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.

In 1963, DiBiase became the 131st and last knockout victim of light heavyweight boxer Archie Moore.

DiBiase died in the ring on July 2, 1969, in Lubbock, Texas, following a match with Man Mountain Mike as the result of a fatal heart attack.

Ted DiBiase confirmed that his father had a huge cholesterol buildup and was genetically predisposed to heart disease.