Ironically, he actually inverted this earlier in his career. While competing for "Cowboy" Bill Watts' Universal Wrestling Federation in 1986, DiBiase competed in, and was eliminated from, the UWF World Heavyweight Title Tournament on May 30. (DiBiase d. Blade Runner Rock in the First Round and Terry Gordy d. him in a Quarter-Final Match.) DiBiase's former manager, Gen. Skandor Akbar of Devastation Inc., offered him $25,000 to interfere and cost his friend "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan his semi-final match against Akbar's charge Kamala the Ugandan Giant. DiBiase said, "Make it $50,000." Akbar agreed, DiBiase put on his infamous black glove, and nailed KAMALA, giving Duggan the win and sending him into the finals against Gordy. (Duggan lost, but that's another story.)
Author Avatar: Ted DiBiase's Million Dollar Man character was based on the type of wrestler WWE boss Vince Mc Mahon wanted to be, so he arguably could be considered this. This was years before Vince himself would turn heel following the Montreal Screwjob and become the Big Bad we know today.
Finishing Move: The Million Dollar Dream submission hold.
He also used the Cobra Clutch combined with a Russian Legsweep, a top rope backwards elbow drop, and a Spinning Toe Hold at different phases of his career.
The Fundamentalist: Sort of. After he retired, he became a minister and frequently worked with Nikita Koloff on combined Christian/wrestling events.
Heel: Probably one of the best-known characters of this archetype.
It Runs in the Family: His father was also a wrestler, and his son, is also a wrestler.
All three sons, actually (Ted Jr., Brett and Mike II).
Pet the Dog: The boy was later invited backstage, however, where he was given the $500 and got to meet the wrestlers.
Funnily, his kicking of Cody Rhodes got him a face pop.
Laser-Guided Karma: He bought the #30 spot in the Royal Rumble from Akeem in order to have the best chance at winning. Along with that, he tried to buy off Big John Studd so he could win the whole thing. Studd didn't bite, making the Million Dollar Man the last man eliminated. In the subsequent Rumble matches he participated in, DiBiase drew #1 in 1991, #2 in 1992, and #3 in 1993.
Power Trio: (in "Cowboy" Bill Watts' Mid-South/UWF): The Rat Pack, with "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan and "Dr. Death" Steve Williams
Real Life Writes the Plot: Inverted, in that The Gimmick Writes Real Life: when Ted started working as the Million Dollar Man, the WWF needed him to play the role to the hilt to protect kayfabe, so it gave him a bankroll many guys probably would have killed to have just so he could do things like travel by private jet, ride around in limos, and stay in high-class hotels.
Averted in 1988. DiBiase paid Andre The Giant to win the WWF Championship from Hulk Hogan for him, and detained referee Dave Hebner backstage while Dave's Evil Twin brother Earl impersonated him to help Andre win the title; Andre tried to surrender the belt to DiBiase, but the WWF refused to acknowledge Ted as the champion, and the title was declared vacant. (Andre's brief reign is still the shortest recognized WWE Championship reign in history.)
Sharp Dressed Man: His entrance attire was a tux, for crying out loud!
Start My Own: Since Ted literally couldn't buy a WWF Championship reign, he went out and had the "Million Dollar Championship" - a custom belt made of gold and diamonds - created just to prove he was the best.
What Could Have Been: DiBiase was actually scheduled to win the tournament and the title at Wrestlemania IV. During the buildup to the show, Randy Savage was scheduled to win the Intercontinental Title from The Honky Tonk Man, but Honky pulled a power play threatening to leave WWE as champion. WWE caved to Honky's demands and gave Savage the world title at Wrestlemania as one hell of a consolation prize. DiBiase never did become a world champion.
He was actually billed as WWF champion at a couple of house shows after Andre "sold" the WWF Championship to him. He even defended the belt against Bam Bam Bigelow. For whatever reason, this was scrapped, and the title was announced as vacant.
Wrestling Family: Ted's mother Helen Nevins-Di Biase was a wrestler (as Helen Hilde), as was his adoptive father "Iron" Mike [DiBiase], and his sons Mike, Ted Jr. and Brett have all become wrestlers, with Ted Jr. currently being signed to WWE.
Some might cost a little Some might cost a lot But I'm the Million Dollar Man And you will be bought! DYAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
with Irwin R. Schyster (Mike Rotunda) as Money Inc, a 1x WWF North American Heavyweight Champion
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