WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase has taken a trip down memory lane, sharing a photo from one of the more unusual chapters of his legendary wrestling career.
The three-time WWE Tag Team Champion posted an image on social media from his time competing in All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1986, showing himself wearing cowboy-inspired ring gear complete with chaps and a fringed vest.
Ted DiBiase jokingly referred to the look as his “cowboy phase” in All Japan, with fans quickly reacting to the throwback photo in the replies.
40 years ago in 1986
My cowboy phase in AJPW#throwbackthursdaypic.twitter.com/oMwqsNYYyg
— Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) June 25, 2026
One fan stated that DiBiase looked like “If Terry Funk and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin merged.” And another fan wondered whether the skull jacket influenced Steve Austin’s iconic skull jacket worn during the Attitude Era.
Ted DiBiase’s Run In Japan
The image dates back to Ted DiBiase’s successful run in Japan, where he competed between 1983 and 1987. During that time, he captured the NWA United National Championship and the PWF Tag Team Championship before leaving for WWE in 1987.
DiBiase later returned to All Japan Pro Wrestling for a brief stint in 1993 before continuing to wrestle throughout the 1990s and making occasional appearances for WWE into the 2000s.
Today, DiBiase remains associated with WWE as part of the company’s Legends programme, having previously worked behind the scenes in a creative role.
