Ted Vernon is an American professional wrestler, promoter, and referee who has been involved in the sport for over 30 years. He is best known for his time in regional and independent wrestling promotions like Championship Wrestling from Florida, Continental Championship Wrestling, and United States Wrestling Association during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

Vernon first broke into the wrestling business in the early 1970s after training under Hiro Matsuda. He started out working as a referee and ring announcer before making his in-ring debut in 1974. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 240 lbs, Vernon had an impressive physique and quickly garnered attention for his hard-hitting, brawling style.

Throughout his active wrestling career, Ted Vernon held numerous regional titles across the southeastern United States. He engaged in memorable rivalries with stars like Jerry Lawler, Austin Idol, and Kevin Sullivan and was known for his intense promos and crowd-inciting antics.

💰 Ted Vernon’s Net Worth 💰

Ted Vernon amassed significant wealth during his decades-long wrestling career. While his exact net worth is not publicly known, it is estimated to be in the range of $1.5 – $2 million.

Vernon garnered much of his wealth from his salaries and bonuses earned as a wrestler. During the territorial days of wrestling, Vernon was able to negotiate lucrative deals to perform across various regional promotions. His star power and drawing ability enabled him to command premium payouts.

Additional income streams came from Vernon’s work as a promoter and referee. He promoted shows under his own banner and collected promoter fees. As a respected referee, he earned a per-appearance rate to officiate matches.

Later in life, Vernon found success in the used car sales business. His Ted Vernon Specialty Automobiles dealership in South Florida became a thriving enterprise. The car sales venture significantly grew Vernon’s net worth in his later years.

Prudent investing and money management also contributed to Vernon’s wealth accumulation over time. Despite living an extravagant lifestyle at the height of his wrestling fame, Vernon was careful not to squander his earnings.

🎂 Ted Vernon’s Age and Birthday 🎂

Wrestling legend Ted Vernon was born on September 8th, 1945 in New York City, NY. As of July 2022, Ted Vernon is 76 years old.

Vernon was born just after the end of World War II. He grew up during a prosperous time in America during the 1950s and early 60s.

Vernon’s birth sign is Virgo. Virgos are often described as intelligent, hard working, analytical, and precise. Many of these traits were on display during Vernon’s meticulous and rugged wrestling style.

Ted Vernon celebrated his 76th birthday in September 2021. Milestone birthdays like this mark Vernon’s longevity not just in age, but in his enduring legacy and impact on the world of professional wrestling.

Even in his mid-70s, Vernon remains in good health and stays involved in the wrestling business he loves. He enjoys interacting with fans and sharing stories of his storied career.

📏 Ted Vernon’s Height 📏

During his wrestling prime, Ted Vernon stood an imposing 6 feet 2 inches tall. His tall stature paired with his muscular 240 pound frame made him a formidable presence in the ring.

Vernon used his size advantage to impose his domineering wrestling style on opponents. He relied on power moves and strikes to overwhelm foes.

Even as he has aged, Vernon remains taller than the average older male. His peak height helps Vernon stand out from the crowd at wrestling conventions and autograph signings.

While he may have shrunk an inch or two from his peak height, Vernon’s aura as a wrestling legend makes him seem 10 feet tall. His towering status as an icon of his era remains firmly intact.

Vernon’s height was a key part of his image and success. He used it to project a larger-than-life persona that enthralled fans during wrestling’s golden era.

📺 Ted Vernon on Television 📺

In addition to his in-ring accomplishments, Ted Vernon also became a staple of early wrestling television. He prominently featured in Championship Wrestling from Florida. His outspoken interviews and magnetic charisma made him a fixture of the promotion’s programming on satellite broadcasts and syndication.

Vernon’s unpredictable promo style riveted viewers at home. He entertained with his wit and gift for storytelling. Vernon used television as a platform to create buzz and draw fans into arenas.

His on-screen rivalry with Dusty Rhodes over the Florida Heavyweight Title gained national attention in the late 1970s. Their white-hot feud drew monster television ratings.

Beyond Florida, Vernon also appeared on TV nationally with Continental Championship Wrestling and the Universal Wrestling Federation. His unmistakable look and cadence on the mic made him one of wrestling’s most recognizable television personalities.

Ted Vernon enabled wrestling to thrive on television during its rapid ascent. His contributions as a performer set the template for sports entertainment stars that followed.

🥇 Ted Vernon’s Legacy 🥇

While he may not be a household name like Hulk Hogan or The Rock, Ted Vernon played an integral role in advancing professional wrestling. He laid the groundwork for the industry’s mainstream explosion in the 1980s.

Vernon was a key figure in transforming wrestling from a territorial system to national prominence. His popularity and drawing power were instrumental in this evolution.

Inside the ring, Vernon perfected the art of the heel persona. His ability to infuriate audiences while backing up his words in the squared circle made him one of the most despised villains of his time. Vernon knew how to generate box office revenue as a heel fans loved to hate.

Behind the scenes, Ted Vernon offered invaluable mentorship to up-and-coming grapplers. He helped polish and prepare the next generation of wrestling greats.

While Vernon’s best years came before wrestling’s big boom period, his imprint on the business remains clear. Any history of wrestling’s rise into the pop culture mainstream requires examining the immense contributions of Ted “The Million Dollar Man” Vernon.