In 1988, a record 33 million viewers watched in shock as Andre the Giant defeated Hulk Hogan on NBC to win the WWE Championship. Moments later, Andre infamously sold the title to “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase for an undisclosed sum.
In the days that followed, DiBiase appeared at live events billed as the WWE Champion. But WWE President Jack Tunney voided the sale and vacated the title. DiBiase — whose reign was never officially recognized — ultimately fell short in his quest to win the gold
at WrestleMania IV. Yet his attempt to buy the championship remains one of wrestling’s most memorable storylines.
Surprisingly, DiBiase’s diabolical scheme wasn’t the first time an entitled heel with money to burn tried to buy their way to the top.
In the spring of 1983, Larry Zbyszko was after the NWA National Heavyweight Championship. Frustrated with champion Paul Orndorff — whom he called a chicken for refusing to face him — Zbyszko took a different approach.
He went to “Killer” Tim Brooks, Orndorff’s next challenger, with an offer: if Brooks won the title, Zbyszko would buy it from him for $25,000 in cash. Sure enough, Brooks pulled off the upset, and a deal was made.
But a month later, NWA President Bob Geigel canceled the transaction and stripped Zbyszko of the belt on live television, declaring the title wasn’t for sale.
“I can’t give you the belt,” Zbyszko protested. “I paid $25,000 for this belt.”
Geigel wasn’t hearing it, nor was he accepting Zbyszko’s offer of $100,000 for the belt. And so a tournament was held to determine a new champion. In the end, Zbyszko won the tournament — succeeding where DiBiase failed.
Still, both men learned the hard way: all sales are final and there are no refunds on voided titles. Money can buy a lot — but it can’t buy success. When it comes to glory, there’s only one path to the top: roll up your sleeves, work hard, and cheat like any fiscally responsible heel.
