On a recent edition of his “Everybody’s Got a Pod” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase Sr. explained why he has no interest in being a manager in WWE again.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On whether he would do more with WWE on television as a manager: “You know what, I loved wrestling. I love wrestling passionately, it’s been a part of my whole life. But everything has a beginning, and everything does have an end, and I just turned 70 this past January. And I’ve got — hopefully, and I’m having to kick myself in the butt sometimes to get up and go to the gym, and keep moving. But I’m going to keep doing that, and I hope I have several more years. But I’m just — I had my run. I’m happy with what I had. And I’m… ready to move on, yeah.”
On getting physical in the LA Knight vs. Cameron Grimes feud: “You know, the one time I went back — people bash me, because I went back and I did that thing with Cameron Grimes and LA Knight for NXT. And I remember when we got in there, they said, ‘Okay Mr. Dibiase, when we do this thing, we’ll do a deal. And it’s like, ‘So when he hits you, there’d be a couple of guys behind you, kind of catch you and let you down easy.’ And I said, ‘Oh, no you won’t.’ I said, ‘I’m gonna do it just like I’ve always done it, and hopefully some of you punks will be watching and learn how to do it right.’ [laughs] I didn’t say punks.”
On taking a bump for the feud: “I hit it hard… It’d been a while [since the last time he took a bump]. But you can be sure that I tested the rink before I ever took the bump. In other words, I stood in the middle of that ring. If you — good wrestling ring, if you stand in the middle of the ring, it’s got a little bit of bounce to it. Not a lot, but a little bit. Enough to make the difference. And that little bit of difference is the difference between that little bit of difference and hitting the hardwood or hard concrete floor.”
On old WWE rings being stiff: “That’s why I always took my bumps in the corners. It was softed. Dead center the ring, it was like, no give. A little more give in the corners.”
WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase Sr. recently discussed his disinterest in returning as a manager in WWE on his podcast, “Everybody’s Got a Pod.” The legendary wrestler, who turned 70 in January, explained that while he still has a passion for wrestling, he believes that everything has a beginning and an end. DiBiase expressed contentment with his wrestling career and stated that he is ready to move on.
During the podcast, DiBiase also shared his experience of getting physical in the feud between LA Knight and Cameron Grimes on NXT. When the production team suggested that there would be people to catch him and ensure a safe landing when he was hit, DiBiase insisted on doing it the way he always had. He wanted to show the younger wrestlers how it should be done correctly. Despite some criticism, DiBiase took the bump and hit it hard, emphasizing the importance of testing the ring beforehand to ensure a safe landing.
DiBiase also revealed an interesting detail about old WWE rings. He explained that the corners of the ring were softer compared to the center, which had little to no give. This is why he always took his bumps in the corners, as it provided a bit more cushioning and reduced the impact on his body.
Throughout his career, Ted DiBiase Sr. made a significant impact on the wrestling industry. Known as “The Million Dollar Man,” he was one of the most memorable characters in WWE history. DiBiase’s wealth-obsessed persona and his signature laugh captivated audiences worldwide. He held multiple championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010.
While fans may have hoped to see DiBiase return as a manager in WWE, it seems that he has made peace with his decision to move on from the industry. As he continues to prioritize his health and fitness, DiBiase looks forward to enjoying the next chapter of his life. His contributions to professional wrestling will always be remembered, and his legacy as “The Million Dollar Man” will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers.