One of the most controversial personalities to have been a part of WWE is undoubtedly The Million Dollar Man, Ted DiBiase.
After an earlier stint in WWE in 1979, DiBiase re-entered the organization in 1987 as the flamboyant “Million Dollar Man,” and proclaimed that everybody had a price for him. It did not matter who, what, where or why, as DiBiase always got his way.
In February 1988, DiBiase “won” the WWE Championship from Hulk Hogan. In actuality, however, Andre the Giant defeated Hogan, then announced he was surrendering the title to DiBiase. WWE officials refused to recognize this deceitful deposit, declared the title vacant and held a tournament at WrestleMania IV. There, DiBiase advanced all way to the final round, only to come up short in the tourney finals against “Macho Man” Randy Savage.
DiBiase’s WWE career also included creating his own diamond-encrusted title, naming it the Million Dollar Championship to fortify his claim. In 1992, he formed a tag team with Irwin R. Schyster, calling themselves “Money, Inc.,” and in 1994 established the Million Dollar Corporation. Later in 1995, DiBiase unveiled a protégé called The Ringmaster, who eventually became “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
The Million Dollar Man always enjoyed life to the fullest, and is still instantly recognizable as one of the most unique individuals ever to have entered the WWE Universe. And for those who refuse to buy into his in-ring contributions, just remember: “Everybody’s got a price!”