Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase Named to the WWE Hall of Fame
Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s everyone had a price. Now the man that had all the money is going to be in the WWE Hall of Fame. Ted DiBiase started wrestling in 1975 in Mid-South Wrestling and various stints in the WWE. He was trained by Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk. He didn’t make his name until 1987 when he came back to WWE as the Million Dollar Man. The Million Dollar Man was all about the money, and would brag to the fans and other wrestlers about how much money in he had. His first feud was with Hulk Hogan but he always came up short and couldn’t win the WWE title. He bought the services of Andre the Giant to beat the Hulkster. Andre beat Hulk with a paid off referee and then handed the title over to Ted DiBiase. President Jack Tunney stripped him of the title.
After DiBiase lost in the finals of Wrestlemania 4 for the WWE title, he created his own title called the Million Dollar Championship. It wasn’t a regulated WWE title so he didn’t have to defend it if he didn’t want to. The other reason he was such a good heel was because of his mistreatment of his bodyguard Virgil. After 4 years of taking abuse from DiBiase Virgil eventually became fed up with DiBiase. Ted also had notable feuds with Roddy Piper, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Dusty Rhodes and Randy Savage. Ted also formed Money Inc. with I.R.S. and won the WWE tag team championship.
Unfortunately, his career was cut short because of a severe neck and back injury. His last match was against Razor Ramon at Summerslam 1993. He then went on to become a commentator and a manager forming the Million Dollar Corporation. When Stone Cold Steve Austin first came to the WWE as “The Ringmaster” DiBiase was his manager. In 1996 Ted left WWE and headed to WCW. He was with n.W.o. and the Steiners until he retired from wrestling in 1998.
Ted often appears on WWE television but is dedicated to his church and ministry. He has helped other wrestlers like Shawn Michaels and Sting become born again christians. For me as a wrestling fan and a christian I totally love that about Ted. He’s passionate about his faith and helping people. Ted’s legacy will live on through his sons Ted Jr. Mike and Brett. Congratulations to “The Million Dollar Man”, Ted DiBiase for being named to the WWE Hall of Fame.
