There are few egos bigger than that of "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. A Superstar of wealth, he believed he could buy anyone and anything he wanted, either to feed his greediness or to further his career. In 1987, he arrived on the scene in WWE, flashing wads of money and proving his point as he paid for anything he saw fit. By his side was man servant Virgil, who was at the beckon call of DiBiase for years. He helped him win matches, took beatings from the top babyfaces in the industry and helped procure whatever his employer desired. By 1991, Virgil's self respect began to overpower his desire for money, leading him to stand up to his employer. DiBiase took his employer's loyalty for granted, his ego getting the best of him and dooming their relationship forever. The breakup took full effect at the Royal Rumble and the ensuing rivalry stretched throughout the remainder of the year. No moment better tells the story of their rivalry than the 1991 SummerSlam, when Virgil upset DiBiase to win the Million Dollar Championship. It was the biggest victory of Virgil's career, a moment that would result in him becoming one of the company's more popular midcard performers for a brief period. As ugly as the split may have been, DiBiase and his former employee reunited in 1996 as part of WCW's New World Order.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
