Ted DiBiase Sr. is known in wrestling as the ‘Million Dollar Man’ but the WWE Hall of Famer wasn’t thrilled with his pay in Royal Rumble matches.
On a recent edition of his “Everybody’s Got A Pod” podcast, DiBiase Sr. was asked if he got paid less for appearances in the Royal Rumble match. He said,
“Well, yeah. I mean, because you’re gonna — everybody gets paid for the Rumble. And everybody that is in the Rumble and also has match, they should get a little more. Yeah [there are a lot of rest moments], but the other aspect of that is, who the last guys in the ring. You know, that means a lot.”
DiBiase Sr. was the runner-up in the second-ever Royal Rumble in 1989. The following year he was the #1 entrant and lasted close to 45 minutes in the match.
Ted DiBiase Sr., also known as the ‘Million Dollar Man’, recently revealed his dissatisfaction with the pay he received for his appearances in Royal Rumble matches. The WWE Hall of Famer discussed this issue on his podcast, “Everybody’s Got A Pod.”
When asked if he received lower pay for participating in the Royal Rumble match, DiBiase Sr. confirmed that this was indeed the case. He explained that while everyone gets paid for their involvement in the Rumble, those who also have a separate match on the card should receive a higher payment. He acknowledged that there are often moments of rest during the Rumble, but he emphasized the importance of being one of the last competitors remaining in the ring.
In 1989, Ted DiBiase Sr. achieved the runner-up position in the second-ever Royal Rumble. The following year, he entered the match as the first participant and managed to last nearly 45 minutes. These impressive performances highlight his skill and endurance in the ring.
The Royal Rumble is an annual WWE event that features a unique format. Thirty wrestlers enter the ring at timed intervals, and the objective is to eliminate opponents by throwing them over the top rope. The last wrestler remaining in the ring is declared the winner and earns a championship opportunity at WrestleMania, WWE’s biggest event of the year.
While the Royal Rumble is highly anticipated by fans and wrestlers alike, it seems that the pay structure for this particular match may not have always been satisfactory for some participants. DiBiase Sr.’s comments shed light on the financial aspect of wrestling and how compensation can vary depending on factors such as match length and overall performance.
It is worth noting that WWE has made efforts in recent years to improve pay and working conditions for its wrestlers. The company has implemented changes such as increasing base salaries, providing healthcare benefits, and offering more opportunities for talent to earn additional income through merchandise sales and appearances.
The revelation by Ted DiBiase Sr. serves as a reminder that even legendary wrestlers may face challenges when it comes to fair compensation. As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for promotions to prioritize the well-being and financial stability of their performers.
In conclusion, Ted DiBiase Sr.’s recent comments on his pay for Royal Rumble matches have sparked a discussion about the financial aspects of wrestling. While the Royal Rumble is a highly anticipated event, it appears that the pay structure for this match may not always meet the expectations of participants. This revelation highlights the ongoing need for fair compensation and improved working conditions in the wrestling industry.