The celebrated grappler, Theodore “Ted” DiBiase, Jr., has unfortunately passed away, as disclosed by World Wrestling Entertainment. The esteemed performer reached the age of seventy-one.
DiBiase is survived by his present spouse, Candice Michelle, in addition to his children, Brittany and Michael. Previously, DiBiase was married to Eve Torres and Maryse Ouellet.
Details regarding DiBiase’s demise were first reported by a popular entertainment outlet. According to official statements from local emergency services, a call was placed concerning a possible medical emergency at DiBiase’s primary residence. Upon arrival, first responders provided immediate care before transporting him to a nearby medical facility, where, regrettably, he was later declared deceased.
DiBiase’s journey into professional wrestling commenced in the latter part of the 1970s, although his significant breakthrough materialized in the mid-1980s. During this period, he collaborated with Vincent McMahon to transform what was then a regional wrestling promotion into a globally recognized entity, ultimately evolving into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.
Throughout his initial tenure with McMahon’s organization, DiBiase’s widespread appeal soared, solidifying his position as the most prominent and universally recognized wrestler of the era. The wrestler’s entrance theme, his trademark attire, along with his memorable catchphrase, “Everyone has a price!” and his identification of supporters as “The Million Dollar Team” greatly enhanced his status as a prominent villain in the sport. Despite the relative predictability of his matches, which often involved displays of wealth and power, DiBiase consistently attracted substantial crowds.
One of DiBiase’s most notable matches occurred in 1988, when he competed against Randy Savage at WrestleMania IV for the vacant WWF Championship. Although DiBiase had previously engaged in numerous high-profile contests, this particular showdown at the Atlantic City Convention Hall garnered unprecedented levels of anticipation and significance.
In an interview featured in a documentary, DiBiase recounted the events leading up to the event. He expressed uncertainty about Savage’s adherence to the planned match outcome, which entailed DiBiase’s loss and the continuation of Savage’s storyline. Savage’s eventual victory and subsequent title reign proved pivotal in the annals of professional wrestling.
DiBiase’s continued presence near the pinnacle of professional wrestling lasted until the mid-1990s, after which he transitioned to a competing organization. Seeking to expand his reach and elevate his brand, the owner enlisted DiBiase along with other significant personalities. However, DiBiase’s initial seasons in the organization were not particularly memorable until he experienced a career resurgence.
Ted DiBiase, Jr. appeared at the first “WWE Raw” on Netflix at the Intuit Dome on Jan. 6. (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)
(WWE via Getty Images)
Formerly a favored face in professional wrestling, DiBiase again transcended the realm of the sport in 1996 when he adopted a villainous persona after a long tenure as a hero. The faction that he joined quickly became a prominent storyline, boosting the competitor organization’s ratings. For nearly eighteen months, the competitor organization surpassed McMahon’s organization in television ratings.
When McMahon acquired the competing organization and DiBiase returned in 2002, he appeared as a villainous character and captivated audiences at WrestleMania 18, competing against Dwayne Johnson in a memorable match. DiBiase departed in 2003 and wrestled in various organizations over the next decade.
DiBiase made occasional appearances at significant events such as WrestleMania and anniversary shows.
A prominent figure in professional wrestling, DiBiase leveraged his fame to enter Hollywood. His initial non-wrestling role was in 1982’s “Rocky III,” where he played a wrestler that Sylvester Stallone’s character fought. DiBiase’s notable roles included the 1993 film “Mr. Nanny” and the 1994 television series “Thunder in Paradise.” DiBiase and his family also appeared in a reality television series in the 2000s.
Numerous controversies surrounded DiBiase over the years. In 1985, DiBiase was involved in an incident with an actor after placing him in a chokehold. The actor lost consciousness, sustained a head injury, and sued DiBiase. Subsequently, DiBiase testified in the federal steroid trafficking trial against McMahon.
Notably, a video involving DiBiase was published online in 2012. DiBiase initiated legal action, ultimately reaching a settlement. In July 2015, footage from the same video was leaked, where DiBiase was filmed making inappropriate remarks. This incident led to the severance of ties with WWE for several years before an eventual reconciliation. One of DiBiase’s appearances in January was met with some negative reactions.
Recently, DiBiase diversified his activities, opening a memorabilia shop and launching a beer company. He was also in the process of starting a wrestling company alongside a former colleague.
The wrestling company issued a statement following the announcement of DiBiase’s death:
“We lost our leader. We lost a friend. And the world of wrestling lost one of its greatest champions, not only in the ring, but also in character,” stated Chad Bronstein, CEO and co-founder.
“Ted DiBiase, Jr. believed wrestling was more than just a form of entertainment. He viewed it as a fellowship, a training ground, and a means to achieve greatness. That’s what the wrestling organization was designed to be: a platform for talented athletes. And DiBiase was integral to it.
From the beginning, he fully supported this league. He engaged with athletes, evaluated footage, and shared his experiences. The league held personal significance for him, exceeding the importance of any individual involved.
This organization is part of his lasting impact, and we intend to uphold it.”
DiBiase was active in the 2024 presidential election, delivering a speech at the Republican National Convention in August and introducing the former President on the final night. The former President expressed his feelings, indicating they lost a valued colleague.
Despite certain criticisms about his wrestling approach and his past behavior, DiBiase was always a prominent personality in his field. During his career in professional wrestling, DiBiase achieved several victories and was inducted into various Halls of Fame.
