‘I Was Tipped to be a Future WWE Champion in 2009

The son of WWE legend, ‘The Million Dollar Man’ Ted DiBiase Snr, is set to stand trial in January 2026. Ted DiBiase Jr, himself a former WWE Superstar, is being accused of misappropriating millions of dollars which were meant for low-income families as part of a federal welfare fraud scandal, which is being called one of Mississippi’s largest corruption cases.

DiBiase Jr was first arrested in April 2023 and will stand trial to face a plethora of charges, from conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, as well as money laundering. If convicted, the 42-year-old could face up to 45 years in prison as well as facing a fine of up to $1 million.

In what looks to be a lengthy courtroom battle, the trial was originally set to begin on the 26th of August in the US District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, but due to new evidence coming to light, the trial has been pushed back to the 6th of January in the new year.

According to court documents, the government filed a motion requesting more time due to the extensive discovery involved and the need for both sides to prepare for trial or to even explore a possible plea agreement. It seems this notion has been agreed by the court, noting that the “end of justice” was more important than the need for a speedy trial.

It has also been claimed that DiBiase Jr conspired with others throughout his whole ordeal. Names mentioned include former Mississippi Department of Human Services Director, John Davis, who was used to help funnel federal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) funds into two companies he controlled: Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC.

Penalties DiBiase Could Face if Found Guilty

• Conspiracy: Up to 5 years in prison & a $250,000 fine
• Wire fraud (6 counts): Up to 20 years in prison & $250,000 per count
• Theft of federal funds (2 counts): Up to 10 years in prison & $250,000 per count
• Money laundering (4 counts): Up to 10 years in prison & $250,000 per count

With the trial around the corner, the case looks to be one of the most closely watched legal battles involving a high-profile celebrity. It seems to have captured the attention of the nation, and not just wrestling fans, due to the huge amount of money involved and taken from programs meant to help Mississippi’s most vulnerable.

Prosecutors have claimed that over $2million in government funds ended up in DiBiase’s hands through fraudulent contracts for services such as “leadership training” as well as “emergency food assistance assessments.” These services were allegedly never delivered on, and instead the funds were used to pay for the accused’s luxurious lifestyle.

Ted DiBiase Jr was a huge prospect during his time in the WWE and, in 2009, was featured in an article by WWE Magazine as one of “Tomorrow’s Champions”, which highlighted 10 Superstars that would carry the WWE into the new era, alongside The Miz, Kofi Kingston, and Cody Rhodes. It’s fair to say his career hasn’t worked out as expected.