WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter is one of the most beloved wrestlers in WWE history. However, in recent years there have been questions about Slaughter maintaining his Marine persona despite there being no record that he served in the military.
Slaughter continued to stay in character out of the ring, including during an interview he did with Sam Roberts and Jim Norton a few years ago. Slaughter claimed during the interview that he served two tours in Vietnam.
During his A&E Biography, Slaughter said he did not serve and the reason why he didn’t break character outside of the ring is because of what he was told during his early days in the WWWF.
“I was told by Vince McMahon, Sr. that when I became a Marine that I should act like a Marine, be a Marine. That’s the only way that people are gonna believe you,” Slaughter said. Slaugher continued, “When I did that show in New York City, I wasn’t Bob Remus. That was Sgt. Slaughter talking.”
Bruce Prichard was in the documentary and said that the talent who came up in the same era of Slaughter are going to protect their gimmick and “you never ever let on anything else other than what was portrayed on TV.”
Hacksaw Jim Duggan was also interviewed and said, “Ok, he didn’t have a military background. He probably raised more awareness for the military than all the military posters you see.”
Road Dogg, an Iraq war veteran, said, “Look, Sgt. Slaughter came from a different time and a different era. He was so committed to that character.”
Slaughter apologized to anyone he offended. “If someone got offended by that, I apologize. You’ll never hear it out of my mouth again. I don’t mention Vietnam anymore. I was told that was part of my character so I portrayed that character. I can’t tell you how many men and women come up to me and tell me that they served in the military because of me. Sgt. Slaughter is America. People come up and want my autograph? That’s an honor.”
Road Dogg said Slaughter is still his American hero even if he didn’t serve.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit A&E Biography with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
