Few gimmicks in professional wrestling are truly timeless, but “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase is one that will remain near the top for many years to come.
The story goes that it was Vince McMahon’s fictionalized version of himself long before the Mr. McMahon character was born, and when he saw Ted DiBiase he knew he was perfect for it.
DiBiase returned to the WWE in 1987 and he enjoyed a stint like few others.
At the time, kayfabe was a serious thing to he traveled everywhere in first class and it reportedly upset other wrestlers who had to fly coach or didn’t have everything paid for by Vince and the WWE.
But it paid off as he’s one of the most memorable, hated, and loved heels of all time.
Life as the Million Dollar Man
Dibiase did an interview for Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard section where he discussed the beginning of his memorable character.
Special thanks to Fightful Select for the transcript.
“I fly back, and Vince called me. He said, ‘I want to fly you up here to discuss an idea.’ So I went to New York, and he told me everything except for what it was. He said, ‘Ted, you grew up in this business. Everything has been re-done and repackaged, and it’s very seldom that something is fresh and new and different. This is it, and you’re the guy for the job. I can’t tell you what it is, but you’re going to have to trust me.’ I needed to talk it over with my wife, so I called Terry Funk, who was one of my best friends and a mentor to me, and he said, ‘Teddy, if Vince McMahon has an idea that is tailor-made for you, you pack your bags and don’t look back.’
“I called Vince and told him I was his guy, but he wouldn’t tell me his idea over the phone. He flew my wife and I first class to New York, and he laid out the whole idea behind the ‘Million Dollar Man.’ He said that the one thing everybody hates is the man who, by virtue of his wealth, thinks he can buy anyone or anything. Then Vince said, ‘In order to make the public believe you’re really rich, we’re going to fly you first class, you’ll have limousine service every day, and every time the public sees you, they’ll see the appearance of wealth. He even went so far to give me ‘lash cash.’ I’d pick my spots and go into a restaurant, announce myself, and tell everyone it was their lucky day because the ‘Million Dollar Man’ had arrived. Virgil would pick up everyone’s check, I’d slap down the hundred bills, and the WWE office would replenish me after I gave them the receipt.”
In a world where seeing is believing, this was the ultimate gimmick and DiBiase played it to the hilt. If’s easy to see why other wrestlers would’ve taken offense to this if the reports are true, but in the end it was worth it for the entertainment value and memories.
Were you a fan of The Million Dollar Man? Let us know in the comments below.
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