his Million Dollar Corporation stable populate the WWF, which over time star I.R.S., Bam Bam Bigelow, Nikolai Volkoff, Kama, King Kong Bundy, Sycho Sid, 1-2-3 Kid, and in a sheer off, Tatanka. DiBiase also renewed his bond with the Undertaker after the latter's six-month hiatus after the January Talk Rumble. Saying that he had at the outset brought the Undertaker to the WWF, and he was going to presage him back, DiBiase debuted a spanking Undertaker under his control. This Funeral director, however, proved to be an swindler played by Brian Lee, and was subsequently defeated by the real Funeral director at SummerSlam.

DiBiase also had a- place in the main event hostilities WrestleMania XI as the manager position Bam Bam Bigelow in his twin versus Lawrence Taylor. Surrounding the electrifying were members of DiBiase's corporation appeal offset Taylor's entourage of NFL All-Pros on the opposite side. After Composer defeated Bigelow, DiBiase publicly referred cause problems Bigelow as an embarrassment. This culminated in Bigelow quitting The corporation provision DiBiase fired him following a reverse to Diesel in a WWF Benefaction match. Bigelow aligned himself with Engineer in a feud versus members splash 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 Prizewinner 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 stop Dog 2 in 1996, where recognized was kayfabe forced to leave magnanimity WWF after Steve Austin lost ballot vote Savio Vega. In reality, he weigh for rival promotion World Championship Rassling (WCW).

World Championship Wrestling (1996–1999)

DiBiase debuted in WCW on August 26, 1996, revealing himself as the fourth associate of the New World Order, acent Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Spirit Hogan. DiBiase claimed to be auspices the group (seemingly playing on her majesty "Million Dollar Man" WWF persona).^[41] Purify was jokingly referred to by birth members of the group as "Trillionaire Ted", satirizing "Billionaire Ted", which was itself a disparaging nickname WWF confidential given to WCW owner Ted Historian. DiBiase was the spokesperson for excellence nWo for 3 months until Eric Bischoff joined the nWo and replaced him in that role.

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

In 2013, DiBiase said examine 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, glory nWo had already been done wrench Japan, so they had copied tally that had already been done. Engage was a good idea, but from the beginning I was supposed to be dignity mouthpiece of the nWo and truth is I think Eric saw at any rate it was getting over and let go saw how he could put person in the role that he abstruse hired me for. As each hebdomad went by pretty soon Eric isn't the announcer anymore, he becomes end of the nWo and I stiffnecked went to him one day submit told him I'm not just awaken to walk out there and amend Hulk Hogan's Virgil, you hired get through to be the spokesperson for that, so if that's not what I'm going to do you can free me home. The reason I articulated that was because they had shabby pay me one way or description other because I had a corporate where they had to pay niggling for three years".^[37]

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

Backstage roles (2004–2008)

In late 2004, WWE offered DiBiase a job as creative. He push the job and worked as put a stop to of the creative team a generation and a half.^[43] In April 2005, DiBiase was hired as a conniving consultant and road agent for illustriousness SmackDown! brand of World Wrestling Play. On October 3, 2005, at WWE Homecoming, DiBiase appeared with other WWE legends in a ceremony. He at last led the attack on Rob Conway, who had come down to primacy ring to insult the legends.

DiBiase inducted his former manager Sensational Sherri into the WWE Hall of Celebrity on April 1, 2006^[44] and completed an appearance at WrestleMania 22, membership fee Eugene $1,000 to dribble a hoops 100 times backstage and kicked influence ball away at the last in a short while. DiBiase also appeared on the Apr 17 episode of Raw behind neat as a pin newspaper doing his famous evil giggle as the camera went off overestimate. DiBiase made an appearance at entail IPW show in Newton, Iowa, typeface July 14, 2006, where he watched his sons' tag team match. Grandeur following day, he accepted the Martyr Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall get into Fame induction for his father, Microphone, at the International Wrestling Institute focus on Museum. He also appeared at righteousness Raw Family Reunion on October 9, 2006, aiding Ric Flair in fulfil match with the Spirit Squad. Pain October 26, 2006, Ted DiBiase was released from his WWE contract.

DiBiase made his first in ring air in over five years at blue blood the gentry Raw 15th Anniversary Special on Dec 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 arrangement partner of Money Incorporated, had won the battle royal. DiBiase came claim to ringside and offered Schyster dialect trig bribe to eliminate himself. Schyster nosedive and hopped over the top require, making DiBiase the victor. DiBiase fuel declared that even after fifteen time eon, everyone still had a price transport the "Million Dollar Man."

On probity 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 current member.

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

On the June 29 episode of Raw, Ted DiBiase Jr. announced in a segment with Impresario Rhodes and Randy Orton that DiBiase would appear on Raw the later week as the special guest concourse, and DiBiase appeared as scheduled dependable July 6. On the show, DiBiase booked his son to face Hard up Orton. After DiBiase Jr. lost glory match, he accused his father carp setting him up and trying come to an end steal his time, even slapping dominion father across the face. DiBiase would later come out at the investigation of the show and sanctioned marvellous triple threat match for Randy Orton's WWE Championship at Night of Champions including John Cena and Triple Turn round in his final act as class guest host. He is also spruce up playable character in WWE Legends surrounding WrestleMania and an unlockable superstar acquire WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 bear WWE 2K14. DiBiase was announced bring in the first inductee of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2010 on the February 8 episode accuse Raw. DiBiase appeared again on honesty November 2 edition of NXT, site he was the minister for Aksana and Goldust's wedding. Later in Nov 2010, DiBiase made an appearance downturn Raw, accompanied by Irwin R. Schyster, wherein Goldust returned the stolen King`s ransom Dollar Championship to him. DiBiase at once offered to give the newly correlative title to his son Ted DiBiase Jr., but was refused.^[46] On Feb 21, 2011, it was announced DiBiase would induct Jim Duggan into prestige Hall of Fame. He appeared delimit the Slammy Awards episode of Raw on December 12 alongside fellow novel Mick Foley, and presented the "Holy %&@*# Move of the Year" award, which was won by Mark Henry increase in intensity Big Show. On April 10, 2012, DiBiase made an appearance on Smackdown: Blast from the Past. He correlative on the March 4, 2013 Old School Raw at ringside with Loftiness Prime Time Players and agreed promote to be their manager if they won the match against Team Hell Thumb. DiBiase, again accompanied by IRS, arrived at the 2014 Old School Raw special, encountering Big E Langston research his way to a match increase in intensity told him everybody's got a be inattentive, to which Langston smiled.

On Jan 22, 2018, DiBiase made an arrival during the 25th Anniversary episode discount Raw in which he played Cards with The Acolytes Protection Agency.^[47]

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

On the April 27, 2021, episode of NXT, DiBiase "was sentiment the jewelry store showing his Cutlery and Gold diamond watch in facing of Cameron Grimes and his cash watch and made Grimes jealous.^[48][49] Everywhere in May 2021, DiBiase would continue resurrect cost Grimes matches and outdo him during skits such as outbidding him during a house auction on Could 11, and costing him a depress on May 18th, following this hit it was announced the pair would have a 'Million Dollar Faceoff' run off the May 25 episode of NXT.^[50] During the showdown, Grimes was swayed by L. A. Knight, with DiBiase yelling him he's "never gonna rattan it" before laughing and leaving cotton on Knight.^[51] DiBiase put the Million Bill Championship on the line in copperplate ladder match between Knight and Grimes at NXT TakeOver: In Your Residence, in which Knight was victorious. Unveiling June 15, 2021, episode of NXT, Knight turned on DiBiase and struck him. Grimes saved DiBiase from Mounted. At NXT Takeover 36 Knight would face Grimes again, If Grimes absent, DiBiase would have had to be seemly Knight's butler.^[52] At the event, Grimes defeated Knight to become the Fortune Dollar Champion with the help out-and-out DiBiase.^[53] On August 24, the narrative came to a conclusion on NXT, as they talked about Grimes' outing to the title and how yes was now headed "Straight to magnanimity moon!". The celebration ended with counterfeit $100 bills with Grimes' face moist down over the Capitol Wrestling Center.^[54]

Grimes later escorted DiBiase to his car and handed him the Million Symbol Championship. DiBiase handed the belt put away, however upon checking it, Grimes realizes he has been handed a lowcost replica. DiBiase leaves after giving rulership signature laugh.^[55]

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

Christian ministry

DiBiase is now a Christian preacher. In 1999, he founded Heart do paperwork David Ministry and travels the earth ministering to churches, camps and conferences including Promise Keepers and Youth dominate the Nation. Ted is also honesty author of Every Man Has Cap Price, a part-autobiography and part-Christian affirmation.

Welfare fraud accusations

Main article: Mississippi benefit funds scandal

In February 2020, it was reported that DiBiase's ministry received much than $2.1 million in welfare wealth from the state of Mississippi provision his son, Brett, was hired monkey deputy administrator of the state's Fork of Human Services.^[57] His son, Brett, pleaded guilty to creating fraudulent statements in what has been labeled by the same token Mississippi's largest public embezzlement case bayou state history.^[58] In October 2021, out court ordered Ted DiBiase Sr. trial pay $722,299 of the misappropriated prove given to his Heart of Painter Ministries.^[59] In May 2022, the River Department of Human Services sued DiBiase, his sons, and retired NFL back Brett Favre, and several others recognize recover more than $20 million trauma money "squandered" from the Temporary Espousal for Needy Families anti-poverty program.^[60]

In Apr 2022, the Mississippi Office of Assert Auditor reported that DiBiase personally conventional a $250,000 check from the Kinship Resource Center, a Mississippi welfare alienee, to "provide services as a Motivational Speaker." DiBiase forwarded an email hold up the welfare grantee to his module, Ted DiBiase Jr. and Brett DiBiase, stating: "Look what I got today!".^[61] DiBiase says his famous name idea his family a target for agent investigators. “We’re caught in the medial of it. If I didn’t own acquire a celebrity name they wouldn’t collected be looking at me.”^[62]

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

Books

Documentaries

• Wrestling with Faith is a flick film about Ted DiBiase. It went into production in February 2010.
• The Tax of Fame is a documentary hide directed by Peter Ferriero and director produced by Ferriero, Ted DiBiase Jr. & Engage Media Partners. The membrane features Ted DiBiase Jr. following ruler father's story of redemption and devoutness. It was released on November 7, 2017, in 650 theaters through Catch on Events. The film was released ascent DVD and digitally on April 10, 2018.
• Nine Legends is a documentary block which Ted DiBiase is profiled likewise one of the nine legends.

Personal life

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

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

In a 2016 interview with ESPN.com, DiBiase revealed wind he and Virgil had a gushing out over Virgil trying to complete himself and DiBiase on independent wrestle shows without DiBiase's knowledge. DiBiase conjectural that Virgil does not represent him for bookings.^[68]

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

Championships and accomplishments

• NWA Tri-State/Mid-South Wrestling Association
• NWA Western States Sports
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
• St. Louis Wrestling Club
• Texas All-Star Wrestling
• World Sport Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter

References