One on one with Raw star Ted DiBiase 5/23/2009 6:47 PM By RACHEL JOHNSON Staff writer
Q&A with WWE's Ted DiBiase, two time World Tag Team Champion, son of "The Million Dollar Man" and grandson of "Iron" Mike DiBiase. DiBiase is a member of The Legacy with Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.
DiBiase and the WWE RAW SummerSlam tour will make its first ever stop in Aiken on July 18 at the USC Aiken Convocation Center and the competition will be stiff. WWE RAW superstars like "The Game" Triple H, John Cena, "The Animal" Dave Batista, "The Legend Killer" Randy Orton, "The Big Show," Cody Rhodes/Ted DiBiase, MVP, The Miz, Matt Hardy and The Bellas will be live in action.
Q: What was it like growing up with the Million Dollar Man as a father?
A: It was really cool. For show and tell, I was the coolest kid because I got to bring the million dollar belt to class. It was kind of hard to tote it around because it was so heavy.
It was hard at times because he was not there a lot, but I never look back and say I missed out on having a dad because when home he was always a dad and he called every day from the road to check on me, sometimes two or three times a day. It was great.
Q: Was there ever any question in your mind that you would become a professional wrestler?
A: There was never a doubt I wanted to become a professional wrestler. The only doubt was for a while my father didn't want me to wrestle because of the strenuous work schedule and being away from home so much.
The only doubt I had is when he told me I couldn't. Things are different now; back in his day, he was working seven days a week for two or three weeks at a time. We have more time at home now. I spend probably more than 60 percent of the year on the road. It is a very substantial amount of time away from home, but it's something you know what you are getting into when you sign up.
Q: Where is home?
A: Madison, Miss.
Q: When did you make your WWE debut and how has that choice affected your relationship with your father?
A: It will be one year on May 26. I made my debut in Denver, Colo. My father introduced me to the world of wrestling. It was very nerve wracking because I had to follow him on live TV. That was a special moment for me, one I will never forget.
He is always calling; I make him watch my matches. He is such a wealth of knowledge and information about this business. I am like a sponge soaking it up.
My first year I would say has been successful. I am a two-time world tag team champion in the first year and hope to be going on a third time.
Becoming a professional wrestler has enhanced our relationship. This was his business, his passion and now we are sharing it. He relives it through me. I am grateful to share these experiences and life experiences with him. His father died in the wrestling ring when (my father) was 15 from a heart attack.
Q: Is it hard to live up to your father's legacy?
A: No, because of the way my father is and the way he raised me. He supports myself and my brothers 100 percent whatever we do. He encourages us to set our own goals high.
Before joining the WWE, I went into independent wrestling in Japan. I have made it clear I wanted to make it on my own and I think I have gotten respect for doing that. Living up to his legacy is a challenge I welcome with open arms. Hopefully at the end of my career, they will say he was just as good as his dad or maybe he was even better.
Q: Why did you join forces with Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton to form the Legacy?
A: Orton is the current WWE champion and a guy who I have a lot in common with. He is 3rd generation as well and Cody is 2 generation. We all have a common bond. Cody and I are new to the business so why not join with someone who we have something in common with and who has had success and besides that I think we look pretty good walking out together.
Q: Do you prefer to be a heel or a face?
A: I am who I am. It is a great feeling to walk out and the entire arena boos me. It feels good because I know I am generating a reaction and that is success.
Q: What are your goals for Summer Slam?
A: Being a part of it will be special, it will be my first. A lot will happen between now and them - not knowing what the card will be its hard to say = But Cody and I plan to give Carlito and Primo a run for the tag titles again.
Q: What are your long term goals?
A: I would like to become world or WWE champion; something my father never accomplished.
Q: Do you have any prematch rituals?
A: I am very superstitious. I always put on my left knee pad and left boot first then the right. I do a 100 push-ups and a lot of bouncing around psyching myself up
Q: What was it like working on the set of Marine 2? Marine 2 is set for a winter release.
A: I had so much fun working on that set. It was a totally different experience for me. It was because of WWE that I got that opportunity for which I am very grateful. It is an action movie and is going to be awesome.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.
Want to go?
What? WWE RAW SummerSlam
When? Saturday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Where? USC Aiken Convocation Center on Highway 118 across from the USCA campus.SClBTickets: www.csratix.comSClB
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Comment Title: WWE
Let's just enjoy the entertainment aspect of it without criticizing. These guys put on a good show.
Posted by: Chris On: 5/26/2009
Comment Title: Interview with Ted DiBiase
That was a very good interview. DiBiase is a very good wrestler. His father was good. It looks like he will be as good or better. Ted, keep up the good work because you and legacy are the future of the WWE.
Posted by: Bill On: 5/25/2009
Comment Title: ^^^^^^^
What an incredibly uneducated and just unintelligent comment. Thanks.
Posted by: On: 5/25/2009
Comment Title:
Geez you're a gimp
Posted by: On: 5/23/2009
Comment Title: Geeez
Just the kind of civilized social entertainment Aiken needs....professional choreographed gymnastics with steroid infused men.
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