Sgt. Slaughter

Biography

Robert Rudolph Remus, better known by his ring name Sgt. Slaughter, was born on August 27, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan. His character as a tough-as-nails Marine drill sergeant turned wrestler captured the imagination of wrestling fans across America.

Career History and Evolution

Slaughter started his wrestling career in the late 1970s, with stops in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). His breakthrough came when he joined the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in the early 1980s. Over his career, Slaughter’s character evolved, notably turning from a patriotic hero to an Iraqi sympathizer during the Gulf War, a move that stirred significant controversy.

Titles and Achievements

During his time in the WWF, Slaughter was a one-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion and a two-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion. He was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004, a testament to his impact on the sport.

Biggest Matches and Rivalries

Slaughter had many significant matches, but his victory over The Ultimate Warrior at the 1991 Royal Rumble to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship stands out. His biggest rivalries were with Pat Patterson, with whom he had a brutal “Boot Camp” match, and Hulk Hogan, who he feuded with during his controversial Iraqi sympathizer period.

Tag Team Partners

Though primarily known as a single wrestler, Slaughter teamed up with several partners throughout his career, such as Don Kernodle and Boris Zhukov.

Family Life

Slaughter has been married to his wife, Debra, since 1976. They have two daughters together. Despite his hectic wrestling schedule, Slaughter always made family a priority.

Finishing Move

Slaughter’s finishing move was the “Cobra Clutch,” a hold that played into his military-themed character.

Clothing and Entrance Music

True to his character, Slaughter often wore military-style attire, including camo pants, combat boots, and a whistle around his neck. His entrance music, a military-style drum march, added to his character’s authenticity.
Sgt. Slaughter’s ability to play a character that was both deeply patriotic and controversial, depending on the storyline, made him a memorable figure in wrestling. He went on to have a successful career outside the ring, including a stint as an ambassador for WWE and appearances in the “G.I. Joe” animated series as a character modeled after him.