Sgt. Slaughter Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 21, 2024
Sgt. Slaughter Then
Sgt. Slaughter, born Robert Rudolph Remus on August 27, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, is a name synonymous with professional wrestling and military-themed personas.
Growing up in Detroit, Remus experienced a formative childhood that shaped his future career. His family later moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he attended Eden Prairie High School.
During his time at Eden Prairie, Remus was an active participant in both football and wrestling, sports that helped cultivate his physical prowess and competitive spirit.
His involvement in these sports not only honed his athletic skills but also instilled in him the discipline and dedication that would later define his wrestling career.
The experience of competing on the football field and wrestling mat prepared him for the rigorous demands of professional wrestling and eventually contributed to the development of his iconic character.
Remus’s early experiences in Minneapolis laid a solid foundation for his transition into the world of sports entertainment, where he would go on to become a renowned figure in wrestling history.
Sgt. Slaughter Wrestling Career
In his early wrestling career, Sgt. Slaughter, initially known as Robert Rudolph Remus, quickly made a name for himself by capturing several regional titles.
His early success set the stage for his entry into more prominent wrestling promotions.
In the late 1970s, he wrestled with the American Wrestling Association (AWA) under the persona of Super Destroyer Mark II, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.
This period was instrumental in shaping his future career, leading to his signing with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1980.
Upon joining the WWF, Sgt. Slaughter was initially positioned as a villain, with guidance from the seasoned manager Irwin “Ernie” Jacob Roth, known as The Grand Wizard of Wrestling.
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Slaughter’s character was defined by his “cobra clutch” challenges, which became a trademark of his in-ring persona.
His feud with Pat Patterson, highlighted by their “Alley Fight” at Madison Square Garden, was recognized as the Match of the Year by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter in 1981, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Slaughter’s career continued to ascend as he joined the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in September 1981.
Within a short span, he captured the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship, followed by a victory in the NWA World Tag Team Championship with Don Kernodle in September 1982.
His time with the NWA solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor in the wrestling world.
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In March 1983, Slaughter made a return to the WWF, where he began a high-profile feud with Iranian-American wrestler The Iron Sheik.
This feud played a pivotal role in propelling Slaughter’s career to new heights, leading to increased popularity and prominence in the wrestling industry.
However, in 1985, Slaughter left the WWF for the AWA, driven by the desire to align himself with Hasbro’s “G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” franchise, a move hindered by WWF’s contract with the toy manufacturer LJN.
His then-wife, Diane Kopp, encouraged him by suggesting that while wrestling was a constant, the opportunity to be a “G.I. Joe” was unique.
During his tenure with the AWA, Slaughter won the AWA America’s Heavyweight Championship in June 1985 and engaged in a notable 25-man battle royal.
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He challenged Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, further establishing his credentials as a top contender.
Slaughter rejoined the AWA in 1988, taking on a role as a team captain for the organization’s Team Challenge Series in 1990, demonstrating his leadership and enduring appeal.
Slaughter’s return to the WWF later that year saw him embrace a controversial “heel” turn, portraying an anti-American character that turned against the United States due to its acceptance of the Russian Nikolai Volkoff.
This storyline became particularly contentious during the Gulf War, leading to Slaughter wearing Arabian headdresses and receiving death threats.
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Despite the risks, he won the WWF Championship at the Royal Rumble in January 1991 but was defeated by Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VII.
Following his championship reign, Slaughter took on various roles, including serving as an on-air official from the fall of 1992 to the summer of 1994, and later as an on-air commissioner starting in August 1997.
Although he relinquished the commissioner role in late 1998, Slaughter has continued to make occasional appearances in the ring.
His participation in events like the “Raw Reunion” in 2019 and the “Legends Night” episode of “Raw” in 2021 underscores his lasting legacy and ongoing connection with the wrestling community.
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Sgt. Slaughter Wrestling Competition
- American Wrestling Association (AWA)
- World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
- National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)
- Mid-South Wrestling
- World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
- International Wrestling Enterprise (IWE)
- All-Star Wrestling
- CWA (Continental Wrestling Association)
- WWF’s World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
Sgt. Slaughter’s Wife and Children
Sgt. Slaughter’s personal life is marked by significant relationships and lasting friendships that have influenced both his personal and professional life.
He was married to Diane Kopp from 1970 to 1994, during which time they had two daughters, Kelly and Nicole.
This period of his life was characterized by family commitments and the development of his wrestling career.
After his marriage to Kopp ended, Slaughter found companionship with Karen Hennessy, further shaping his personal life beyond the wrestling ring.
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Slaughter’s professional relationships also played a crucial role in his career. One of his most notable friendships was with fellow wrestler Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, better known as The Iron Sheik.
Their friendship began in the 1970s, and despite their on-screen rivalries, they maintained a deep bond off-screen.
This friendship was celebrated when Slaughter inducted The Iron Sheik into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, honoring his contributions to wrestling and their shared history.
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The passing of The Iron Sheik in June 2023 at the age of 81 was a profound moment for Slaughter.
Reflecting on their long-standing friendship, Slaughter expressed his condolences and admiration in a statement to TMZ Sports.
He remarked, “God bless him. He’s finally gonna see his daughter that he lost. Love you, Sheik. Love you forever.”
This heartfelt tribute underscores the deep connection and respect Slaughter had for The Iron Sheik, highlighting the personal impact of their relationship both within and beyond the wrestling world.
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Sgt. Slaughter Now
At 75 years old, Sgt. Slaughter remains a prominent figure in the world of professional wrestling and entertainment.
Known by his ring name, Sgt. Slaughter, has transitioned from an illustrious wrestling career to a significant role as a voice actor and a WWE ambassador.
His current role with WWE involves participating in the ambassador program, where he continues to engage with fans and contribute to various charitable causes.
Sgt. Slaughter’s role as a WWE Ambassador has kept him actively involved in the wrestling community, despite his retirement from in-ring competition.
He frequently appears at charity events across the United States, using his platform to support numerous causes and connect with fans.
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His presence at these events highlights his ongoing commitment to giving back and his enduring popularity within the wrestling world.
In addition to his ambassador duties, Sgt. Slaughter is notably the only Legend to be part of The National Guard’s WWE “Big Guns” Team.
This team includes other prominent WWE stars like John Cena and Beth Phoenix, reflecting Slaughter’s continued influence and respect within the industry.
His association with The National Guard underscores his role in promoting positive values and supporting community initiatives, maintaining a legacy of service and dedication both inside and outside the wrestling ring.
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Sgt. Slaughter Net Worth
Sgt. Slaughter, a retired American professional wrestler and voice actor, has a net worth of $500,000, reflecting his successful career in wrestling and continued contributions to the entertainment industry.
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FAQs
Yes, Sgt. Slaughter was in WWE, where he achieved notable success and became a prominent figure in the wrestling world.
Although Sgt. Slaughter’s wrestling persona is military-themed, he was not in the army in real life. His character was inspired by military service.
Sgt. Slaughter won the WWE Championship by defeating The Ultimate Warrior at the Royal Rumble in January 1991.
Sgt. Slaughter was involved with the G.I. Joe franchise as a character, capitalizing on his wrestling persona to promote the “G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” toy line and animated series.
Currently, Sgt. Slaughter works as a WWE Ambassador, appearing at charity events and supporting various causes.
To contact Sgt. Slaughter, you can reach out through official WWE channels or his personal social media profiles, where he occasionally interacts with fans.
Sgt. Slaughter’s wrestling persona is based on military service, but he did not serve in any branch of the military in real life. His character is a fictional representation of a soldier.