Theodore Marvin Dibiase, better known as Ted DiBiase or The Million-Dollar Man (born on January 18, 1954 in Omaha, Nebraska) is an American professional wrestler and Christian minister.

Profile

• Height: 6'3" (190.5 cm)
• Weight: 250lbs (113.4 kg)
• Birthday: January 18, 1954
• Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
• Trained By: Dory Funk Junior and Terry Funk
• Professional Debut: 1974
• Previous Manager(s): Virgil, Sapphire, Sherri Martel
• Quotes: "Everybody has a price (evil laughter)."
• Finishing/Signature Move(s): Million Dollar Dream, Sleeper Hold, Flying Back Elbow Drop, Million Dollar Buster, Fist Drop

Career

There is no doubt that DiBiase, although never winning any major singles titles in the WWF, had one of the most illustrious careers in professional wrestling. His stepfather, "Iron" Mike DiBiase, was also a wrestler, who died of a heart attack when Ted was only 15. His mother fell into a depression, and DiBiase lived with his grandparents. He was trained by Dory Funk, Jr. and stepped into the squared circle for the first time in his junior year. Shortly after he was married in 1981, the World Wrestling Federation noticed him and took him in.

In the WWF, DiBiase became the "Million Dollar Man," a wealthy millionaire gimmick which included the wearing of a gold studded suit and a custom 'Million Dollar Belt' around his waist when entering the ring. He claimed "everybody has a price" and made it his goal to acquire the WWF Championship by buying it if he must. He frequently traveled around in limousines and gave $100 tips to waiters in restaurants. He also invited fans into the ring to perform humiliating acts (such as kissing his feet) for money. He acquired a bodyguard, Virgil, who eventually tired of DiBiase's abuse and broke away shortly after WrestleMania VI. The gimmick was so successful, it was later copied by Tiger Ali Singh and former WWE Champion John "Bradshaw" Layfield in separate angles.

He became a tremendous enemy of fan-favorite champions from day one and became one of the most hated wrestlers by fans. Before WrestleMania IV, André the Giant defeated Hulk Hogan in a very questionable decision for the WWF Championship; Andre then turned and submitted the belt to DiBiase. The WWF refused to acknowledge DiBiase as the champion (since the title cannot be bought or surrendered) and declared the title vacant. DiBiase was runner up in the tournament held at WrestleMania IV to fill the vacancy, defeated by "Macho Man" Randy Savage.

In later years, DiBiase formed a very successful tag team, "Money Incorporated," with Mike Rotunda, who wrestled as "Irwin R. Schyster" or "I.R.S." The duo were three-time WWF Tag Team Champions. He later "purchased" the services of many wrestlers for his "Million Dollar Corporation" stable, which over time included himself, I.R.S., Bam Bam Bigelow, Tatanka, Nikolai Volkoff, Kama, King Kong Bundy, Sycho Sid, and "The Ringmaster" (later Stone Cold) Steve Austin.

DiBiase wrestled until 1994 when a back injury forced him to leave active participation in the ring for good, but he remained on as a manager in both the WWF and WCW. DiBiase is arguably one of the best mic workers in the business, especially in his prime when few wrestlers had that kind of talent and charisma. DiBiase is now a Christian minister who runs combined religion/wrestling events.

In April, 2005, DiBiase was hired as a creative consultant and road agent for the SmackDown! brand of World Wrestling Entertainment.

External links

• DiBiase's official website
• Official website for DiBiase's ministry, Heart of David Ministries