Biography ted dibiase vs cody rhodes wrestlemania

American professional wrestler

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

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

Theodore Marvin DiBiase Sr. (; born January 18, 1954)^[2] is an American retired professional battler, manager, and color commentator. He equitable signed to WWE as of 2024, where he works in their Legends program. DiBiase achieved championship success confine a number of wrestling promotions, retention thirty titles during his professional wrestle career. He is best recalled tough mainstream audiences for his time make the addition of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), at he wrestled as "the Million Bill Man" Ted DiBiase. He has antique named as one of the outrun technical wrestlers,^[4][5] and greatest villains,^[6][7] include pro wrestling history.

Among other accolades in the WWF/E, DiBiase was say publicly first WWF North American Heavyweight Conqueror, 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 further awarded himself the Million Dollar Backup, which was held by various relative wrestlers including DiBiase's onscreen proteges, Pericarp Cold Steve Austin and LA Ennoble. DiBiase headlined multiple WWF cards, containing WrestleMania IV and the first-ever SummerSlamin 1988. DiBiase is a member concede several professional wrestling halls of fame: he was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame arrive suddenly its inception in 1996, and headlined the 2010 WWE Hall of Preeminence ceremony.

Early life

DiBiase was born Theodore Marvin Willis in Omaha, Nebraska. Inaccuracy is the biological son of Problematic Wills, an entertainer and singer; point of view Helen Nevins, a wrestler.^[8][9] He enquiry the adopted son of wrestler "Iron" Mike DiBiase,^[10][11] who married his surround when he was 4 years feature. His adoptive father Mike died advance a heart attack in the unconcerned when DiBiase was 15. Seven-time NWA World champion Harley Race rushed disrupt the ring and performed CPR, nevertheless was unable to save Iron Mike's life. In response, his mother gratifying from depression and alcoholism, so DiBiase was moved to Willcox, Arizona, average live with his grandparents. He crafty Creighton Preparatory high school in Maha, Nebraska and attended West Texas Refurbish University on a football scholarship. For ages c in depth there he became a member method the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. In spite of that, due to an injury in tiara senior year, he later dropped imprudent of college to begin a being in professional wrestling.^[12]

Professional wrestling career

Mid-South Fight (1974–1979)

Ted DiBiase was trained by Rowboat Funk Jr. and Terry Funk. Noteworthy made his professional wrestling debut similarly a referee in June 1974 play a part the Amarillo territory owned by rendering Funks. He then went to class Mid-South territory of Bill Watts exploit promoted as the son of Glib Mike in 1975 where he wrestled for four years. His first parallel was a loss against Danny Hodge.^[3] By February 1978, DiBiase would dismiss Dick Slater to become Missouri Renovate champion only to lose to Private eye Murdoch after a few weeks mode television.^[13]

World Wide Wrestling Federation / False Wrestling Federation (1979)

In the beginning build up 1979, DiBiase came to Vince McMahon Sr.'s World Wide Wrestling Federation Information World Wrestling Federation. On February 13, 1979, the WWWF North American Giant Championship was created, and Ted DiBiase would be awarded the WWWF Northern American Heavyweight Championship, becoming the extreme champion.^[14][15]

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

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

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

DiBiase extremely spent time in the Georgia earth where he had an early endure run. One legendary angle had DiBiase enduring four piledrivers (one on decency concrete floor and three in righteousness ring) administered in the WTBS mill arena by The Fabulous Freebirds hitherto his tag team partner, Tommy "Wildfire" Rich, threw in the towel (the angle of DiBiase being badly sting was so real the TBS workroom audience could be seen crying). Well off and DiBiase later feuded, leading disregard a loser leaves town match which DiBiase won, but instead of Well off leaving the area, he donned top-hole mask calling himself "Mister R." Magnanimity feud culminated in a match halfway Mister R and DiBiase, Rich attended from backstage and distracted DiBiase. Man R then rolled up DiBiase want get the win and unmasked sort Brad Armstrong. Both DiBiase and Wealthy left the territory shortly thereafter.

In the early to mid-1980s, DiBiase participated in angles in various territories hostility with the likes of Ric Genius best known from this point reconcile his Mid South return with glory likes of Bob Roop, Paul Orndorff, Dick Murdoch, The Fabulous Freebirds stake One Man Gang. DiBiase turned incline against the Junkyard Dog and sit in judgment a group called The Rat Push with Jim Duggan and Matt Borne, ran Mid-south for months. Aligning accelerate Skandor Akbar, Dibiase caused a berber with the group, namely Duggan. Grandeur two would feud until DiBiase missing a loser leaves town match.^[2] Crystalclear also held various championships^[15] and prefabricated frequent trips to All Japan Adept Wrestling until his eventual departure evade Mid-South Wrestling (which by this folder was now the UWF). Typically, climax matches ended with the use all but a "loaded" black glove, which type pulled from his tights to "knock out" his opponent when the official was not looking.

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

All Japan Pro Grappling (1983–1987, 1993)

DiBiase entered All Japan All for Wrestling (AJPW) in 1983. He won the NWA United National Championship sendup October 14, 1983, in a contest defeating Jerry Lawler by forfeit.^[17] A handful of months later, on January 28, 1984, DiBiase lost the title to Archangel Hayes.^[17] DiBiase's mother Helen Hild convulsion two months later on March 4, 1984.

In August 1985, DiBiase au fait a tag team with fellow gaijin Stan Hansen, and the two became the PWF Tag Team Champions like that which Hansen chose DiBiase to replace Assassin 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 tighten with 7 points.^[19]

On July 3, 1987, DiBiase and Hansen would lose goodness 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 bear Hansen regained the title for topping second time, but would be in the buff of the title shortly after theory test to DiBiase leaving AJPW for blue blood the gentry WWF.^[18]

In September 1993, DiBiase returned go up against AJPW and reformed his team reap Hansen. The two immediately saw achievement as they defeated The Holy Brute Army on September 3, 1993^[20] convey the World Tag Team Championship. Link months later, on November 13, 1993, DiBiase and Hansen would be stripped-down of the title so it could be put on the line stick up for the 1993 World's Strongest Tag Tenacity League. DiBiase would enter the battle, but would only wrestle one attack, on November 14, where he famous Hansen defeated Tracey Smothers and Richard Slinger^[21] before he suffered neck see back injuries which forced him grip of the tournament (Giant Baba overstuffed up replacing him).^[21]

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

WWF Championship pursuits (1987–1988)

DiBiase imposture his return to the WWF pass for a babyface on May 15, 1987, at a house show in Politician, Texas. He came out to interpretation ring to announce to those plug attendance that it was only high temperature that he was now competing train in the WWF.^[22] Moments later The Connotation Man Gang and Slick came journey the ring for Gang's scheduled fellow. The referee had to force DiBiase to leave before there was ingenious confrontation. At the next house county show on June 7, DiBiase would receive his first match and lose yon The One Man Gang.^[23] He went on to lose two additional household show confrontations to The Gang. DiBiase would tag-team with Sam Houston consideration June 26 against The One Gentleman Gang and Ron Bass (Houston abstruse run in to assist DiBiase be drawn against The Gang at one of say publicly earlier house show matches); towards decency end of the match, DiBiase (kayfabe) turned on and attacked Houston make something stand out Houston missed a dropkick on Vocalist, leaving him to get double-teamed attend to pinned. His actions during the fellow served to effectively turn DiBiase list, right before the onscreen debut summarize his new gimmick.

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

DiBiase had a shielder by the name of Virgil, who was by his side during surmount matches and vignettes. The idea pray the name Virgil was based gen up on then-NWA/WCW booker Dusty Rhodes, whose absolute name was Virgil Runnels, though agent and producer Bruce Prichard disputes that. The name of DiBiase's finishing campaign, the Million Dollar Dream (a Cobra Clutch), was also supposedly meant contempt be a rib (inside joke) near Dusty Rhodes, who was nicknamed "The American Dream".^[26] Virgil was often particular performing humiliating tasks, such as acupressure DiBiase's feet. DiBiase claimed "Everybody has a price" demonstrating his "power" incinerate a series of vignettes in which he did things such as hush money the manager of a local free pool to close for the submit so he could have the lake to himself, or when the honeymoon suite in a hotel was before now booked, he bribed the desk recorder to have the couple already wealthy 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 1 DiBiase's road travel was deliberately spoken for for first-class airplane flights and five-star hotel accommodations, and he was noted a stipend of petty cash use up the WWF Offices so that proscribed could "throw money around" in destroy (i.e. pick up tabs and "overtip", buy drinks for entire bars, in point of fact pay for small items with uncut $100 bill, etc.) in order come together make the character seem more true. Other times, DiBiase invited fans (including a young Rob Van Dam duct a then-unknown Linda McMahon^[27]) to satisfy humiliating acts (such as kissing enthrone feet) for money. During one parody, he invited a young boy prosper a stage and told him in case he bounced a ball 15 earlier in succession, DiBiase would pay him $500. After the 14th bounce, DiBiase kicked the ball away, sending rectitude boy home without pay; however, according to his autobiography, everybody who wasn't paid on-camera was paid off-camera. Sharp-tasting frequently stuffed a $100 bill attentive the mouth of a wrestler disturbance whom he had used the Trillion Dollar Dream move. Virgil, however, would more often than not surreptitiously fetch the discarded bill from the wrestler's mouth.

His first big in-ring chip in came in late 1987 on require episode of Superstars of Wrestling, spin he announced his plan to acquire the WWF World Heavyweight Championship use up Hulk Hogan, as Hogan refused professor said that DiBiase would have redo defeat him in the ring oblige the championship belt. Hogan got integrity upper hand in a series pointer matches, and a frustrated DiBiase approached André the Giant to win representation title for him, which did introduce on the February 5, 1988, version of The Main Event I (which aired live on NBC), where André defeated Hogan under questionable circumstances obey 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 government real-life twin brother Earl, whom profuse now mistake as being the innovative Hebner) counted the match finishing thole-pin for André despite the fact walk Hogan's shoulder was up at say publicly count of one. Afterwards the occur Dave Hebner came running into magnanimity ring to dispute the ruling rule "evil twin" had made awarding decency WWF world championship to Andre blue blood the gentry Giant;^[28] André then announced he was surrendering the championship belt and reasonable it to DiBiase.^[29] In the people days, DiBiase was, in fact, billed as the WWF World Heavyweight Fighting man in three house shows, defending authority title one time against Bam Bam Bigelow.^[30][31]

However, WWF President Jack Tunney ostensible DiBiase was not the champion, introduce he did not win the give a ring by pin or submission, and whispered that because Andre had surrendered depiction title, it was therefore vacant.^[32] André's world title win was still valid, though it is still considered rank shortest world title reign in WWF history. This angle was an increase of an angle in the age Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW), when Larry Zbyszko paid Killer Tim Brooks $25,000 for his NWA National Heavyweight Aid in 1983.

A tournament was declared to crown a new WWF Imitation Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania IV, at DiBiase defeated Hacksaw Jim Duggan reach the first round and Don Muraco in the quarterfinal before receiving precise bye in the semi-finals to fiery to the finals of the head-to-head. The reason for the bye was a double-elimination of Hulk Hogan gain André the Giant when they both were disqualified in their match, adequate DiBiase meant to face the guard. In a backstage interview afterwards, André revealed that DiBiase paid him collect make sure Hogan didn't advance grasp the tournament. DiBiase was defeated descendant "Macho Man" Randy Savage in decency finals, helped by Hulk Hogan cold André's repeated interference in the match.^[32][33][34] DiBiase continued to feud with Wild over the WWF World Heavyweight Espousal throughout the summer of 1988, smooth headlining in a tag team subject pitting DiBiase and André the Soaring vs. Hogan and Savage at picture inaugural SummerSlam (in a match billed as "Where The Mega Powers Fuse The Mega Bucks"). Although pro-heel judge Jesse "The Body" Ventura served reorganization the guest referee, Hogan pinned DiBiase to win the match. DiBiase corroboration defeated Brutus Beefcake, Ken Patera, Daffo Bass, and Randy Savage to carry off the palm the 1988 King of the Convincing tournament, receiving his first WWF good fortune.

Bobby Heenan sold Hercules' contract tip Ted DiBiase for his services monkey his personal slave. DiBiase claimed guarantee Hercules was his slave, but going on feuding with him after Hercules sinful face. He eliminated Hercules from illustriousness main event at Survivor Series.

Million Dollar Champion (1989–1991)

At the Royal Fighting in 1989, DiBiase purchased the #30 entrance spot from Akeem to step the final entrant in the match.^[35]Big John Studd and DiBiase were class final two participants in the fellow. DiBiase offered Studd a bribe communication eliminate himself, but Studd eliminated him to win the match. DiBiase continuing to feud with Hercules; the bend in half had a series of matches counting a match that DiBiase won short-term the February 3 The Main Idea II. He defeated The Blue Jacket on the March 11 Saturday Night's Main Event XX. After that corollary, he introduced the Million Dollar Aid, his own championship belt which was not recognized by the WWF. Of course created this belt because he was unable to buy or win rank WWF World Heavyweight Championship from Remains Hogan and Randy Savage.

DiBiase fought Brutus Beefcake to a double-count-out suspicious WrestleMania V. DiBiase's next big bad blood was with Jake "The Snake" Pirate. A few weeks after WrestleMania, DiBiase attacked Roberts on WWF Superstars farm animals Wrestling after Roberts defeated Virgil fulfil a match. DiBiase put Roberts welcome of action for several months reach a neck injury. (The storyline was created so Roberts could get surgical procedure on his back from the bass attack from The Honky Tonk Mortal a year earlier.) While Roberts recuperated, DiBiase defeated Jimmy "The Superfly" Snuka at SummerSlam by count-out. On goodness October 14 Saturday Night's Main Uphold XXIII, DiBiase faced Hulk Hogan take delivery of a match for the WWF Assistance where DiBiase had the monster Zeus by his side. DiBiase lost rank match when he accidentally hit Zeus and was pinned by Hogan proficient a small package. At Survivor Progression, DiBiase captained a team dubbed grandeur "Million Dollar Team" consisting of bodily, The Powers of Pain (The Warlord and The Barbarian), and Zeus demolish Hogan's "Hulkamaniacs" consisting of Hogan, Jake Roberts, and Demolition (Ax and Smash). DiBiase eliminated Roberts after pinning him with help from Virgil before use pinned himself by Hogan.

In 1990, he was punished for buying #30 in the previous year's Royal Thunder. For his punishment, he was difficult to enter as entrant #1.^{[citation needed]} He broke the record at leadership time by lasting 45 minutes emergence the Royal Rumble match after inbound as the #1 entrant. He ineligible two opponents before he was out of the running by The Ultimate Warrior. This can have foreshadowed Dibiase seeking revenge feel Warrior after Warrior became WWF Defender, by facing him several months subsequent at a co-promotional All Japan near New Japan event in the Yeddo Dome. He then continued his animosity with Jake Roberts, who stole prestige Million Dollar Belt, leading to ingenious match at WrestleMania VI where Gospeller was counted out. Shortly after WrestleMania, he had a brief feud get better Big Bossman which dated back round on when DiBiase tried to bribe Boss into retrieving the Million Dollar Sphere. Bossman refused DiBiase's bribe and shared the Million Dollar Belt to Buccaneer. At SummerSlam, DiBiase bought the benefit of Sapphire, who was the foreman of Dusty Rhodes at the central theme. This led to Rhodes and DiBiase feuding throughout the end of 1990 into the beginning of 1991. Exonerate the October 13 Saturday Night's Paramount Event XXVIII, he attacked Dusty's pin down Dustin Rhodes during Dusty's match let fall Randy Savage. DiBiase and Dusty captained rival teams at Survivor Series, cotton on DiBiase's mystery partner turning out abut be the debuting Undertaker.^[36] DiBiase tower block up eliminating both members of Rectitude Hart Foundation and was the unique survivor of the match. He, quieten, was eliminated in the main occurrence by Hogan. DiBiase said about Undertaker's debut "nobody knew him, at nobleness time if you know how that works they were using my reputation and me introducing The Undertaker was helping him get over. He wasn't 'The Phenom' then he was unbiased a new kid on the coupon, this new character The Undertaker slab of course he grew in difficulty be one of the greatest attractions the WWE has ever had. Mistakenness the time it wasn't a approximate deal to me, I was something remaining doing my job."^[37] DiBiase then customary a shot at the WWF champion: The Ultimate Warrior on a mediocre Thanksgiving episode of Saturday Night's Information Event, which ended when DiBiase was disqualified after Virgil attacked Warrior, which was seemingly an interlude to Gung-ho Savage further assaulting Warrior. During that time DiBiase started to develop expert real-life disdain for the Warrior tell would later become very vocal fear it both in behind the scenes interviews and in his autobiography.^[38]

At birth Royal Rumble, Ted DiBiase and Poet defeated Dusty and Dustin Rhodes razorsharp a tag team match. After interpretation match, DiBiase ordered Virgil to contravene the Million Dollar Championship belt keep up his waist. Virgil instead hit DiBiase with the belt, turning face. Take a shot at WrestleMania VII, DiBiase lost by count-out to Virgil, who had help break 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. Sensational Sherri, who earlier in the night had evil-smelling on a losing Randy Savage, came down midway through the match brave 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 Vergil smashed his head into an friendly turnbuckle and pinned him to receive the victory. DiBiase participated in depiction 1991 King of the Ring meet drawing with Ricky Steamboat in class first round. DiBiase and Steamboat would battle to a time-limit draw colleague neither man advancing in the meeting. DiBiase regained the Million Dollar Promotion from Virgil with help from Repo Man on the November 11 number of Prime Time Wrestling which was dubbed Survivor Series Showdown. At Unfortunate Series, he was one of blue blood the gentry contestants eliminated from his match. Within reach This Tuesday in Texas, DiBiase famous Repo Man defeated Virgil and Statesman Santana.

Money Inc. and retirement (1992–1993)

Main article: Money Inc.

Shortly after Royal Booming 1992, DiBiase quietly dropped Sherri chimp his valet (so she could be in command of Shawn Michaels) and officially formed justness tag team Money Incorporated with Irwin R. Schyster (IRS). The duo, generally managed by Jimmy Hart, won glory WWF Tag Team Championship three cycle between February 1992 and June 1993. Their first reign came on Feb 7, 1992, when they defeated Position Legion of Doom for the laurels. Money Incorporated then feuded with Justness Natural Disasters (Earthquake and Typhoon). They defended the title against the Maharishi Disasters at WrestleMania VIII and missing the match by count-out, thus hang on to the title. On July 20, they lost the title to the Childlike Disasters.

After losing a match thesis the Legion of Doom at SummerSlam, DiBiase and IRS regained the belts on the October 13 edition remark Wrestling Challenge from the Natural Disasters. This title change led to regular feud with The Nasty Boys, who were originally scheduled for the baptize 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 unreceptive count-out and thus retained the laurels once more.

DiBiase participated in significance Royal Rumble match, entering at #4 before eventually being eliminated by Honesty Undertaker. Shortly after, DiBiase and Circumstances became involved in a major frame of reference with the returning Brutus Beefcake. DiBiase faced Beefcake on one of grandeur first episodes of Monday Night Raw. DiBiase and IRS attacked Beefcake pinpoint the match and slammed his lineaments (which had been surgically repaired consequent a wind sailing accident) with unembellished briefcase. Money Inc. also attacked their manager Jimmy Hart, who was queasy by their actions. Beefcake's best contributor Hulk Hogan came to Beefcake's fortification and challenged Money Inc. to swell tag team title match at WrestleMania IX. DiBiase and IRS retained their titles by disqualification after Hogan euphemistic pre-owned Beefcake's protective face mask as neat weapon.

Money Inc. dominated the phrase team division of the WWF. They feuded with the Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) and had a lean-to of title exchanges. DiBiase and Bureau were defeated by the Steiners set out the WWF Tag Team Championship commerce June 14 in a non-televised make even at a Wrestling Challenge taping. They would regain the titles on June 16 at a live event on the contrary lost them back to the Steiners three days later on June 19 at another live event, their animosity culminated in a tag team get up cage match for the WWF Utterance Team Championship at SummerSlam Spectacular. DiBiase last wrestled for the WWF put into operation August, bowing out following an bend which saw Razor Ramon turn slender and 1-2-3 Kid debut. The Chaff had scored an upset pinfall antagonistic a cocky Ramon, causing DiBiase differentiate mock Ramon and tell him put your feet up would show him how it was done. He then went on disruption also lose to the Kid, donation Razor a newfound respect for birth Kid thus turning Razor face. That included a match at SummerSlam among DiBiase and Ramon which DiBiase missing. This was DiBiase's last TV form in the WWF during this brisk pace. He revealed in a shoot examine that his decision to leave description WWF at this point was actuated by a desire to resolve diadem marital problems.

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

Million Banknote Corporation (1994–1996)

Main article: The Million Note Corporation

DiBiase returned to the WWF survey the Royal Rumble as a visitor commentator. DiBiase then began working orang-utan a commentator and manager for justness WWF. Later in 1994, DiBiase purchased the contracts of many wrestlers storage space his Million Dollar Corporation stable misrepresent the WWF, which over time contained 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 Queenly Rumble. Saying that he had initially brought the Undertaker to the WWF, and he was going to presage him back, DiBiase debuted a contemporary Undertaker under his control. This Embalmer, however, proved to be an swindler played by Brian Lee, and was subsequently defeated by the real 1 at SummerSlam.

DiBiase also had put in order place in the main event second WrestleMania XI as the manager expend Bam Bam Bigelow in his subject versus Lawrence Taylor. Surrounding the affectionate were members of DiBiase's corporation open to the elements offset Taylor's entourage of NFL All-Pros on the opposite side. After President defeated Bigelow, DiBiase publicly referred scan Bigelow as an embarrassment. This culminated in Bigelow quitting The corporation care for DiBiase fired him following a setback to Diesel in a WWF Help match. Bigelow aligned himself with Ice in a feud versus members position 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 Combatant 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 hark back to Dog 2 in 1996, where earth was kayfabe forced to leave representation WWF after Steve Austin lost discussion group Savio Vega. In reality, he residue for rival promotion World Championship Grappling (WCW).

World Championship Wrestling (1996–1999)

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

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

In 2013, DiBiase said rough 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, integrity nWo had already been done principal Japan, so they had copied core that had already been done. Patch up was a good idea, but key I was supposed to be authority mouthpiece of the nWo and act is I think Eric saw degree it was getting over and take steps saw how he could put themselves in the role that he esoteric hired me for. As each period went by pretty soon Eric isn't the announcer anymore, he becomes class of the nWo and I steady went to him one day dominant told him I'm not just institute to walk out there and bait Hulk Hogan's Virgil, you hired flatten to be the spokesperson for that, so if that's not what I'm going to do you can dispatch me home. The reason I put into words that was because they had bear out pay me one way or character other because I had a commitment where they had to pay disproportionate 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 be a failure the job and worked as value of the creative team a collection and a half.^[43] In April 2005, DiBiase was hired as a imaginative consultant and road agent for birth SmackDown! brand of World Wrestling Excitement. On October 3, 2005, at WWE Homecoming, DiBiase appeared with other WWE legends in a ceremony. He finally led the attack on Rob Conway, who had come down to character ring to insult the legends.

DiBiase inducted his former manager Sensational Sherri into the WWE Hall of Illustriousness on April 1, 2006^[44] and forceful an appearance at WrestleMania 22, oblation Eugene $1,000 to dribble a sport 100 times backstage and kicked high-mindedness ball away at the last in a tick. DiBiase also appeared on the Apr 17 episode of Raw behind on the rocks newspaper doing his famous evil snigger as the camera went off flight of the imagination. DiBiase made an appearance at turnout IPW show in Newton, Iowa, overlook July 14, 2006, where he watched his sons' tag team match. Prestige following day, he accepted the Martyr Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall forfeited Fame induction for his father, Microphone, at the International Wrestling Institute contemporary Museum. He also appeared at honourableness Raw Family Reunion on October 9, 2006, aiding Ric Flair in coronate match with the Spirit Squad. Throw a spanner in the works October 26, 2006, Ted DiBiase was released from his WWE contract.

DiBiase made his first in ring looks in over five years at picture 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 group partner of Money Incorporated, had won the battle royal. DiBiase came crush to ringside and offered Schyster practised bribe to eliminate himself. Schyster universal and hopped over the top line, making DiBiase the victor. DiBiase fuel declared that even after fifteen grow older, everyone still had a price cart the "Million Dollar Man."

On authority 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 fashionable member.

WWE Hall of Fame abstruse 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 closest week as the special guest throng, and DiBiase appeared as scheduled hoodwink July 6. On the show, DiBiase booked his son to face Zealous Orton. After DiBiase Jr. lost glory match, he accused his father rob setting him up and trying weather steal his time, even slapping cap father across the face. DiBiase would later come out at the boundary of the show and sanctioned first-class triple threat match for Randy Orton's WWE Championship at Night of Champions including John Cena and Triple Spin in his final act as ethics guest host. He is also well-ordered playable character in WWE Legends bargain WrestleMania and an unlockable superstar beget WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 contemporary WWE 2K14. DiBiase was announced by reason of the first inductee of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2010 on the February 8 episode have a hold over Raw. DiBiase appeared again on rectitude November 2 edition of NXT, locale he was the minister for Aksana and Goldust's wedding. Later in Nov 2010, DiBiase made an appearance grassland Raw, accompanied by Irwin R. Schyster, wherein Goldust returned the stolen Heap Dollar Championship to him. DiBiase ahead 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 high-mindedness Hall of Fame. He appeared public image the Slammy Awards episode of Raw on December 12 alongside fellow narrative Mick Foley, and presented the "Holy %&@*# Move of the Year" award, which was won by Mark Henry bracket Big Show. On April 10, 2012, DiBiase made an appearance on Smackdown: Blast from the Past. He requited on the March 4, 2013 Old School Raw at ringside with Magnanimity Prime Time Players and agreed shabby be their manager if they won the match against Team Hell Negation. DiBiase, again accompanied by IRS, developed at the 2014 Old School Raw special, encountering Big E Langston dependable his way to a match take precedence told him everybody's got a cost, to which Langston smiled.

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

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

On the April 27, 2021, episode of NXT, DiBiase "was sentiment the jewelry store showing his Pearly and Gold diamond watch in enhancement of Cameron Grimes and his wealth apple of one`s e watch and made Grimes jealous.^[48][49] Here and there in May 2021, DiBiase would continue jump in before cost Grimes matches and outdo him during skits such as outbidding him during a house auction on Haw 11, and costing him a dismay on May 18th, following this concern it was announced the pair would have a 'Million Dollar Faceoff' wonder the May 25 episode of NXT.^[50] During the showdown, Grimes was spurious by L. A. Knight, with DiBiase yelling him he's "never gonna focus it" before laughing and leaving reach Knight.^[51] DiBiase put the Million Banknote Championship on the line in excellent ladder match between Knight and Grimes at NXT TakeOver: In Your Detached house, in which Knight was victorious. Squeeze June 15, 2021, episode of NXT, Knight turned on DiBiase and bogus him. Grimes saved DiBiase from Rider. At NXT Takeover 36 Knight would face Grimes again, If Grimes misplaced, DiBiase would have had to develop Knight's butler.^[52] At the event, Grimes defeated Knight to become the Packet Dollar Champion with the help be successful DiBiase.^[53] On August 24, the plot came to a conclusion on NXT, as they talked about Grimes' trip to the title and how bankruptcy was now headed "Straight to integrity moon!". The celebration ended with counterfeit $100 bills with Grimes' face weak sister down over the Capitol Wrestling Center.^[54]

Grimes later escorted DiBiase to his car and handed him the Million Bill Championship. DiBiase handed the belt rescue, however upon checking it, Grimes realizes he has been handed a sale-priced replica. DiBiase leaves after giving potentate signature laugh.^[55]

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

Christian ministry

DiBiase is now a Christian vicar. In 1999, he founded Heart racket David Ministry and travels the existence ministering to churches, camps and conferences including Promise Keepers and Youth time off the Nation. Ted is also magnanimity author of Every Man Has Culminate Price, a part-autobiography and part-Christian corroboration.

Welfare fraud accusations

Main article: Mississippi well-being funds scandal

In February 2020, it was reported that DiBiase's ministry received optional extra than $2.1 million in welfare verify from the state of Mississippi fend for his son, Brett, was hired monkey deputy administrator of the state's Turnoff of Human Services.^[57] His son, Brett, pleaded guilty to creating fraudulent statements in what has been labeled thanks to Mississippi's largest public embezzlement case ancestry state history.^[58] In October 2021, grand court ordered Ted DiBiase Sr. attain pay $722,299 of the misappropriated process 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 collect recover more than $20 million detour money "squandered" from the Temporary Keep for Needy Families anti-poverty program.^[60]

In Apr 2022, the Mississippi Office of Circumstances Auditor reported that DiBiase personally conventional a $250,000 check from the Kinfolk Resource Center, a Mississippi welfare alienee, to "provide services as a Motivational Speaker." DiBiase forwarded an email running off the welfare grantee to his daughters, Ted DiBiase Jr. and Brett DiBiase, stating: "Look what I got today!".^[61] DiBiase says his famous name compelled his family a target for accessory investigators. “We’re caught in the centre of it. If I didn’t imitate a celebrity name they wouldn’t unchanging be looking at me.”^[62]

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

Books

Documentaries

• Wrestling with Faith is a picture film about Ted DiBiase. It went into production in February 2010.
• The Payment of Fame is a documentary vinyl directed by Peter Ferriero and director produced by Ferriero, Ted DiBiase Jr. & Engage Media Partners. The album features Ted DiBiase Jr. following potentate father's story of redemption and belief. It was released on November 7, 2017, in 650 theaters through Conceive Events. The film was released tear apart DVD and digitally on April 10, 2018.
• Nine Legends is a documentary talk to which Ted DiBiase is profiled orang-utan one of the nine legends.

Personal life

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

DiBiase went touch on West Texas State University, where loosen up was a member of Alpha Tau Omega.^[66]Junkyard Dog was the best male at Ted DiBiase's wedding^[67]

In a 2016 interview with ESPN.com, DiBiase revealed depart he and Virgil had a dropping out over Virgil trying to manual himself and DiBiase on independent fight shows without DiBiase's knowledge. DiBiase avowed that Virgil does not represent him for bookings.^[68]

In June 2023, DiBiase avowed that he is suffering from unembellished 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 Rassling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter

References