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Dad Writes About Life In Squared Ring

Posted: Jun 19th 2008 By: CMBurnham

At first glance, there would appear to be a huge dichotomy between the diverse worlds of pro wrestling and religion.

After all, figure-four leglocks and piledrivers don't seem to be in harmony with Bibly study and prayer.

Right? Wrong, says Ted DiBiase.

The longtime Clinto resident is qualified to speak on both subjects. He's a former World Wrestling Entertainment superstar-turned-minister.

"As Christians, we are directed by God to influence the lost," he says. "and you can't do it by sitting in a church. You have to go out where the people are."

Known as the Million Dollar Man, the 6' 3" DiBiase toiled in the ring for almost 20 years and became a household name as a performer and manager.

Despite his fame, says a friend, DiBiase remains genuine.

"Some people of his stature might expect special treatment," said Ken Anderson, pastor of Parkway Baptist Church. "Not Ted. You'd never know he was somebody famous when you meet him."

DiBiase literally cut his teeth on a ring post.

Mom Hilda was a wrestler, as was stepfather "Iron" Mike DiBiase, who dies of a heart attack on the mat when Ted was 15.

He's appeared in a movie, been interviewed on live television by Larry King and has even been mentioned in a rap song.

Even though he is retired from the ring, his million dollar character is alive in video games and videos, including all three WWE Legends of Wrestling.

The Omaha native has written his second book, Ted DiBIase, The Million Dollar Man. Published by Simon & Schuster, the book is now available at most retail bookstores.

"The book is my story. I wrote Every Man Has A Price in 1997 about my Christian faith, but I focus more on my wrestling career in this one," said DiBiase. "It's a behind-the-scenes look at pro wrestling and gives people a glimpse into the sport and the people in the industry."

DiBiase pulls no punches in the book. He says the nature of the wrestling industry and the temptations on the road almost ended his marriage.

Traveling the pro circuit in the early stages of his career, DiBiase said, he began doing things he wasn't proud of.

"You go out with the guys on the road and you have a beer. Then it turns into two beers and then a six-pack," he said.

"You wake up with a hangover, you start missing church and pretty soon, you're not going," he said in a past interview.

Wife Melanie, who grew up in Atlanta, credits her friends in Clinton for embracing her family in good times and bad.

"I can't express enough my gratitude to the people of Clinton for always being there for us," she said.

"When I met Ted, I knew nothing about the business of wrestling and how hard it is on family life. If not for my extended family in this town, I don't know if I would have made it."

WWE Monday Night Raw announcer Jim Ross, who's known DiBiase since their days with Mid-South Wrestling, says the story contains valuable life lessons for young and old alike.

"Ted holds nothing back in this book, and he's upfront and honest about his life in the fast lane," said Ross. "He did a great job, and it is a body of work every member of the family will enjoy."

DiBiase said his focus now is on his Heart of David Ministry, which he named for the Biblical David.

"Heart of David refers to David's cry for help in the 40th Psalm", he said.

"David was totally committed to God, but he had his shortcomings. It is a reflection of my personal experience with God."

"Ours is a ministry that is both evangelical and encouraging, and our mission is to be wherever and whenever God leads me to be," he said. "I want to utilise my noteriety (as a wrestler) and the spirit of influence that He has given me to be the doer of the word."

DiBiase has made three mission trips to China and plans to go to Africa this year. He also visits prisons to witness to inmates.

"Prisoners are big wrestling fans" he said.

Clintonian Mike Jefcoat has known DiBiase for 13 years and says the former wrestler is passionate about his faith.

"Ted was dedicated to the wrestling business for so many years, " said Jefcoat. "But he is even more dedicated to the cause of Christ. Before I met him, I knew he was a wrestling icon and lived in Clinton."

"Now that I've had the pleasure of knowing him, I'm amazed at what God has done in his life. It's inspirational."

Anderson agrees.

"Ted is a very effective evangelist," he said. "People ask him back to speak to groups again and again. To me, that's the greatest compliment a public speaker could have."