Before LA Knight, Ted DiBiase Jr. was pegged to carry on the “Million Dollar Legacy” of his father, Ted DiBiase, as the Million Dollar Champion. Surprisingly, DiBiase Jr. departed WWE in 2013 and quietly retired from the business, much to the bewilderment of the WWE Universe.
Ted DiBiase Jr. recently sat down with Chris Van Vliet to discuss his WWE career and what it was like being the son of The Million Dollar Man.
When asked why he departed WWE in 2013, Ted DiBiase Jr. revealed he was dealing with some mental health issues at the time:
“I was offered another 5 year deal. It was generous, but when it came down to it, I was battling some things internally,” Ted DiBiase Jr. admitted.”There were some mental health issues. I was going through depression and anxiety, and also being a new father. I just knew. What I didn’t have growing up, although I had this iconic father I love dearly, he wasn’t at my birthdays. He also wasn’t there for my football or soccer games. I believe the greatest asset we have in our world is time. You’re not guaranteed more and you can’t get it back.
“That was one of the greatest gifts I could give my son. With no plan I left and we are doing good. I thought I was going to wrestle and have a long career, but I really believe it’s not what we do that defines us but who we become along the way. I spent a lot of time while I was there trying to climb the ladder. But I realized that’s not who I am. My core values are faith, family, love, wisdom, service, in that order. I was dying internally and losing sight of who I was. I love helping and serving people, and also entertaining people. To be able to walk into a hospital or a base and bring a smile onto the face of a family or a veteran, that was such a blessing.”
Ted DiBiase Jr. was also asked if he would let his kids get into the wrestling industry and said he would support whatever they choose to do:
“Oh man,” Ted DiBiase Jr. began. “I’m gonna support whatever they do I believe in that, and giving them the proper instruction. Also positioning them for the greatest success they can have, whatever that is. I would want to know if it’s something they are really passionate about or if it’s chasing fame or money. Those things are fleeting and it isn’t a good reason. I remember my dad told me ‘You’re not going to be a wrestler. Over my dead body.’ I’m not going to do that to my kids. My daughter wants to be a diva, oh man. She is 3 and I am already struggling. If some punks around I’m answering the door in my boots and Speedos. I’ll show him highlights of me beating up John Cena.”
READ MORE: Ted DiBiase Jr. Says RAW Battle With Randy Orton Was ‘Theatre’, Proud Of Work With DX And Undertaker
Were you surprised when Ted DiBiase Jr. departed from WWE in 2013? Would you like to see him return to the company someday? Let us know your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below.
