On Monday, August 26, Ted DiBiase Jr. posted a video on his personal YouTube account to make the announcement that he will not be re-signing with World Wrestling Entertainment.
In the following video, DiBiase Jr. states that he is thinking of what is right for his future and his family and then goes on to discuss how grateful he is for all the experiences he shared, places he visited and organizations he was a part of during his tenure with the WWE.
It comes as no surprise to many for one very specific reason — he was not used. Period. Dating back to 2008-09, that was the pinnacle of his run with the WWE: Legacy. Teaming up with Cody Rhodes and later on Randy Orton, Legacy went on to win the World Tag Team Championship twice while beating the likes of D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) on a few occasions. Competing solo at times, DiBiase held a singles win over Mark Henry while also competing in the Elimination Chamber match at the Elimination Chamber Pay Per View, where he eliminated Randy Orton before getting the boot himself by Kofi Kingston.
After that, DiBiase had his share of failed gimmicks and storylines. He brought in the Million Dollar Championship in 2010 and went by his father’s gimmick of being the rich guy that can buy anything and even brought in his father’s ex-valet Virgil to be by his side. After a short stint, DiBiase kicked Virgil out the door in favor for his on-screen girlfriend, Maryse. After having his belt stolen by Goldust, DiBiase moved on to the Unite States Championship but was unsuccessful in dethroning then champion Daniel Bryan. To make matter worse, DiBiase was named the pro of Brodus Clay in season four of NXT but was later replaced by Alberto Del Rio at the choice of Clay.
From then on DiBiase was treated as a lower card worker. He went on a nice winning streak but was competing against the likes of Heath Slater, Derrick Bateman and Jinder Mahal. He would then introduce tailgate parties as part of his babyface gimmick, claiming that anybody who joined him in partying were part of his “DiBiase Posse”. He then went on to feud with Hunico, which saw both wrestlers trading wins back and forth. DiBiase would then suffer a slew of injuries, from a broken wrist with torn cartilage to a broken ankle to having to undergo shoulder surgery. There just seemed to be no luck for the young man.
When he did return, he was relegated to competing in squash matches against superior opponents or wrestling on WWE Superstars. Simply put, the WWE had absolutely nothing for him and had no idea what to do with him, yet they did not want to let him go due to his bloodlines and his obvious potential.
Now with DiBiase gone from the WWE, Ted can now focus on what he should do with his career going forward. His best bet would likely be TNA where he can gain some exposure on television. He absolutely has the skills to make it in the business and his look is that of a star in the making. His charisma and mic ability still have some catching up to do but in TNA, he could be given a shot and have room to flourish.
Another option — sit back, relax and count all those dollar bills. Knowing Ted and his passion that likely won’t happen.
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