Michael DiBiase

This article is about "Iron" Mike DiBiase. For his grandson who also competes as Mike DiBiase, see Mike DiBiase II.
Michael DiBiase
Birth name Michael DiBiase
Born (1923-12-24)December 24, 1923
New York City, New York, United States
Died July 2, 1969(1969-07-02) (aged 45)
Lubbock, Texas, United States
Spouse(s) °Helen Hild (m. 1958)
Children Ted DiBiase, adopted stepson
Family Ted DiBiase Jr
Mike DiBiase II
Brett DiBiase, stepgrandsons
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s) Mike DiBiase
Miguel Lopez
Billed height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Billed weight 230 lb (100 kg)
Billed from Italy
Debut 1950
Retired 1968

Michael DiBiase (December 24, 1923 – July 2, 1969) was an Italian American professional wrestler, also known by his ring name "Iron" Mike DiBiase. The adoptive father of professional wrestler "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, he was married to Ted's mother Helen Hild (also a professional wrestler), and was the grandfather of Mike, Ted Jr., and Brett DiBiase.

As an amateur wrestler, DiBiase, representing the US Navy, was the 1946 AAU champion in the UNL (open or heavyweight) division. He then wrestled at the University of Nebraska, and competed at UNL in the NCAA tournament in 1947 and 1948, losing his first round match both years.

DiBiase made his professional debut in 1950. In 1963, DiBiase became the 131st and last knockout victim of light heavyweight boxer Archie Moore.[1]

DiBiase is one of the few professional wrestlers to die during a match. On July 2, 1969, in Lubbock, Texas, DiBiase had a fatal heart attack in the ring during a match with Man Mountain Mike. Harley Race, recognizing a heart attack, attempted to perform CPR on DiBiase and then rode in the ambulance with him. DiBiase was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Championships and accomplishments

References

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