Wrestlers often do not have the opportunity to retire on their own terms, as many face the inevitable decline brought on by age, the industry’s shifting priorities, or injuries.
Sadly, “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, who was a prominent figure in WWE during the late 1980s and early 1990s, belongs to the latter group, having had to retire in late 1993 due to a serious neck injury.
During an appearance on “Everybody’s Got a Pod,” DiBiase reflected on who he would have chosen as his final opponent if circumstances had allowed him to end his career on a high note.
“In an ideal scenario, two names come to mind,” DiBiase stated. “One is Jake Roberts, and the other is Bret Hart. Both of them, like me, grew up in the wrestling business.”
DiBiase’s rivalry with Roberts was particularly memorable, culminating in a match at WrestleMania VI in Toronto, which he won by countout. This match is famously remembered for Roberts’ promo about “wallowing in the muck of avarice,” often regarded as one of his best.
DiBiase also faced Hart multiple times, primarily during house shows, and had a famous encounter during the 1990 Survivor Series, which marked the debut of The Undertaker.
After some reflection, DiBiase introduced a third potential opponent to his list: “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. “Ric Flair was phenomenal in the ring, and that’s something you can’t take away from him,” DiBiase remarked.
His last traditional match occurred at SummerSlam 1993, where he lost to Razor Ramon. However, DiBiase also “purchased” a victory in a battle royal on “WWE Raw” in 2007 and briefly held the 24/7 Championship in 2019, winning and losing it during the July 22 episode of “Raw.”