Imagine a wrestling world where the villainous millionaire actually ruled the ring. That's the tantalizing 'what if' Ted DiBiase reignited recently on social media. The WWE Hall of Famer, known for his opulent 'Million Dollar Man' persona, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a throwback photo of himself clad in the WWF Championship belt, declaring himself the "(unrecognized) WWE Champion back in 1988." This seemingly innocuous post opens a Pandora's box of wrestling history and alternate realities.
But here's where it gets controversial: DiBiase's claim to the title wasn't just a fantasy. In 1987, the cunning wrestler, embodying the arrogant millionaire who believed money could buy anything, attempted to purchase the WWF Championship from Hulk Hogan. Rejected, he employed a devious plan, buying Andre the Giant's contract and using him as a pawn to defeat Hogan in a rigged match. For a fleeting moment, DiBiase held the gold, reigning as champion at house shows.
And this is the part most people miss: DiBiase's reign, though brief and ultimately voided by WWF President Jack Tunney, could have drastically altered the course of WWE history. At the time, WWE was strategically building towards WrestleMania V, aiming for a Hogan vs. Savage showdown. DiBiase, the despised heel, as champion would have presented a different challenge. Imagine Bam Bam Bigelow, Randy Savage, and even Hogan relentlessly pursuing DiBiase, only to be outmaneuvered by his wealth and cunning at every turn.
This alternate timeline raises intriguing questions. Would the Ultimate Warrior have risen to prominence sooner, facing a hated champion instead of the beloved Hogan? Could DiBiase's heat have rivaled that of Vince McMahon himself, the mastermind behind WWE's Attitude Era?
DiBiase's 'what if' reign remains a fascinating thought experiment, a reminder of the intricate storytelling and strategic planning that shaped WWE's golden age. It invites us to ponder the power of a single decision, the ripple effects of a villainous victory, and the enduring allure of wrestling's greatest 'what ifs.'
What do you think? Could Ted DiBiase have been the champion WWE needed, or would his reign have been a disaster? Let's discuss in the comments!
