Everybody's got a price Everybody's gonna pay Cuz the Million Dollar Man Always gets his way! DYAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
"The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase was one of the premier Heels in the "federation years" of the WWE. Now retired, he was inducted into WWE's Hall of Fame in 2010, and has since been keeping a watchful eye over his son Ted DiBiase Jr. in his WWE run.As usual, That Other Wiki has a more detailed run-down of his career.
Author Avatar: Ted DiBiase's Million Dollar Man character was based on the type of wrestler WWE boss Vince McMahon 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.
Catch Phrase: "Everybody's got a price for the Million Dollar Man!"
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 every subsequent Rumble match he participated in, DiBiase drew #1 in 1991, #2 in 1992, and #3 in 1993.
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 1987. DiBiase paid André the Giant to win the WWF Championship from Hulk Hogan for him, and detained referee Dave Hebner backstage while his brother Earl helped 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.
Wrestling Family: Ted's mother Helen Nevins was a wrestler, 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 the WWE.
Some might cost a little Some might cost a lot But I'm the Million Dollar Man And you will be bought! DYAHAHAHAHAHAHA!