Sgt. Slaughter Was A Worthy Adversary As WWF Commissioner, Played An Important Role In DX’s Success
Photo Credit: WWE
Sgt. Slaughter is arguably one of the best wrestlers from the “Golden Era” of WWF in the 1980s, but he was also an integral part of the “Attitude Era” as he played a worthy adversary for D-Generation X. Winding down his career, Sgt. Slaughter returned to the WWF on the August 4, 1997 episode of Raw is War to begin his time as the on-air commissioner. Slaughter would find himself the target of DX, headed by Shawn Michaels and Triple H, making for some of the most enjoyable moments of the Attitude Era.
Earlier in the night, DX cut a backstage promo declaring, “You make the rules and we will break them”. Of course, DX would hold true to their statement, having new bodyguard Rick Rude attack The Patriot before his match with Triple H, leading to Commissioner Slaughter coming to the ring and running down the so-called degenerates. Slaughter would demand the two show respect to which Michaels replied with the infamous “suck it” that would define DX’s history. A great moment that is not only fondly remembered in history, but also one that showed just how different DX was from anything in wrestling at the time.
Only eight days removed from the controversial Survivor Series pay-per-view, DX was running large atop the company. Michaels and Triple H would call out Ken Shamrock and Sgt. Slaughter, verbally assaulting Slaughter’s personal life. Slaughter would have enough, slapping Triple H across the face before the numbers game caught up to him as DX attacked. Later in the night, Slaughter would make an impassioned promo, challenging Triple H to a Boot Camp Match at the upcoming pay-per-view, while running down the group as “maggots”. One of the best promos of his career, Slaughter got fans more than excited to see him get his revenge on DX and Triple H.
Following his loss to Triple H at the D-Generation X: In Your House pay-per-view, Slaughter would give the group a special gift for the holidays, ordering Michaels to defend his European Title against Triple H on this episode of Raw is War. The two would be featured in backstage promos throughout the night, hyping up the match and promising to give each other their best. Despite Slaughter’s attempts to break up the group by setting up the match, the group would get the upper hand with Michaels laying down in the middle of the ring, allowing Triple H to pin him and become the new champion. A moment that clearly defined just how against authority DX was, this was just another proverbial middle finger to the commissioner and one of the greatest moments of the Attitude Era.
While his run as commissioner was short-lived, Sgt. Slaughter would be involved in one of the best rivalries of the year, helping DX rise to the top of the professional wrestling world along with producing some of the more fond memories of the Attitude Era.
The next signing in the 80’s Wrestling Virtual Signing Series takes place on Monday, October 19th from 7-10 PM ET with former WWF World Heavyweight Champion Sgt. Slaughter. Not only will Slaughter be signing your photos and items, but he will also be answering your questions. We will also be doing a live auction that night, where you can bid on rare items signed by Slaughter including a Drill Sergeant Hat, Camouflage Hard Hat, Classic Superstars Figures, magazines, and more.
Photos and own item opportunities for our Sgt. Slaughter Virtual Signing are available now on our website 80sWrestlingCon.com.
80sWrestlingCon.com also has photo and own item opportunities on sale now for our upcoming signings for Demolition (Ax & Smash) on Monday, November 16th, and The Dream Team Reunion (Greg Valentine & Brutus Beefcake) on Monday, December 14th. We are also already working on our 2021 schedule. On Monday, January 11th we will have “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and former WWF announcer Craig DeGeorge joins us for a super rare signing on Monday, February 15th. Tickets will be on sale for these two events in the upcoming weeks.
For further information on ordering photos or to send your items in to be signed, please email: [email protected]