Ted DiBiase Jr Trial Date Set in Mississippi Welfare Scandal
Ted DiBiase Jr., son of the legendary “Million Dollar Man,” is about to trade the squared circle for a federal courtroom. A judge has officially set the date for what promises to be one of the most scrutinized trials in Mississippi history.
Come January 6, 2026, DiBiase Jr. will stand trial for his alleged role in the massive Mississippi welfare fraud scandal. We are talking about millions of dollars meant for the poorest families in the state, allegedly being funneled into the pockets of the privileged. Now DiBiase is facing 45 years in prison.
From Wrestling Royalty to Federal Defendant
For those of you who remember Ted DiBiase Jr. from his WWE days, you might recall him as a guy who had it all—legacy, looks, and a push that many wrestlers would kill for paird with Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes. But life after the bell rings can be a tricky beast. While his father’s character famously proclaimed that “Everybody has a price,” federal authorities seem to believe that the younger DiBiase took that catchphrase a little too literally.
The allegations are heavy. DiBiase Jr. is facing a laundry list of charges, including conspiracy, wire fraud, theft involving federal programs, and money laundering. If the prosecution’s case holds up, the “Priceless” superstar might be looking at a very steep cost indeed—prison time on each count.
The Scandal That Shook Mississippi
Let’s rewind a bit because the context here is infuriating. This trial is part of a sprawling welfare fraud case that has rocked Mississippi for nearly six years. It’s been labeled the largest public embezzlement scheme in the state’s history. We’re talking about an excess of $77 million. That is a staggering amount of money.
According to prosecutors, Ted DiBiase Jr. allegedly received money tied to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The kicker? They claim this money came through sham contracts for services that were never actually provided. Imagine that. Getting paid millions to do absolutely nothing while families in one of the poorest states in the country get left in the cold.
He’s not the only name dropped in this mess, either. While Ted DiBiase Jr. is the only one of the indicted conspirators currently fighting the charges in court, others like John Davis (former DHS head) and Nancy New (nonprofit head) have already pleaded guilty. Even Brett Favre’s name has been tossed around in related headlines, though he hasn’t been criminally charged. It’s a mess of epic proportions.
A Trial Years in the Making
It’s been a long wait for accountability. The scandal broke nearly six years ago, and while plea deals have been struck left and right, DiBiase Jr. has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. He’s been out on bond, probably hoping this nightmare would somehow end in a count-out. But the referee—in this case, U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves—is calling for the bell to ring.
The trial is expected to last about three weeks. Three weeks of evidence, testimony, and likely some very uncomfortable revelations about how easily safety nets for the poor can be exploited by those with connections.
Why This Hits Different
The “Million Dollar Man” character was a villain we loved to hate because he represented greed and excess. Seeing his son allegedly embody those traits in a way that hurts real people is tragic and hits differently.
So, mark your calendars for January. The main event is set. Ted DiBiase Jr. faces the fight of his life, and this time, there’s no tag partner coming to save the day. Maybe DiBiase Jr. could be covered on a future Dark Side of the Ring Episode.
