Ted DiBiase is a retired American professional wrestler, manager, and color commentator best known for his time in the tournament. World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he portrayed the character of Million dollar man.
His persona as a rich, arrogant villain resonated with audiences, making him one of the most memorable characters in professional wrestling history.
DiBiase’s career spanned several decades, during which time he achieved significant success, including multiple championship titles and a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame. In addition to wrestling, he also participates in charity activities and works as a motivational speaker, sharing his life experiences and faith.
File
- Full name: Theodore Marvin DiBiase Sr.
- Nickname: Million Dollar Man
- Date of birth: January 18, 1954
- Age: 70 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Professional wrestler, manager, color commentator
- Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
- Parents: Helen Hild (mother), Ted DiBiase Sr. (father)
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Melanie Kennedy (married December 31, 1981)
- Children: Ted DiBiase Jr., Mike DiBiase
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Christianity
- Ethnicity: White
- Net worth: 2 million USD
Early life and education
Ted DiBiase was born on January 18, 1954 in Omaha, Nebraska, to Helen Hild and Ted DiBiase Sr., both of whom had ties to professional wrestling. Growing up in a family of wrestlers significantly influenced his career path. DiBiase moved frequently due to his father’s career before settling in Mississippi.
He attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he played football and developed his athletic skills. After high school, he pursued professional wrestling, training under Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk. DiBiase debuted as a referee in 1974 before switching to wrestling in 1975.
Personal life
Ted DiBiase married Melanie Kennedy on December 31, 1981. They have two children, Ted DiBiase Jr. and Mike DiBiase. Before Melanie, he was married to Jaynet Foreman from 1973 to 1980. Balancing his demanding career with family life posed challenges, but DiBiase has spoken highly of his dedication for both.
In recent years, he focused on his faith and family while participating in philanthropy. the Ted DiBiase Foundation Support children with serious illnesses and disabilities.
Career
Ted DiBiase began his professional wrestling career in the late 1970s with Central South Wrestling. He was recognized for his skills and charisma, eventually joining the WWF in 1979. Here, he introduced his iconic character, Million dollar manwhose wealth and arrogance have made him a charming villain.
DiBiase is famous for his catchphrase, “Every million dollar man has a price,” which represents the character’s belief that everything can be bought with money. He has won many championships, including:
- Three WWF Tag Team Championship
- the Million Dollar Championship
His feuds with iconic wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan enhanced his status and enriched WWF’s storylines in the late 1980s and 1990s.
After leaving the WWF in the mid-1990s, DiBiase joined World championship wrestling (WCW) as a manager and commentator before retiring from full-time wrestling. He then returned to WWE for their Legends program and made sporadic appearances.
prize
- WWE Hall of Fame Inductees (2010)
- Three-time WWF Tag Team Champion
- One-time million dollar champion
- King of the Ring (1988) winner
- NWA United National Champion (All Japan Professional Wrestling)
Net worth
Ted DiBiase’s estimated net worth is $2 million, earned through his wrestling career, commentator, and ventures related to his legacy.
Argumentative
Ted DiBiase has maintained a positive public image. However, his role about Million dollar man faced criticism for perpetuating negative stereotypes about wealth. There were also unverified rumors about financial difficulties in DiBiase’s family after his retirement.
Despite all the challenges, DiBiase remains focused on spreading faith-based values and supporting charitable causes through his foundation.
Social Media
- Instagram: @ted_dibiase
- Twitter: @TedDiBiase
Cinema
- wrestler (2008) – Myself
- WWE Hall of Fame (2010) – Myself
- Home of WWE legends (2014) – Myself
Book
- Ted DiBiase: Million Dollar Man (2015)
- Every man has his price: The true story of wrestling’s million dollar man (2021)
