Google News
Ted DiBiase, famously known as "The Million Dollar Man," boasts a rich history with the WWE. With his deep roots in the wrestling world, DiBiase has seen a vast spectrum of wrestlers rise and fall. Recently, during his podcast, "Everybody's Got A Pod," DiBiase shed light on one particular WWE star, whose talent shone brightly but never reached its pinnacle.
Reflecting on Hercules Hernandez, DiBiase noted, "Hercules was definitely a talent to be reckoned with. While I wouldn’t say he was ready to take charge and call the matches, he undeniably had a flair in the ring." DiBiase, a WWE Hall of Famer, trusted Hercules, whose real name was Raymond Fernandez, so much that they often wouldn't rigorously prep their matches beforehand. However, there were undercurrents that possibly restricted Hernandez from reaching the zenith of WWE stardom.
Demons Shadowing Potential
Elaborating further, DiBiase said, "There were certain demons that held Hercules back. Whether it was drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both, it’s hard to say. But it was painful to see such a potential get overshadowed by personal struggles."
Before stepping into the WWF limelight in 1985, Fernandez polished his skills with All Japan Pro Wrestling, Jim Crockett Promotions, and Mid-South Wrestling. His impressive resume includes wrestling legends like Hulk Hogan, facing off against Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat at WrestleMania 2, aligning and later clashing with Bobby Heenan, and creating a formidable tag team with Paul Roma. After bidding farewell to WWF in 1992, Hercules ventured into WCW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He continued showcasing his prowess in the independent circuit before hanging up his boots as the 90s drew to a close. The wrestling world mourned the loss of Fernandez when he passed away in 2004.
This reflection by DiBiase, not only shines a light on the talent of Hercules Hernandez but also on the external factors that sometimes hinder a performer's journey to the top.