Every so often a character comes along that we either love or love to hate, and This Day in Wrestling History on August 4, 1987 saw one of the greats as the Million Dollar Man debuted on Wrestling Challenge.
Ted DiBiase had been with the WWE previously, but this time, he came in and Vince McMahon had the perfect gimmick for him that’s been rumored to be based on Vince himself.
The idea
All ideas start somewhere and sometimes need a boost, and The Million Dollar Man was no different.
Special thanks to @awrestlinghistorian for the excerpt.
“I signed a two-year continuing contract. Every two years the contract would roll over unless I decided to opt out by giving written notice within ninety days of its expiration. Vince then laid out his entire idea and described the new character.
“’Ted, this character is a filthy-rich heel and we are going to make people believe that you are really rich. He is so rich that he throws his money around like it is nothing. He can buy anyone and anything. His god is money and he will live by the motto ‘Every man has his price.’
“I started smiling like a Cheshire cat.
“’Ted, you will travel all over the country first-class. There will be a limousine to take you to and from the hotel, the show, and anywhere else you want to go. I will always make sure you have a wad of hundreds on you and you will never have to worry about a penny. We’ll also find you your very own personal bodyguard and valet.’
“I couldn’t believe it. The character seemed too good to be true.
“’And Ted, you’re going to be the hottest and most hated heel in all of professional wrestling.’
“I agreed.
“’The only thing that I don’t have nailed down yet is the name.’
“Without hesitation I said, ‘I know what we should call him. How about the Million Dollar Man?’
“Vince and Pat simultaneously said, ‘That’s it ‘ and the Million Dollar Man was born.” – Ted DiBiase The Million Dollar Man book.
Everlasting legacy
On This Day in Wrestling History, DiBiase grabbed our attention and never let go as he became arguably the best heel we’ve ever seen.
In fact, I’m of the thinking he was on Ric Flair’s level but never got the championships to push him higher.
The fact he rose to prominence while Hulkamania was running wild is the main reason for that, in my opinion, and there may be no debate had he had a handful of world championships to his name.
Where does Ted DiBiase rank as heels for you? Let us know in the comments below.
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