'Million Dollar Man' to speak as part of Sikeston church's new message series | Community Spirit

SIKESTON, MO (KFVS) - The First United Methodist Church of Sikeston will begin their new message series, "Wrestling with Christmas," with a special guest who is a professional wrestling legend from the WWE.

Ted DiBiase, known in the wrestling circles as the "Million Dollar Man," will be at First UMC at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, to share his encouraging story of his experience as a wrestler and his faith. The event is free.

A retired professional wrestler, manager, pastor and color commentator, DiBiase achieved championship success in several wrestling promotions and holds 30 titles. He was named King of the Ring in 1988 and was the first WWF North American Heavyweight Champion, among others. He was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2010.

“God had allowed me to climb to the top – my life was made into action figures; I wrestled in front of 80,000 people. Yet, I was still not satisfied. I was trying to fill this void in my life, like so many others have done in the entertainment world,” DiBiase said. “But the thing that’s almost unbelievable about God is His grace and mercy. We fail all the time, but there’s no shame in failing – only in not getting up and keeping on.”

DiBiase has been involved in the world of professional wrestling almost his entire life. His stepfather, wrestler "Iron Mike" DiBiase died in the ring when Ted was 15. His mother then slipped into depression and turned to alcohol and he moved to Arizona to live with his grandparents. He made his wrestling debut in 1974.

After moving to Atlanta to continue his wrestling career, he met his future wife Melanie. They were married in 1981. His website states that his wrestling kept him away from her, while ego, pride, and money took center stage.

The congregation of First United Methodist welcomes all to attend this free event. First UMC is located at 1307 North Main in Sikeston, Mo.

For more information visit thefunchurch.org or call 573.421.1824.

Copyright 2012 KFVS. All rights reserved.