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Wrestler Ted Dibiase shares story of redemption

Posted: Nov 18th 2015 By: Leonard Hayhurst

Even if Ted DiBiase didn't play a character motivated by wealth and ego, he believes the lifestyle of a professional wrestler still would have led him to the darkest time in his life.

Christianity guided him through tough times in his youth, but he said he abandoned his faith between the ages of 18 and 38. He said it was only at his darkest moment that a light shined he had almost forgotten existed. He shares his story in hopes of helping others to find that same light. DiBiase, 61, will be speaking at three separate events this weekend in Zanesville in connection with Rolling Plains United Methodist Church.

One of the top bad guys of the late 1980s for the World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment), DiBiase was known for his maniacal laugh, a flashy tear-away suit bedecked in dollars signs, burly bodyguard Virgil, a custom made title belt around his waist and a wad of bills in hand. Performing almost daily in front of thousands of fans in the largest arenas in the country filled DiBiase with arrogance and a desire for material possessions, he said. When the crowds left, he found himself in a lonely hotel room hundreds of miles away from his wife and children. So, he'd go to the hotel bar and have a drink, then one more and maybe one after that. Maybe a pretty woman would come up who recognized him from television. Without hesitation, DiBiase confesses to committing adultery.

DiBiase admits to not following the current wrestling product. He likens it to someone who was a surgeon for 30 years not wanting to sit around and watch "Dr. Oz" all day. However, if he had a chance to go back and relive his wrestling glory, the good and bad, he would. He admits it was an amazing ride and has given him the ability to reach those who God might have a hard time getting a voice to otherwise.

"We've all got a sphere of influence and God expects us to use it," DiBiase said. "A lot of pastors have said to me when I come to speak at their churches they get a lot of people who would never duck in the door."

The Bible is filled with great stories of people who lived thousands of years ago and overcame diversity in their lives. A pastor can relate that to his parishioners, but it's something else when you're telling a personal story to people they might be able to more easily relate to, DiBiase said.

"It's different when you get up and speak to people from your heart and you don't tell them a story from 2,000 years ago. You tell them a story about right now," he said.

DiBiase is especially looking forward to a men's breakfast Saturday morning at Rolling Plains. He challenges any Christian man planning to come to bring someone they feel needs saving.

"I believe that genuine manhood is synonymous with Christ's likeness. The more your character falls in line with Jesus Christ, the bigger man you're going to be," he said. "It has nothing to do with the size of your biceps or your bank account."

His character, the Million Dollar Man, would disagree with these sentiments.

"He's the composite opposite of everything God would have you to be," DiBiase said of his villainous persona.

As a father of three sons, DiBiase has had those moments where he's told one of his boys if he thinks he knows better than Dad then go ahead and do something. DiBiase feels God is the same way, it certainly worked out that way with him.

DiBiase's father, "Iron" Mike DiBiase, suffered a heart attack and died during a wrestling match when Ted was 15. This led his mother to alcoholism, he said. DiBiase's faith got him through that trying time, but it went by the wayside starting with college at West Texas State University where he had a football scholarship and big plans.

"It was almost like I said 'gee, Lord, thanks for all the help and when I need you again, I'll let you know,'" he said with a chuckle.

That time came when DiBiase's womanizing threatened his family life.

"I had put at risk the most valuable things in my life to stroke my ego," DiBiase said. "That's when I came back to the core values of my youth and a genuine relationship with Christ."

He had no idea when that happened in 1992 that it would evolve over the next eight years into him becoming a minister and motivational speaker. He knows it's not him changing lives, but God using him as an instrument to make lives better.

"I've wrestled in front of 80,000 people and that's a pretty big thrill. But, to see lives transformed for the better and know that you were an instrument of that, you can't put a value on that. It's priceless," DiBiase said.
If you go?

A men's breakfast featuring Ted DiBiase will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Rolling Plains United Methodist Church, 3350 Moxahala Road. He'll also be speaking at 8:15, 9:45 and 11 a.m. worship services Sunday at the church.

Additionally, DiBiase will be appearing at a wrestling show from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday at the Newton Fire Hall, 5490 Maysville Pike. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door.

For more information on the events, contact Rolling Plains at 740-453-4192 or go to rollingplainsumc.com.