10 WWE Superstars That Got Out At The Right Time

8. Ted Dibiase

Shawn Michaels
WWE

Ted Dibiase's abrupt SummerSlam 1993 full-time wrestling exit was indicative of the times - many 1980s stalwarts were exploring pastures new or simply exploring life beyond WWE's walls by then - but the emotional and physical damage he'd done by then was revealed as the reason for his reluctant retirement.

He'd co-main evented WrestleMania that very same year, but the underrated Money Inc unit alongside IRS was in actuality the last major in-ring contribution he'd make. In interviews in later years, Dibiase spoke of the damage he'd done to his marriage thanks to a life poorly lived on the road. Injuries had mounted up in sync, and his decision to walk away whilst he still could walk was one made whilst still of sound mind.

Still loyal to Vince McMahon before WCW made him a dollar offer even a man of his kayfabe wealth couldn't refuse, Dibiase's time as a manager and commentator in WWE redrafted his presentation ahead of his move down south. Upon leaving the business entirely in the late-1990s, the former 'Million Dollar Man' began a second life as a pastor before his first love came calling and allowed for countless cameos over the years.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett