50 Things You Learn Binge-Watching Every WWE Royal Rumble
45. And Ted DiBiase Set Another!
Ted DiBiase was already known as a fine worker before assuming the 'Million Dollar Man' guise and effectively living high on the hog out on the road. That gimmick was a golden ticket to fine dining, luxurious hotels and more, but Teddy still put in a shift between the ropes. That was never more evident than during the 1990 Royal Rumble.
The sensational heel laid down a marker for length during the match. He went almost 45 minutes after entering from the #1 position, and he eliminated four wrestlers (Koko B. Ware, Marty Jannetty, Earthquake and Jim Neidhart) before being tossed out by soon-to-be WWF kingpin The Ultimate Warrior. This run shattered Bret Hart's 25 minute stretch in 1988 and Mr. Perfect's 28 minute endurance test from '89.
WWF announcers got on board by mentioning how epic DiBiase's stint in the match had been, which also broke new ground. The 'Iron Man' template fans would come to know and love was born here. It's fitting that a workhorse like Ted was chosen for the spot. In-keeping with that theme, Rick Martel topped DiBiase by going 52 minutes in 1991, but there's only ever one first. That nod goes to the dude with the dollar signs on his suit jackets (and in his eyes when he saw the kind of food he'd be eating on house show loops!).
Chris Benoit, Rey Mysterio, Finn Bálor, GUNTHER and others would go on to familiarise the 'Iron Man' role as years progressed. It all began with DiBiase sweating buckets though.